When it comes to storage options for toddlers and small children, Mellen is a firm believer in plastic bins. “We don’t put lids on anything we want the kids to interact with because if they have a physical barrier between themselves and the house for something, you might as well put a brick wall there. They won’t go through the lid to store things,” he says. Instead, he recommends using uniform, clear plastic bins so kids can easily see what’s inside.

When an Indiana-based interior designer Kara Grider tackles children’s spaces, she has fun with the drawings. “Children want to be in spaces that make them happy,” she says. “So adding cheerful wallpaper or painted murals, hanging DIY artwork, or creating storage solutions with things that aren’t typically used as storage is the way to go.” For example, the designer hangs handbags on the wall so that a space for girls can hold small portable toys or uses a magnetic knife strip to hold racing cars on the wall. Pegboards and cork are another favorite that can hold lightweight items and can be wrapped in fabric or painted to match the look of the space. “The more vertical storage, the better, because it gives kids more floor space to move around and play,” she says.

After a series of toy editing, the Home Sort sisters sort and categorize the remaining items and create a system for children to follow. One tool that helps them in the process is transparent bins. They love these mDesign containers – which come with pre-made labels! – for storing Legos, small toys, slime and Play-Doh.

Jessica Davis, owner and lead designer of JL design in Nashville, TN says Mack & Milo’s Bratton Toy Organizer is a must-have for a playroom. The piece includes 12 storage baskets that sit on an angle and make viewing, grabbing, and storing toys a snap.

When it comes to Legos (one of the most pesky toys to organize), Davis goes straight to the source. The brand’s Lego storage brick drawer has two spacious compartments for all those small parts or any toy or office supply really. Designed like the iconic Lego Brick, the box features eight oversized dowels that connect to additional Brick drawers when you’re short on space, which is often the case if you’ve got a Lego fanatic. The fun design is also available in a variety of bright colors.

In small spaces, versatile objects are indispensable. Eddie Maestri, architect and creative director in Dallas Maestri Studio loves storage beds for a child’s room. In fact, he used the West Elm Mid-Century Side Storage Platform Bed, complete with cubbies and built-in shelves, for his own son’s bedroom. “It’s perfect for a smaller space and allows her to display her Pez collection, books and still have room for a bedside lamp,” he says. Another bonus: the lateral position allows you to play with more floor space.

New York interior designer Casey DeBois from DeBois Design follows the Montessori system that everything has its place, which she says also helps kids clean up and put things back where they’re supposed to be. “The more systems in place, the easier it is for everyone to follow,” she says. For storing art supplies, she likes a rolling cart. “It keeps everything contained, you can easily see your supplies, and it’s mobile.” Hey, you never know where inspiration is going to strike.

Pushing things into a closet is one way to hide clutter, but retrieving those items, like balls, board games, and dolls, especially when they’re stuck in the back corner, can be a pain. Enter: a toy chest on wheels. “It can be quickly rolled out to play with stuff stored inside, then just as easily taken back to the closet when playtime is over,” says DeBois.

When designing a children’s space, the Australian company Decorist designer, Belinda Nihill likes to include a nice big basket or two. “I love these baskets for storing stuffed animals or using them as a laundry hamper,” she says of the cute Bunny Williams nesting baskets. The scalloped lining adds a whimsical touch to the piece and protects children from scratched surfaces.

“You don’t need a lot of furniture to keep things organized in a kids’ space,” says Decorist designer, Mikayla Keating. His advice: Keep the rooms minimal and the room layout simple to make more room for play. A piece of furniture she loves, including a cubby-style shelf. Just add soft tubs with easy-grip handles, and you have a perfect toy solution.

Want a win-win for your child’s room? “Combine play with storage to keep things multifunctional,” says Keating. She loves using this dollhouse-shaped bookcase, which not only serves as a sweet home for the Barbies, but also as a surface to hold other toys.

The pounds can add up quickly. “Give them a place that makes it easy for your child to choose a book without having to pull them all out,” says Keating. She loves Ameriwood Home’s oak system that combines a bookcase with toy storage downstairs. Bonus: the books themselves act as a decorative focal point.

Dallas-based interior designer Shelly Rosenberg accepted. She says: “Children are more confident and secure when they know what to expect, so organizing books in open shelves provides a familiar place to find their favorite stories. Another tip: Rosenberg says that when we arrange books in rainbow order on a traditional bookshelf, we teach kids color, sorting, and order. “The latter is an important component for reading and problem-solving skills,” she says.

“When it comes to kids’ storage, the most important thing is to keep it simple and at eye level,” says Hudson, New York-based interior designer Nicole Fisher. BNR Interiors. She likes to keep baskets and books on low shelves so they can easily access them. This stylish Montessori-style play shelf is crafted from birch wood and comes with two wooden trays and two storage bins for added organization. In addition, the large hidden storage space in the back allows for easy rotation of toys.

“We love the open shelving next to the cabinets to show off designer toys and books for a fun and playful vibe, as well as storing the rest so it doesn’t get too busy,” says Haven lead designer, Kelsey Fisher. One cabinet the brand particularly likes is this Pottery Barn Kids Cameron Wall System. “It allows you to mix and match pieces to better suit your space and storage needs,” she says.

“To maximize storage space in a child’s room, opt for taller storage pieces,” says Haven Design Editor, Heather Goerzen. Her design tip: Whether you opt for a singular unit or a combo series, add baskets to the smaller elements and treat toys and books as stylish decor you can play with and rearrange. The big shelf on her wish list is Leanne Ford’s Dolly Bookcase. “This modern bookcase features natural wood and an on-trend curved shape,” says Goerzen. “It turns ‘stocking’ into a chic and cool vignette effortlessly. I want one.”

“Whether lining the walls or placing them at the end of the bed, weaving benches is a great way to add extra storage as well as seating,” says Goerzen. “These can serve as book nooks, drawing escapes and other creative spaces for play and imagination.”

In the end, don’t worry if the place isn’t back to normal. “Not all of us have the energy or the temperament for exact systems,” says Rosenberg, “but you can always eliminate visual clutter.” Her advice: buy baskets or laundry baskets to store all the toys each day to give your family a visually serene living room or playroom before bed.