There are only two more weeks left in the One Room Challenge! Thankfully the weather has held up well in these parts, and things are really moving along. That’s a good thing because it turns out that we’ve added a huge new project to this outdoor redecoration. And it’s all the fault of having too many kids toys.
Over the last year or two, we’ve really started enjoying our backyard with the kids. The girls are both old enough to toss around a ball or chase after each other. And as a result, we’ve collected quite a few outdoor toys. Toys which don’t fit in our house, and which started to clutter up the garage. For a few years, our outdoor toy storage consisted of throwing the toys in a large resin deck box. But the toys were never really organized, and one of the hinges completely broke about a year ago, letting in plenty of rain. Most of the kids toys were ruined as a result.
So what did we do? Something utterly ridiculous. It all started when I was looking for a replacement deck box and came across the trash can enclosures that look like a mini-shed. I figured that adding some shelving would make it perfect for our outdoor toy storage, and could also hold the kids bikes, trikes, and scooters. Turns out the husband liked the idea. In fact, he liked it so much he convinced me to supersize the whole concept.
So we ended up buying a 4×5 foot shed to hold both the kids’ toys and our brand new green patio cushions (more on that coming soon!). And after a trip to Ikea to buy the super inexpensive Hyllis galvanized steel shelving unit and several of the ultra-cheap Gles boxes, we have an organized toy system. Once I added peel-and-stick chalk labels and some peg board, it became so organized, I get giddy just thinking about it.
I love that now when we tell the kids to go play outside, they can get to their toys on their own, and I don’t have to worry about what’s scurrying around in an inch of standing water (we’ve found plenty of critters in there – usually lizards). The girls can easily access most of the toys, and they don’t have to go rifling through the garage amongst all the tools and other dangerous items.
I’ll admit it was an extreme…and expensive solution. Between the cost of delivery (we don’t have a truck that can handle the weight of the shed), and installing the foundation, it was a lot of extra work and expense. But sometimes you have to spend some money to get some sanity.
One benefit of the whole thing…is this giant pallet that was used to deliver the shed:
It’s over 7 feet long…and it’s turned into a whole new project for this space. I’m a little worried about adding such a big project to the last two weeks of the ORC, but too excited about the project to put it on hold.
What would you do with a giant pallet?
How do you store your kids’ outdoor toys?
Other ORC Posts:
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We do a lot with pallets! I think we’re pallet crazy. Mostly gardening right now.
It’s so nice to know that there is a solution to outdoor toy storage. It drives us crazy!
It was driving us crazy for a couple years, which is why we were willing to spend a good bit of money on the solution. Hopefully this system helps you out!
That’s a great looking space, and I like the pegboard on the walls to hang up thing like hula hoops that always get in the way (or, in the case of our garage, accidentally run over by the car…)
proper toy storage can ensure more backyard fun! I am envious of your shed (and garage for that matter!), it looks good and it seems like it can hold a lot of stuff. I am wondering what you are planning with that huge pallet?
have fun!
What a GREAT idea! I want a shed. Or to just throw everything away.
I love this! I need this! What a great idea! I am pinning and leaving this open for Jen’s Guy to see 🙂
Looks great! We’ve been contemplating a shed for the lawn mower and other yard stuff – I’m tired of squeezing between my car and the recycling bin to get into the house!
Can’t wait to see what you do with the pallet!
Thanks for sharing wonderful outdoor toy storage solution for kids outdoor toys. It will helpful for not making messy place in front of house. it can be use for yard and garden for outdoor toy storage solution.
Wow! great idea. I am searching something like that for my kids’ outdoor play. My house is crowded with my kids’ messy toys. I think it will be best for my kids. Thanks for sharing this idea,