Toy Shelf vs. Toy Organizer: Montessori Toy Storage Options

How to Organize Kids' Toys and Keep Them That Way

Toys strewn all over the living room are a sign that young children live in your home. Although it can be a happy sight, too many toys can also be stressful and overwhelming. How can you tame the play area so your children can enjoy all the benefits without taking over your home? Both toy shelves and toy organizers are popular solutions that can play a key role in organizing toys.

In my home, taking a Montessori approach has helped me manage my three kids' toys, craft supplies, stuffed animals, building bricks, and more. Discover Montessori toy storage options, including toy organizers and toy shelves, and tips to maintain an organized space.

What Is Montessori Toy Storage?

Many people assume that Montessori toy storage refers to a specific type of furniture. But what it really means is furniture that follows the principles of the Montessori philosophy. The Montessori method focuses on helping children become independent, nurturing concentration, and fostering a love of learning. Some key characteristics of Montessori storage are:

• Is made from natural, beautiful materials
• Features neutral colors with little to no design to foster concentration
• Low to the ground or hung at the child's height for easy access
• Is easy and safe for children to use
• Fosters a sense of order and organization
  

Beyond the design of Montessori toy storage, how you use it plays an even bigger role. In a section below, I'll outline some of the key strategies I learned when I was a Montessori teacher.

When shopping for Montessori storage pieces, you'll find a variety of different options. Here are some to consider:

Toy Shelves

Piccalio's Montessori Toy Shelf is a great example of a toy shelf design that follows the Montessori philosophy. It has a low profile so that even babies and toddlers can access items. 

Plus, it's made of beautiful natural wood in a neutral tone so that activities and toys placed on the shelf capture the child's attention. The shelf is also nice and deep, providing ample storage space.

Front-Facing Bookshelves

Also known as a Montessori Bookshelf, a front-facing bookshelf shows off book covers instead of spines, creating an invitation to read. Children can browse the book covers to find their favorite picture books or discover new ones.

Piccalio's Montessori Bookshelf features three deep shelves for storing books, and extra hidden storage in the back.

Toy Organizers

This type of storage features built-in bins perfect for storing toys like blocks, cars, stuffed animals, and more. Piccalio's Toy Organizer bins are adjustable and can be set up straight for a clean look, or slanted for easier access. 

The advantage of a toy organizer is that storage is open. Children can view their toys all at once and easily access the ones they want. This also makes clean-up simple, as children can quickly identify the correct bin and return toys where they belong.

Wall Shelves

For knick-knacks, rock collections, and prized toys, a Wall Shelf is also a wonderful storage piece. To use it the Montessori way, hang the wall shelf at your child's eye level so they can view and access their items. 

Piccalio’s Wall Shelf is made of natural birch wood and features three tiers for storing all their favorite mementos.

Montessori Toy Organizer Vs. Toy Shelf

The most popular pieces for storing toys are toy organizers and toy shelves. How are they different, and which is the best fit for your family? This chart breaks it down:

The bottom line? While a toy shelf is more versatile, a toy organizer can easily manage a larger collection of toys. Choosing between a toy organizer and toy shelf depends on where you need storage and what you want to store.

If you want a small space in the living room for toys, a toy shelf may be the best option. However, if you need to organize a large quantity of toys in your child’s bedroom or playroom, a toy organizer is the obvious choice.

How to Organize Kids Toys: Montessori Storage Solution Strategies That Work

To organize kids' toys the Montessori way, use these key strategies:

Go Minimal and Rotate

Did you know children concentrate more and enjoy higher quality play when fewer toys are available? Too many toys means your child may become overwhelmed and distracted. Instead of focusing on a long play cycle, they constantly switch between toys. 

Pick a small number of high-quality toys to put out. You can put the remaining toys in storage. Then, every few weeks or months, rotate the toys so that new ones are available. As a bonus, this can also make old toys seem new and exciting again.

Learn more about Montessori toy rotation and how to do it.

Avoid Crowding

Too many toys on a shelf or in a bin makes clean-up complicated. When setting up a toy shelf, leave space between each toy. You can use baskets or bins for toys like wooden blocks or building bricks to contain them and facilitate clean-up.

Struggling with a toddler who loves to dump toys out of bins? Here's why they love dumping and what to do about it.

Make Clean-Up a Habit

Even from the toddler years, your child can help clean up. Get in the habit of doing it together. You can sing a clean-up song as you go and encourage your child to find the right place for each toy.

Also, teach your child to clean as they go. Instead of playtime where they get out all the toys, encourage your child to put away the toy they were playing with before getting out another one. This creates a mini cycle of play. Your child gets out a toy or activity, uses it, and puts it away before starting the cycle again.

Get more tips on how to get your child to help clean here.

Provide Cleaning Supplies

As your child grows, their toys may include art supplies and other items that require more clean-up. Keep the necessary cleaning supplies readily available and show your child how to use them. For example, a dustpan and brush for sweeping up pencil shavings. Or, a cloth to wipe down the table.

Montessori Toy Storage Is More than Furniture

Montessori toy storage is more than furniture; it also involves how you use it. Combining quality storage pieces with a consistent approach to clean-up is where the magic happens. Before you know it, your child will help maintain a neat and organized space everyone can enjoy!

Do you have a favorite Montessori toy storage piece or strategy? Let us know about it in the comments below.