Organizing the Outside Toy Box

While the kids were doing this yesterday.

I decided to clean and organize the outside toy box. This is what it looked like, plus lots of spiders and webs you can’t see.

First, I dumped everything out and washed and scrubbed out the storage box.

Then, I washed the toys and put them all in piles (like with like).

Pool Toys and Balls

Outside Toys and Sand Toys

And broken toys. Of course, this pile gets tossed in the garbage.

Next, I went to the basement to see what plastic baskets or crates I had on hand, to be able to use to contain the toys. The big blue milk crate holds the balls and outside toys.

The little yellow basket holds the water and pool toys.

The sand bucket holds the sand toys and bug catchers.

The big sand toys and life vest are against the back wall. The sprinkler and pool float are next to the crate.

No, I’m not delusional. I don’t think it will stay this way long, but everything is clean and I know it all fits and has a place. All the broken toys are tossed and it won’t take long to put everything away when it’s time.

{ 9 comments… add one }
  • Allison June 14, 2010, 6:04 am

    We have to be related!
    It will stay that way as long as you are the one that puts it away! lol
    Dropping by from Met Monday; 18ft Island Kitchen.

    Allison
    Atticmag

  • Laura Ingalls Gunn June 14, 2010, 7:14 am

    This is a truly wonderful transformation. So creative and clever!

  • Mamarazzi June 14, 2010, 10:27 pm

    perfect! we have a couple little plastic shelves on our patio with little laundry baskets from the dollar tree to hold all of our pool and outside toys, works well, the kids know where things go and they actually end up in the right place..you might be surprised, your system will likely work!

  • Mamarazzi June 14, 2010, 10:27 pm

    oh i am popping in from Toot Tuesday….come see what i came up with this week.

  • Stef June 15, 2010, 11:09 pm

    I’ve been meaning to organize the outside toys for quite some time. Thanks for the visual reminder. Also, I think it’s quite entertaining to imagine you snapping photos of your organization process. I entertain myself many an afternoon by taking pictures as I try to accomplish some task. I’d probably actually get something done if I’d just set down the camera!! But, your outdoor organization is a huge accomplishment – way to go!!

  • Going Jane June 16, 2010, 6:38 am

    Great job! Outside toys are soooo hard to organize for us. 🙂

  • Donene Jones June 16, 2010, 1:31 pm

    I love that your toy box is organized, it is a great feeling and so much easier to find everything.

  • Michie June 17, 2010, 4:43 am

    I love the idea of an outside toy box – I have been trying to figure out what to do with outside toys. Where did you get your box? Is it waterproof?

  • Titti @ Shoestring Pavilion June 18, 2010, 11:47 am

    Kudos to you for going through and cleaning all that stuff! I’ve pretty much given up 🙂 Kids and spiders win every time..

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