IKEA Toy Storage Solutions for your Early Childhood Program

Tips for organizing and storing preschool toys using IKEA storage solutions.

As we navigate the delightful chaos that comes with Early Childhood programs, we understand the importance of establishing an organized and inviting environment for our little learners. In this blog post, we'll explore the wonderful realm of IKEA toy storage solutions and offer tips to make your space not only functional but also visually appealing.

Why IKEA?
IKEA has long been a go-to destination for stylish and affordable home furnishings, and their storage solutions are no exception. With a plethora of options designed to cater to various needs, IKEA provides versatile and durable solutions that align perfectly with the dynamic nature of preschool programs.

Let's dive into the world of IKEA toy storage and discover how you can transform your preschool space into an organized haven for little hands and curious minds. Below we'll explore some of the best IKEA product lines for preschool toy storage, offering tips and tricks for seamless organization and stress-free cleanup.

Versatile Storage Units for Every Need

At the heart of IKEA's toy storage solutions is the versatile TROFAST series. This ingenious system features a range of storage units with colorful bins in varying sizes. From small treasures like action figures to larger items like stuffed animals, TROFAST has a spot for everything. The beauty lies in its adaptability – you can mix and match different sizes of bins to accommodate a variety of toys. The easy to access bins make it easy for little ones to access their playthings, fostering independence as they learn to retrieve and put away toys on their own.

Tip: Color-coded organization - Utilize the different colored bins that Trofast offers to categorize toys. For example, use red bins for building blocks, blue for art supplies, and yellow for sensory toys. This not only adds a vibrant touch to the room but also makes it easier for both educators and children to find and return items to their designated spaces.
Tip: Labeling for literacy - Attach simple picture labels to the front of each bin. This not only aids in organization but also promotes early literacy skills as children associate words with visual representations.

TROFAST Storage unit

Valentina S. at Sunshine Over the Rainbow Family Day Care

Valentina S. at Sunshine Over the Rainbow Family Day Care has a home for all of her toys! The tops of the trofast unit can be used to display books, or hold taller toys that don't fit inside the bins.

Cynthia F. of Picasso's Playhouse Dayhome

With accessible surfaces, the TROFAST line makes it easy for students to access their toys.

Jen H. of Stepping Stones Pre-K Academy

You can see how Jen transformed this trofast unit into stairs for her loft, what a fun creative use, that also provides extra storage.

Marissa N. of Bright Beginnings Childcare Home

TROFAST Storage units are a popular choice for providers,
Their pull out toy bins make clean up a breeze.

Angie K.

The units with a flat surface are perfect for table top play. Angie K. hacked her IKEA TROFAST units adding LEGO base plates, and road tracks to their surfaces and spice racks to their sides. What a great way to maximize this unit!

Melissa R.

The TROFAST bins are available in a variety of colors for some mix and match fun!

Jennalee

Jennalee B. place several TROFAST units together in her construction area!

Veronica G. of Ronnie's Dayhome

Veronica has used this trofast unit in her Blocks, and Small World Play area for added storage. You can see how she has used the surface to display books about vehicles, and to hold larger vehicles, that don't fit inside the bins.

Veronica G. of Ronnie's Dayhome

This low trofast unit has been added to Veronica's entry space. It's the perfect height for taking off (and putting on shoes). These units make great personal size cubbies for your students. Although this VISSLAT bench pad is retired, you can find their new line of bench pads here.

Amanda W.

Amanda W. has created the perfect sized dramatic play area with IKEA Products ! She has combined the Latt children's table with several other IKEA products. Her addition of coordinating fabrics and peel and stick wall decor make this a comfy welcoming space.

Naomi G. of Play Matters Preschool

The Trofast line offers shelves, as an alternative to bins. These adjustable shelves are great for storing puzzles, or other toys.

Careese H.

You can place TROFAST bins inside the FLISAT Children's table, which makes swapping out toys a breeze.  They are great for holding sensory bin activiites, or table top activities. Careese H. uses the FLISAT table in her science area! She's combined it with TROFAST storage to make the perfect space for exploration!

Amber H. of Discovery Grove

Amber has combined a variety of trofast units to create a customized storage option.

Veronica G. of Ronnie's Dayhome

The TROFAST Shelf is great for your dramatic play space to add extra storage for holding play food, and dress up clothes.

Wall-Mounted Wonders:

When floor space is at a premium, think vertical. IKEA offers a varierty of different wall storage options. Install the wall storage at a child-friendly height and watch as the playroom transforms into an organized wonderland. The bins are perfect for holding an array of smaller toys, from toy cars to art supplies. Add hooks underneath to provide a home for bags, costumes, or even hats. This not only frees up precious floor space but also adds a playful and decorative element to the room.

