How to Organize Soft & Plush Toys (Parent Tips)

How to Organize Soft & Plush Toys

Introduction

Why Soft Toys Are the Hardest to Organize

Let’s be real—soft toys are adorable, comforting, and your child probably has more than they can count. But when it comes to organizing them? Total nightmare. They’re bulky yet squishy, come in all shapes and sizes, and your child insists they need every single one—even that mystery bear they haven’t touched in six months.

Unlike books or blocks that stack neatly, plush toys take up space, spill over baskets, and somehow always end up on the floor. And because many are cherished companions, getting rid of them isn’t easy either. That’s why parents everywhere are searching for smarter, more efficient soft toy storage solutions that actually work.

The Benefits of Smart Plush Toy Storage Solutions

Getting your soft toys under control isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about creating a space that’s:

  • Calm and clutter-free

  • Safe and trip-proof

  • Easy for your child to use and maintain

Well-organized soft toy storage helps your child learn responsibility, makes playtime more engaging (they can actually find their favourites), and turns your home into a more peaceful space. Bonus? You won’t have to hide all the toys when guests come over.

Whether you’re dealing with a mountain of teddies, a pile of plushies, or a growing zoo of stuffed animals, this guide is packed with practical, parent-approved tips to make your life easier and your home happier.

Step 1 – Declutter and Sort by Type

Keep, Donate, or Store Away

Before you invest in new bins or start hanging hammocks, take a step back and declutter. We’re not saying your child has to part with their entire plush collection—but sorting through it can reveal what they actually use.

Here’s a simple method:

  1. Lay out all the soft toys in one spot (yes, all of them).

  2. Sort into three categories:

    • Keep: Daily favourites, sentimental toys, or ones in great shape.

    • Donate: Clean toys in good condition that your child no longer plays with.

    • Store: Seasonal toys, keepsakes, or extras you may want to rotate.

Involving your child in this process (if they’re old enough) helps them understand the value of space, sharing, and responsibility.

Sorting by Size, Sentiment, or Usage

Next, categorize the toys you’re keeping. This helps when choosing the right storage solution later.

You can sort by:

  • Size: Small plushies vs large body-sized bears

  • Sentiment: Keepsakes vs playtime toys

  • Frequency of use: Daily cuddle buddies vs “once in a while” plushies

  • Theme: Animals, superheroes, characters, etc.

Sorting first ensures you're not overstuffing a single basket or losing tiny toys under a pile of fluff.

Step 2 – Choose the Right Soft Toy Storage Method

Open Bins vs Lidded Baskets

Not all storage is created equal—especially for soft toys. Choosing between open bins and lidded baskets depends on your goals:

  • Open Bins: Great for everyday use, fast clean-up, and visibility. Ideal for toddlers and young kids who want quick access.

  • Lidded Baskets: Best for long-term storage, rotating toys, or tidying up a room when guests come over.

Both can look stylish in a nursery, bedroom, or living space—especially if you go for neutral tones or fun, themed prints.

Best Materials for Storing Plush Toys

The material of your storage makes a difference in how long it lasts—and how it looks in your home.

  • Fabric bins: Soft, collapsible, and toddler-safe. Great for bedrooms and shelves.

  • Wicker or rattan baskets: Stylish and breathable, but best kept in low-traffic areas or used for lighter toys.

  • Plastic bins: Easy to clean, stackable, and perfect for under-bed or closet storage.

  • Hanging mesh bags: Affordable, space-saving, and awesome for visibility.

Pro Tip: Avoid storing plush toys in sealed containers or bags for long periods—they need airflow to stay fresh and dust-free.

Step 3 – Maximize Space with Creative Storage Solutions

Hanging Toy Hammocks and Mesh Bags

Soft toys don’t need to take up floor space. One of the most fun and functional options is a hanging toy hammock. Stretch it across a wall or corner to display your child’s plush collection like a floating zoo.

Mesh bags with pockets are also a favourite—hang them on closet doors or walls for vertical storage that’s easy to access and sort.

