Storage Chest (or toy box) Building Plans

I used to be an organized mom. I also used to be sane. I used to have separate toy bins- each with their own labels- so that toys would be neatly placed into coordinating bins, and nothing would ever be out of place or lost…. That was before I had 4 kids, and had lost my mind trying to get them to not only pick up the toys, but also separate and organize them too. So I gave up the complicated toy organization system, and opted for a big toy chest instead. And let me tell you- that was the best decision I have ever made in my mothering life!

A piece of me feels a little uneasy about a big chest, which can seem like a black hole at times. But, that piece of me is the piece that makes the rest of me a little crazy! So I push those feelings aside, and realize that if everything is picked up off the floor, I honestly don’t care where it is. As long as I don’t see the mess, and I’m not stepping over toys all day, I’m happy!

This toy chest has been AH-MAZING!!! It is the best solution I’ve ever come up with to keep toys picked up and off the floor.

Yes, my kids climb in there and pull every last stuffed animal out while they are playing. But with my old bin and label system, they dumped everything out too. This way, they just pick everything up and throw it into the toy chest. No more sorting and organizing for hours. And no more yelling till I’m blue in the face… well, there’s still that, but not about picking up the toys!

Even my one year old can pick up toys and throw them in there. And maybe that’s just the genius of this toy chest- he needs help getting toys OUT, but can easily put them away by himself! Do you hear that? It’s the sound of angels singing the praises of a toy system that works! 

If you don’t have a million kids with a million toys- like I do. You could also use this for storing things like blankets or pillows, or use it in the garage to store balls, jump ropes, and bike helmets. I was thinking how cute it would be in an entryway, for boots, gloves, bags, things like that.  I love mine, and I think you might too.

The best part is that this toy chest isn’t too bad to look at either (unlike every other overpriced option at the store). I love the farmhouse/ craftsman style, with the white beadboard, and that dark stained top. Oh, Joanna Gaines, wouldn’t you be so proud of this piece of furniture! And did I mention that I BUILT THIS!!

 That’s right. I designed the farmhouse toy chest of my dreams, then drew up the building plans for it, and now I’m sharing them with you guys! You can get the building plans (including the full how-to) over at BuildSomething.com, which is Kreg’s new building plan site (you know, the Kreg Jig people). 

Click over to BuildSomething.com to check out my free building plans for this cool toy chest!

And would you do one more favor for me, please? Would you please PIN this image below? Simply hover your mouse over the image and click the “PIN IT!” button. You’ll be able to save this idea to any of your pinterest boards.