Upcycled Toy Organizer Craft Room Makeover: Budget-Friendly DIY

Updated at: 29/03/2025

Transforming a cluttered craft room into an organized haven doesn't require a hefty budget or professional help. This project demonstrates how to create a stunning, functional toy organizer using upcycled materials, breathing new life into old items and saving you money in the process. Forget expensive storage solutions; we'll show you how to repurpose discarded containers, furniture, and even fabric scraps to create beautiful and practical storage for your crafting supplies and children’s toys. The result? A stylish and organized space that reflects your creativity and resourcefulness, all without breaking the bank.

This budget-friendly DIY project is perfect for anyone looking to maximize their space and minimize their spending. We'll guide you through each step, from selecting the right upcycled materials to assembling your custom toy organizer and integrating it seamlessly into your craft room. Ready to get started? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Toy holder (from Facebook Marketplace)
  • Light gray interior paint
  • Paint brushes (two sizes)
  • Paint stirrer (drill with coat hanger)
  • Wet paper towel
  • Baskets from Walmart
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise children around upcycled projects, especially those involving potentially sharp edges or small parts that could pose a choking hazard. Thoroughly inspect all materials before use.
  • Ensure any paints, stains, or sealants used on upcycled toys are non-toxic and child-safe, especially if the organizer will store children's toys. Allow ample drying time before use.
  • If using old containers, thoroughly clean and sanitize them before repurposing to remove any potential residue or contaminants. Check for structural integrity to avoid collapse.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • Prepare the paint and clean the toy holder.
    Prepare the paint and clean the toy holder.
    Preparation

  2. Painting the Exterior

    • Paint the outside panels, starting with the borders and then filling in the center. Use a smaller brush to address streaks.
    Paint the outside panels, starting with the borders and then filling in the center. Use a smaller brush to address streaks.
    Painting the Exterior

  3. Painting the Interior

    • Paint the inside panels, painting around the dowel rods first, then the center. Remember to paint the handle several times to ensure even coverage.
    Paint the inside panels, painting around the dowel rods first, then the center. Remember to paint the handle several times to ensure even coverage.
    Painting the Interior

  4. Painting the Dowels

    • Paint the dowel rods, starting from the back and moving forward for the first side, then reversing the order (farthest from you first) for the second side to avoid messing up the wet paint.
    Paint the dowel rods, starting from the back and moving forward for the first side, then reversing the order (farthest from you first) for the second side to avoid messing up the wet paint.
    Painting the Dowels

  5. Drying and Finishing Touches

    • Let the paint dry completely. Consider a second coat if needed for better durability.
    Let the paint dry completely. Consider a second coat if needed for better durability.
    Drying and Finishing Touches

  6. Adding Baskets

    • Add the baskets. Ensure the baskets have a small divot at the bottom to prevent them from falling through the cracks.
    Add the baskets. Ensure the baskets have a small divot at the bottom to prevent them from falling through the cracks.
    Adding Baskets

  7. Organizing Supplies

    • Organize your craft supplies within the baskets.
    Organize your craft supplies within the baskets.Organize your craft supplies within the baskets.
    Organizing Supplies

Read more: DIY Upcycled Bed Frame: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Use a paint stirrer attached to a drill for efficient paint mixing.
  • Clean the toy holder with a wet paper towel before painting to remove dust and dirt.
  • When painting the dowel rods, start from the back and work your way forward on one side, and then reverse the process on the other side to avoid smudging the wet paint.
  • Check that your chosen baskets have a small divot at the bottom to fit securely on the dowel rods.
  • Consider a second coat of paint and/or a sealant if you need extra durability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using unsuitable containers

Reason: Choosing containers that are too flimsy, unstable, or don't fit the space properly can lead to a disorganized and ultimately ineffective toy organizer.
Solution: Select sturdy, appropriately sized containers that maximize space and are easy to label and access.

2. Ignoring weight distribution

Reason: Overfilling containers or placing heavy items on top of lighter ones can cause the shelves to sag or the organizer to become unstable, leading to accidents or damage.
Solution: Distribute weight evenly across the shelves and utilize smaller containers for heavier items.

FAQs

What kind of upcycled materials can I use for this project?
Almost anything! Old crates, repurposed shelves, empty paint cans (cleaned thoroughly!), fabric scraps for lining, and even sturdy cardboard boxes can all be transformed into functional toy storage. Think creatively about what you already have on hand.