Toy boxes are great for storing toys, as long as you can get your kids to use them and pick up after themselves. For some kids, this is quite a challenge. Why take the time to pick up the toys you are done with when other toys are just waiting for playtime? If you have a small place, or if you are just tired of the clutter, toy boxes or chests are not your only options. A toy storage bench can not only contain the toys, it also doubles as a useful place where your child can sit.
A toy storage bench can be big enough to hold quite a bit of toys, but you only want something that fits in your space. Though your child can always sit on their bed or stand up to get dressed, they can also use the bench to sit down to get socks and shoes on. If you have a small table, they can pull that table up to the bench for a great space to do their homework when you don’t have room for a larger desk or when they don’t like a desk. They could also use this space to have a snack in their room, if you allow that. Younger kids may make a mess, but older kids may love this option and take care of the space.
If your children love to play outside, a toy storage bench is something that you may want to have in your foyer or a backroom that you use to go out into the yard. They can keep all of their outdoor items like baseball bats and balls, balls, trucks, or whatever else they like to take outdoors with them. These items can be stored at all times in there, and will be out of the way, and they also have a place to put on or remove shoes whether putting them on to go out to play, or for taking off dirty ones you don’t want walking through the rest of your house.
In fact, if you want to use the toy storage bench in a foyer or near any other door, you may want to see if you can find one with a tall back on it. This can be used to hang coats and other outdoor clothing items. This way everything has a place and as soon as your kids remember to use it rather than just throwing coats on the floor, this area of your home can be clutter free and much easier to navigate for everyone. Just remember they can become top heavy so make sure it is sturdy and attached to the wall if necessary.
For a great project with your child, or even just for you, see if you can find an unfinished toy storage bench that you can either stain or paint to match your home décor. These are more work but they are also something that can be a lot of fun. If you are crafty, you can paint designs on them or add special touches that match your child’s bedroom if the bench will be kept there. If not, you may not want to bother with this, but finishing furniture can be a lot of fun.