Thursday, June 25, 2009

Outside Toy Bin

Here’s another one of those quick and easy tips for around the house. Summer time play means dragging the outside toys out and then dragging them all back in at the end of play. Especially when you live on top of a windy hillside. After my first few summer days of running back-n-forth into the garage for a ball, then a Frisbee, then side walk chalk (witch I keep in a wippie bin…remember all those wipe bins?) and on and on to get all the other toys needed to make play time fun, I was exhausted. (I thought this was to make THEM tired) Hummm, I need something to make this job easier…

I’ve got it! Laundry baskets! No, I’m not planning on hanging out the wash too. A laundry basket makes the best toy bin for all the outside toys. You can find them tall and skinny or short and wider depending on what type of storage space you have. Get a strong plastic one with comfortable grips and nice size holes. Pay a few extra dollars for a sturdier one and it will last longer. They are so easy to clean with a hose and will air out quickly in the sun. Toss in all the trucks, balls, horseshoes, golf clubs, bubbles and other back yard toys.












Come play time, carry them out and dump. The kiddos have immediate access to their stuff and clean up is so simple for them to help pitch in. We have one with regular toys and another for all the “wet play” toys for the pool and sprinklers. They fit nicely along the wall of the garage all year long.

What are your easy organizing tips?

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good idea!

Alexis AKA MOM said...

You're so cute! My mom does the same thing with the boys toys. It works perfect and she just leave it in the sun porch.

Girl getting out ... LOL see the nice thing about that shop is it's between work and daycare ... LOL

Sad thing is they are moving and won't be so easy ;(

Christina-Marie Wright said...

That's a fabulous idea! Plus, it makes it easy to put them in a concealed place so that outside toys don't get used inside (can you say basketball in the kitchen?!).

Debbie said...

So very smart! I love the multiple uses of a laundry basket.

Liz Mays said...

That makes good sense!!! I have all my outdoor stuff in big rubbermaid totes which is great for keeping them clean but I can't remember at all what's in there so it tends to go unused.

I like your idea!

Teaching Heart Mom said...

You know I love this... I am working on a similar post and will link to this.

Buzzings of a Queen Bee! said...

That is an awesome idea. Some toys don't need to come inside and having a special bin outside is a great thing. Thanks! :)
Carrie