Favour open, low shelving
The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that, where possible, storing toys on open shelves is preferable so children can reach them easily — and so that the risks associated with hinged toy-box lids are avoided altogether. Open shelving also makes a quick visual check for damaged or broken toys part of the daily tidy-up.
- Keep frequently used toys at or below a child's shoulder height.
- Group by type so tidying is a sorting task, not a guessing game.
- Leave some empty shelf space; full shelves tend to overflow onto the floor.
If you use a toy box with a lid
Health Canada's guidance for toy storage boxes highlights two design points: ventilation, so a child who climbs inside can still breathe, and lid behaviour, so a lid cannot fall freely onto a child. A box without a lid, or with a lightweight lid that stays where it is placed, sidesteps both concerns.
Choose ventilated, manageable bins
Lightweight open bins and baskets are easier for children to carry and return than a single large chest. They also make it simple to rotate toys: keeping part of the collection stored away and swapping it periodically tends to reduce clutter and renew interest without buying more.
Sorting structure that children can follow
- Everyday bin — current favourites, always within reach.
- Build bin — blocks and construction sets kept together.
- Quiet bin — books and soft toys near the calm zone.
- Rotation shelf — out-of-reach, swapped every few weeks.
Keep small parts contained
For homes with children under three, store toys with small components separately and out of reach. Health Canada's toy-safety material explains that small objects present choking, ingestion and inhalation hazards to young children, which is a strong reason to separate age-appropriate from older-sibling toys in shared spaces.