Wall-Mounted Baskets or Shelves

Wall baskets add both storage and decor. Install a few at toddler height so your child can reach their favourites, and use higher ones for display or keepsakes.

You can also repurpose simple floating bookshelves for plush toy display. It’s a great way to keep favourites off the floor without hiding them away.

Under-Bed Storage or Over-Door Organizers

Don’t overlook hidden space! Under the bed is prime real estate for plush toy storage. Use shallow, lidded bins or rolling fabric boxes to tuck away extra soft toys.

Over-door shoe organizers with clear pockets are surprisingly perfect for small to medium-sized plushies. Your child can see each toy clearly and pull them out without making a mess.

Step 4 – Make It Easy for Kids to Access and Clean Up

Visibility and Height Are Key

One of the biggest mistakes in organizing plush toys? Putting storage where your child can’t reach. When kids can't access their toys—or can't put them back easily—your system breaks down fast.

To keep things working:

  • Use open baskets on the floor or low shelves for daily-use toys.

  • Reserve higher shelves or wall-mounted storage for decorative plushies or those you want to rotate.

  • Avoid containers with tricky lids, heavy tops, or tight spaces that discourage independent access.

The goal is to encourage your child to take ownership of their space—and that only happens when the setup is made with their size and habits in mind.

Using Labels or Picture Tags for Young Kids

Labels aren’t just for grown-ups. When used well, they empower your child to organize and clean up independently—even before they can read.

Here’s how to label like a pro:

  • Use picture tags (photos or icons) for each basket or bin.

  • Combine pictures with text labels to teach early word recognition.

  • Use colour-coded tags if you have multiple kids or storage zones.

Stick the labels on the front of each bin and walk your child through what belongs where. It may take a few tries, but once it clicks, you'll be amazed how easily kids can manage their own toy zones.

Step 5 – Rotate Soft Toys Regularly to Minimize Clutter

Benefits of a Toy Rotation System

Toy rotation isn't just for Montessori classrooms—it’s a game-changer for your home too. When kids have fewer toys out, they play more creatively, clean up faster, and feel less overwhelmed.

Here’s what toy rotation does:

  • Keeps toys feeling fresh and exciting

  • Helps you manage space without constantly purging

  • Reduces decision fatigue for kids (“what should I play with?”)

  • Makes organization simpler for both of you

How to Store Extra Plushies Without Losing Track

You don’t have to say goodbye to those extra plushies—you just need a system. Use lidded plastic bins, vacuum-sealed bags, or storage ottomans to stash the ones not currently in use.

Pro tips:

  • Keep a small inventory list taped to the bin so you remember what’s inside.

  • Rotate toys monthly or every season based on interest or new additions.

  • Get your child involved in the switch—treat it like shopping their own toy store!

This keeps things manageable, cuts down on daily clutter, and helps your child appreciate what they have even more.

Soft Toy Storage for Small Spaces

Multi-Functional Furniture with Built-In Storage

In tight spaces—think apartments, small bedrooms, or shared play areas—multi-functional furniture is your best friend. Why buy a bench and a storage box when you can have both?

Look for:

  • Storage ottomans that double as reading nooks

  • Toy organizer racks with built-in cushions like the Playkitchen Toy Organizer Rack

  • Beds with drawers underneath or lift-up mattresses

  • Storage cubes with seating cushions

These options keep plush toys hidden but still within reach—and save precious floor space in the process.

Stackable Baskets and Vertical Storage Hacks

Stackable bins and baskets can turn one small corner into a plushie paradise. Choose lightweight, easy-to-access options so your child can remove (and restack) them safely.

Tips for stacking success:

  • Use clear or labeled bins so you know what’s where

  • Sort by size or animal type—one bin for bears, another for fantasy creatures, etc.

  • Store heaviest or most-used items at the bottom

You can also get creative with vertical shelving, tall storage towers, or even repurposed shoe racks for plushie display.

