There’s nothing quite like running the mower over a missed plastic shovel or the boys’ favorite rubber snake. It’s even more fun for that split second you thought it was real. If you have kids and have a yard, at some point organizing the outdoor toys is going to become an issue.

Photo Credit: Brendan-C

Here are three ways to try to keep those outdoor toys under control. Try to make picking up the toys and putting them away part of the coming into the house routine to keep the plastic from proliferating. Part of me believes it replicates out there in the yard when we aren’t looking. I don’t remember buying half this junk, do you?

Regardless of where the outdoor playthings come from, they need to be corralled to keep the yard looking tidy.

Here are three diy solutions to get the childrens’ outdoor toys organized.

Plastic Milk Crates

Crates make great containers for sand toys, balls, and trucks and as an added bonus the crates won’t serve as a mosquito breeding zone. If you have a shed or garage, consider installing hooks, low on the wall. The milk crates can then be hung on the hooks where they will be less attractive as a spider hangout than if they sit on the ground.

Repurpose an Old Dresser

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could hide all the undressed and dirt smudged Barbie dolls completely out of sight? Consider snagging a yard sale or thrifted dresser as a catch all for the smaller outdoor playthings. This suggestion will last much longer if the dresser is somewhat sheltered from the elements, on a porch, in a shed, or in a garage.

If the dresser is in a conspicuous location consider painting the dresser to match your home.

Plastic Totes or Large Planters

Consider turning a plastic tote or a large planter into an outdoor toy box. Getting the troops to begin tossing in the toys, be sure to drill a few drain holes in the bottom. This only takes a few minutes and helps ensure mosquitoes can’t lay eggs in your new toy bin.

Bonus suggestion:

If you’re feeling exceptionally handy, Ana White has shared plans to build your own outdoor storage bench. The plans are well written and easy enough even for a novice.