Melissa M. of Melissa's Daycare

Tip: Wall storage solutions keep the floor clear while offering easy access to frequently used items. Install wall shelves at an adult height to keep teacher supplies out of each. Alternatively, you can install them at a child-friendly height, allowing preschoolers to independently choose and return toys, fostering a sense of responsibility.

Mindy P.

The smaller TROFAST Wall storage unit is perfect for organizing small toys, or changing table supplies. It can placed on a wall away from small children or down below for them to access items such as Art Supplies.

Rachel E.

 The BEKVÄM Spice rack is a popular choice for providers looking to
add some vertical book storage to their space.

Megan Tyler‎

Cynthia Fuhrer of Picasso's Playhouse Dayhome

The LACK wall shelf is a great option for displaying completed projects, or giving children access to Arts & Craft Supplies.

Kimberley B.

Need to go vertical? Consider using IKEA's TRONE Shoe/storage cabinets. In addition to shoes they can also be used to storeother personal belonging for the children in your care.

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Bookshelves Beyond Books:

Bookshelves are not just for books; they are a treasure trove for toys too! IKEA's KALLAX series, with its versatile cubby-style shelving, is a fantastic addition to any preschool play space. Use the cubbies to store books, puzzles, board games, and larger toys that may not fit in traditional storage bins. Customize the look by adding colorful bins or doors to conceal items, creating a neat and visually appealing display. The open design also allows for easy access, encouraging preschoolers to independently choose their toys.

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Kallax storage

Tip: Display and accessibility - Use the Kallax shelving unit to showcase the children's artwork, projects, or favorite toys. Open-front cubbies allow easy access, encouraging preschoolers to engage with and explore the items on display.
Tip: Baskets for concealed storage - For items that are better kept out of sight, such as smaller toys or personal belongings, incorporate Kallax baskets. These can be easily pulled out and put back, promoting tidiness and organization.

KALLAX Shelf unit

Bethany

Bethany made great use of this space! She has used her kallax units to create individual learning spaces. Mounted horizontally they allow for division-but still provide visual openness in the space.

Carman p.

With a variery of bin options, you can mix and match according to your personal style.

Amanda R.

The DRÖNA Storage Box fits perfectly inside the KALLAX cubbies. They are great for storing toys, or children's belongings.

The Kallax is available in 4, 8 and 16 cubbie options.

Kristin W.'s  choice of natural bins allows the unit to blend in with her home decor.

Tennille Z. of Little Ted Family Daycare

Tennille has combined a variety of IKEA products in her space to provide plenty of storage options.

On-the-Go Organization with Rolling Storage

Preschoolers are constantly on the move, and so are their toys. Enter the RASKOG utility cart, a mobile storage solution that brings toys wherever the adventure leads. With three tiers of storage, this cart is perfect for art supplies, building blocks, or even small musical instruments. The wheels make it easy to transport from room to room, turning cleanup into a fun and interactive activity. Preschoolers can push the cart to its designated storage area, combining playtime with a valuable lesson in responsibility.

Tip: Themed activity carts - Assign specific Raskog carts to different activities, such as art, sensory play, or building. This not only keeps materials organized but also adds an element of excitement as children anticipate the contents of each themed cart.
Tip: Easy cleanup with a cart for each group - If your preschool program is divided into smaller groups, assign a Raskog cart to each group for their exclusive use. This not only streamlines cleanup but also instills a sense of ownership and responsibility.

RÅSKOG Utility cart

Kori W.

Korie W. uses her cart as a mobile science center! She says, "We love our mobile science center...I can keep it away from little guys when not in use and change it up weekly."

Felecia J.

Felecia J. uses her cart as a mobile play dough station. She's added labels to make it easy to put away items. It has plenty of room for all of her supplies!

Alina D.

Alina D. uses the RASKOG for self serve and independent meal setting. She says: "It's one of the most used items in our little daycare, a minimalistic space saver, but very efficient -supporting my little friends' life practical skills."

More Storage Options

Carman P.

Long before the Kallax line, IKEA offered the Billy shelf. This  is another popular choice for storing books and toys. They are reasonably priced, durable (I've had mine for over 15 years) ,come in a variety of finishes, and are adjustable (which is a necessity with the varying sizes of children's books, and toys).

Jennifer B.

It can be a challenge to stay organized with so many materials. Magazine file boxes can be used to store construction paper, weekly materials, or books. Keep them organized and ready at hand. Jennifer B. organizes these to organize her books
(On her IKEA Billy bookcases)

Alina D. of Growing Up

Looking for a more minimalist low-cost storage option?
Consider the LAIVA Bookcase

With IKEA's ingenious toy storage solutions, maintaining a tidy and organized preschool play space is not only achievable but also enjoyable. By choosing versatile storage units, utilizing wall space, incorporating labels, adding bookshelves, opting for rolling storage, and implementing a toy rotation system, you can create a harmonious environment where both learning and play thrive. Embrace the magic of IKEA, and let the preschool playtime bliss continue!

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