In 2007 I shared with you that I was not a fan of that particular type of toy storage (you can read all about why here) and then I asked for suggestions as to what to do with it. Many of you chimed in with your opinions which was awesome. I did end up getting rid of the white holder (I didn’t have the space to store it) but for the life of me could not part with the colored buckets. I just knew they would come in handy one day.
Today was that day. They found a home in my garage on a bookshelf that I recently picked up at the local recycling depot.
Those buckets now hold the following:
1. hockey pucks
2. balls
3. squirt guns
4. gardening gloves
5. chalk
6. bubbles
Many of these things use to be thrown into one big bucket and it was hard for my three year old to access them. This definitely makes it easier for him. I still want to label each of the buckets but was excited to show you how I was finally putting them to use. You know, in case you’ve been laying awake night after night wondering all this time :)
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We will all sleep easier tonight, knowing the buckets are now resting in peace in their new location!
I had that same toy stand once! And threw the frame out, and have used the containers in a hundred different ways since! They are in my classroom now holding sets of animals and transport for the construction area. Head over to my blog to see my latest organisational challenge. I’m getting there! I’ve also reorganised my pantry, Jack’s toys, wardrobes, bookshelves and magazine shelves. Will post more photos soon, when I get a chance! You are an inspiration!
I just looove when I find that perfect use for something I already have!
Love, love, love it! I love containers, and of course you had to find a new use for them.
Thanks for sharing!!
Oh your brilliance never ceases to amaze me…good job my friend!!!
Love it. I couldn’t have thrown out those buckets either.
That is such a wonderful idea. I have one of those toy storage things and now I know what to do instead. Thanks so much for the idea.
That is great! I have storage shelves for outside toys, but its not as nice of this…I may have to change my system, hmmmm….
Perfect!
have you considered replacing the hockey pucks with some real sporting equipment… like baseballs? just kidding.
i like the idea of smaller containers for storing small items. the three large containers in my garage get so disorganized with my kid’s little toys getting mixed and matched.
Maybe I just don’t get it, but isn’t the white part almost like just putting the containers on the shelves?? I’m just confused about what was so bad about the holder part.
Please enlighten me with a ‘duh’ moment, cuz I’m sure I’m just not seeing it right. ;o)
Hi Mercy, my son outgrew the toy storage unit awhile ago (it doesn’t actually hold a lot of toys) and I just didn’t have anywhere to store it. So I decided to let it go but kept the buckets. The other thing I didn’t like about the white holder was it was too wide (deep) and was awkward because it didn’t sit flush up to the wall.
Oh my, I remember this well…….I had 2 sets of these wonderful buckets. One in primary colors that was in my son’s room & one in pretty pastel colors in my daughter’s room. I have used these for many things. They are now in the garage holding different items.
Interesting site, but much advertisments on him. Shall read as subscription, rss.
That is so funny because I have heard so many people say that they throw out the frame and keep the buckets. The bookshelf looks great!
It’s always so delightful when you come up with the “perfect” home for something isn’t it?
too funny again. I just donated my whole bucket system to my chapel’s nursery. It is just the thing for the nursery, since it only gets used once or twice a week. Daily use is too hard on those things.
when you do the labels I suggest a photo/word combo. That has worked wonders for helping my 3 yr. old keep his areas cleaned up.
Hmmm, now I will have to decide whether to keep the buckets and chuck the stand like you did, or donate the whole thing. Decisions, decisions….
I to had two of these holders and now am just using the buckets in a different storage area. They are on a wire bookshelf like thing or the shelves on the wall. Still need to label them though : ) Maybe I will keep the frame though incase we can use it for something like legos when my son gets older
WTG repurposing! Isn’t it fun???
That is too funny. I put mine in storage too – for the same reasons!! It doesn’t justify the space. And toys were hanging out or didn’t fit – it is the dumbest thing ever. lol I have my white frame standing on end in the corner behind a couch acting as a console table. lol I’m thinking I could use that doweling for something, but it seems like a shame to cut it up. :) I love what you’ve done with it! :)
Cathy
I would not have gotten rid of the buckets either. Too easy to reuse. But I’m not sure why putting them on the bookshelf was any better than using the white frame. Personally I like the looks of the white frame better.