Daycare clutter is its own special kind of chaos—tiny pieces, big toys, and art supplies that multiply overnight.
Low Wood Cubby Wall
In every daycare setup I’ve helped organize, a low wood cubby wall is the heartbeat—kids can grab and return toys without asking you every two seconds. I like building mine from plywood with chunky face frames so the daycare storage survives daily bumps.
Check these products out:
- Low Wooden Cubby Shelving Unit: Create immediate accessibility for little ones with a durable, low-profile storage unit designed for independent play.
- Woven Storage Baskets for Shelves: Keep smaller toys and supplies tidy while adding natural texture to your space with fit-perfect baskets.
- Wooden Toy Car or Vehicle: Encourage imaginative play by placing a sturdy, classic wooden toy vehicle right on the floor nearby.
Clear Lidded Bin Stacks
For manipulative storage like beads, counters, and connectors, I swear by stacked clear bins so you can see what’s missing at a glance. I learned the hard way to keep lids consistent—mixing sizes in daycare storage turns into a daily puzzle.
A few helpful options:
- Clear Plastic Storage Bins with Lids (Multipack): Keep small manipulatives visible and organized by choosing clear, uniform containers that stack easily for neat storage.
- Wooden Drawer Storage Frame/Organizing Rack: Create a vertical storage system with a sturdy wooden frame designed to hold your standardized plastic bins securely.
- Printable or Erasable Label Stickers: Ensure every item has a home by applying clear, easy-to-read labels to each bin for quick identification.
Open Shelving at Kid Height
In a daycare, open shelving beats closed cabinets because kids can actually find what they’re allowed to use. I build shallow shelves with a front lip so puzzles and trays don’t slide off when little hands get excited.
You might like:
- Montessori-Style Low Wooden Shelf: Make toys accessible with this low profile shelving unit, perfect for encouraging independence and easy cleanup time.
- Sturdy Plastic Storage Bins with Handles: Keep loose items organized on your shelves with durable bins that act as portable drawers for play.
- Woven Storage Baskets for Shelves: Add a touch of warmth and texture while neatly corralling smaller toys or supplies on open shelves.
Entryway Cubbies and Boot Tray
Daycare drop-off gets smoother when every child has a named cubby and there’s a dedicated shoe and coat storage zone. I built a simple bench with cubbies underneath, and it instantly cut down on the morning pile-up.
Useful items to consider:
- Entryway Storage Bench with Cubbies: Provide a sturdy seat for putting on shoes while organizing footwear neatly in accessible open compartments below.
- Wall-Mounted Coat Rack: Hang backpacks and jackets within easy reach using a durable rack to keep floor space completely clear.
- Woven Storage Baskets for Shelves: Keep smaller items like mittens and hats tidy by sliding these textured bins into open shelving units.
Under-Table Sliding Trays
When a daycare room is tight on space, I add under-table storage by mounting shallow sliding trays for paper, stickers, and puzzles. I started doing this after tripping over floor bins one too many times during cleanup.
Products that could assist:
- Under Desk Drawer Organizer: Instantly create hidden storage for stationary and small loose items by attaching this drawer directly under your table.
- Wooden Serving Tray: Use a simple wooden tray to corral small puzzle pieces or art supplies on top of your play tables.
- Drawer Slide Runners: Build your own custom under-table storage solution by adding these smooth-gliding hardware rails to existing wooden boxes.
Diapering Station Drawer Zones
Daycare diaper supplies get out of control fast, so I organize a changing area with drawer dividers for wipes, creams, and spare clothes. I’ve made dividers from thin plywood, and it’s one of those boring upgrades that saves your sanity daily.
Possibly handy products:
- Adjustable Drawer Dividers: Create custom sections for diapers and wipes instantly by sliding these expandable separators into your existing dresser drawers.
- Fabric Storage Cubes: Keep tiny socks, creams, and accessories sorted neatly with these soft organizers that fit perfectly inside larger drawers.
- Woven Storage Basket: Store bulky items like extra blankets or burp cloths on top of the dresser for easy, stylish access.
Magnetic Tin Wall for Small Pieces
This one feels a little magical in a daycare: a mounted metal panel with lidded tins for small manipulatives keeps sets together without a thousand loose baggies. I tried it for math counters and it turned into my favorite tiny-parts storage trick.
Items that may come in handy:
- Magnetic Spice Tin Containers: Store small beads, counters, and buttons securely with these magnetic tins that stick instantly to metal surfaces.
- Wall Mounted Magnetic Board: Create the perfect blank canvas for your storage tins by mounting this magnetic board on any wall.
- Chalkboard Labels & Markers: Keep supplies organized by labeling each tin clearly, making it easy for kids to find what they need.