Soft Toy Storage Ideas for Nurseries, Bedrooms & Playrooms

Nursery Soft Toy Storage Must-Haves

In nurseries, storage should be safe, soft, and minimal. Stick with:

  • Woven or fabric baskets for a cozy, baby-friendly vibe

  • Hanging wall pockets for small stuffed animals or rattles

  • A single soft bin by the cot or feeding chair for cuddle-time favourites

Keep things simple—your baby only needs a few plushies accessible, and the rest can be tucked away until they’re older.

Bedroom Plush Toy Corners

Turn part of your child’s room into a designated plushie corner. It doesn’t have to take up much space—a comfy rug, a low basket, and maybe a bean bag or mini chair is all you need.

Add a few extras:

  • Name-labeled bins or baskets

  • Hanging mesh bags or wall shelves for display

  • Soft toy rotation tub stored under the bed or in a closet

This keeps the mess confined, but still fun and kid-owned.

Display vs Storage in Playrooms

In playrooms, you have more freedom to balance function and display. Showcase beloved plush toys while still keeping the space tidy.

Smart display/storage combos:

  • A toy box on wheels for mobile storage and quick clean-up (Playkitchen’s version is perfect for this!)

  • Wall-mounted baskets or wire bins for a visual plushie wall

  • Bookshelves that double as display cases for favourite stuffed animals

Mix open storage with hidden bins so your child can enjoy their plushie collection without creating daily chaos.

Product Recommendations for Plush Toy Storage

When you’re ready to get serious about soft toy storage, look for high-quality, child-friendly products that are easy to use and fit your home’s style. Here are some standout picks from Playkitchen’s Toy Storage Collection:

Toy Box on Wheels from Playkitchen

View Product →
This mobile storage box is a total lifesaver for plush toy clutter. With smooth-rolling wheels and spacious design, it lets you easily move soft toys from room to room or tuck them away at the end of the day.

Perfect for:

  • Rotating plushie collections

  • Shared spaces like living rooms

  • Kids who love to transport their toys

Fabric Bins or Storage Baskets

Soft, collapsible basket, and available in various colours and sizes, fabric bins are perfect for keeping soft toys organized while adding a gentle touch to bedrooms or nurseries.

Use them for:

  • Books and bears next to the bed

  • Lining shelves for sorted plushies

  • Quick grab-and-go cleanup

Hanging Solutions or Wall Bins

Maximize wall space with mesh bags, toy hammocks, or wall-mounted baskets. These are great for display and daily access—and they keep the floor nice and clear.

Ideal for:

  • Small bedrooms

  • Playrooms with wall space

  • Organizing soft toys by size or theme

FAQs About Soft Toy Storage

Q1: How do I organize soft toys in a small room?

Use space-saving options like under-bed bins, wall-mounted baskets, and stackable fabric bins. Focus on vertical storage and rotate toys to reduce clutter.

Q2: Are fabric bins safe for toddlers?

Yes, they’re soft, lightweight, and easy for toddlers to access and use. Look for bins with reinforced sides that won’t collapse completely when empty.

Q3: How often should I rotate soft toys?

Try rotating plushies every month or two, depending on your child’s interest level. This keeps playtime fresh and cuts down on mess.

Q4: Can I wash plush toys before storing them?

Absolutely! Always wash and thoroughly dry plush toys before long-term storage to prevent dust or mildew. Use fabric-safe cleaners and check care labels.

Q5: What’s the best storage for heirloom or keepsake plush toys?

Use lidded, breathable containers or display boxes and store them in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Keep them separate from daily-use toys to preserve their condition.

Conclusion: Keep the Cuddles, Lose the Clutter

Plush toys bring joy, comfort, and a whole lot of cuteness—but they can also bring clutter. By decluttering, choosing the right storage solutions, and using your space wisely, you can organize soft toys in a way that makes your home feel calmer and your child feel more in control.

Whether it’s a basket, a hammock, or a rolling toy box from Playkitchen, the best plush toy storage is the one that’s easy, accessible, and fits seamlessly into your daily life.

With the right setup, you don’t have to choose between a tidy home and a happy child—you can have both.