Toy Storage

If there is one thing we don't have a shortage of around here it is toys.  The more we accumulated the harder it was for me to keep the toys looking "organized" and keeping them where Ally could play with them.

Here is the toy basket in the living room when things are "picked up".  Not the best but at least they were all in the basket!

I looked around online for some toy organizers but I didn't love any of them.  The few I thought were OK were pricey.  I came very close to settling and buying one but the price was just too much for me to pay for particle board.  I am so glad I waited.  Both my mom and Steve found the plans for this shelf (from Ana-White, our favorite) and it was just what I wanted.

Steve used the plans as a starting point and made a few adjustments for what we wanted.  I love the way it turned out.  I am glad I have a handy husband, and glad all those tools I tease him about are being put to good use.

Ally was also very excited about the new toy shelf too.  Today we were talking about her new toy shelf and she told me "daddy build it, mommy paint it" which is mostly true.  I painted the first coat but Steve painted the final coat.  I love that the bins are easy for her to pull out and put away and it is harder for toys to get lost at the bottom of the basket. 

I ordered the cube bins from Land of Nod (thanks for the recommendation Alia) and I love them.  They are sturdy and so easy to wipe off. Yay for no more toy mess in the living room (at least at night that is).