If you have children or have even been around them for any length of time, you already know that they are lovable little magnets for clutter and chaos. From plastic figurines to stuffies to tiny Barbie accessories, the toy tornado can quickly spiral out of control. You’re left overwhelmed and desperate with a killer migraine and no viable solution.
After stepping barefoot on legos one too many times, you’re ready to throw everything into the fireplace and ban the kids to their rooms for eternity. This will not work; after several months you’ll miss them (the kids, not the toys).
Don’t worry too much about this toy twister. There is a solution. Self storage can be your lifesaver when you have too many toys and not enough space.
My Storage Plus locations have self storage units of all types and sizes. You can store a few cartons of small toys or large bulky playhouses. They offer climate-controlled storage for valuable items and updated security features to protect your belongings. Using self storage for toys can benefit both you and the kids.
Benefits of Using Self Storage for Toys
Reclaim Your Space
With self storage, you can safely tuck away the toys your children have outgrown or don’t play with as often. This allows you to reclaim valuable floor space, shelving, and storage areas. Your home will be more functional and feel more inviting without uncontrollable clutter.
Organization and Accessibility
Self storage units provide a dedicated, organized space for toys. You can neatly arrange and categorize the items, making it easy to access specific toys without the frustration of sifting through a jumbled mess.
Seasonal Rotation
During the off-season, you can store away bulky or infrequently used items, such as outdoor toys or holiday-themed playthings. This will not only free up your space but also keep the toys in good condition
Preserve Valuable Toys
Keeping your children’s most cherished toys in self storage can help protect them from damage, wear, or accidental loss. This is especially important for sentimental items, collectibles, or toys with high monetary value.
Now that you understand the benefits of keeping toys in self storage, it’s time to categorize, organize, and pack for convenience and accessibility.
Prepare Toys for Self Storage
As with any storage project, you need a plan.
Begin by sorting through the collection, discarding broken or useless items, and categorizing. Organizing by type, size, and frequency of use will help you determine the most efficient way to pack and store the toys.
Start by gathering sturdy plastic bins or cardboard boxes. Be sure to label each container clearly, indicating the contents and any special handling instructions. Consider using bubble wrap or packing paper for extra protection for fragile or delicate toys.
If the children are old enough, involve them in the planning and preparation. Listen to their comments, and let them make a few decisions about what to store and what to keep at home. This builds confidence and encourages cooperation.
Label and Categorize Toys
Start by creating a detailed inventory of the items you’re storing, including a brief description, the condition, and the location within the unit.
Consider using a combination of labels, tags, and color-coding for easy identification. For example, you could use different colored bins for different toy categories, such as:
- Red bins for action figures and vehicles
- Blue bins for board games and puzzles
- Green bins for art and craft supplies
This level of organization will not only simplify the retrieval process but also help you keep track of your stored items.
Seasonal Toy Rotation
Children become easily bored with their toys. After a few weeks of enjoyment, they are abandoned for the newest shiny object. By storing unused toys, you can free up valuable space in your home. Your children have a fresh selection of playthings to enjoy throughout the year.
When the seasons change, simply swap out the toys in your self storage unit. This helps to keep your home tidy and maintain your children’s interest and excitement in their toys.
Large Toys and Playsets
While self storage is an excellent solution for smaller toys, it can also accommodate larger playthings, such as swing sets and playhouses. Disassemble these bulky items the same as you would with large household furniture.
When selecting a self storage unit for your larger toys, consider the unit’s size and accessibility. Climate-controlled units can be particularly beneficial for protecting wooden or electronic playthings.
Summary
your home from the toy tornado is within your reach. By embracing the power of self storage, you can say goodbye to the clutter and chaos.
Your home environment will be more organized and tranquil, leading to less stress and fewer headaches.