If you’re a fan of decorating or organization shows, you’ve likely encountered parents struggling with toy storage. The once formal dining or living room, and sometimes the entire house, is often overwhelmed by colorful plastic toys and children’s items. If this scenario sounds familiar, there are excellent storage solutions to help hide toys from view and keep them organized.
A well-loved method for organizing toys is the IKEA TROFAST System, which combines a storage frame with removable boxes. Its popularity stems from its cost-effectiveness and customizable options. You can buy the frames and boxes as a set or separately, allowing you to mix and match different sizes and colors. However, it’s important to note that TROFAST frames are only compatible with TROFAST boxes. Given the system’s popularity, it frequently runs out of stock, prompting a search for alternative solutions.
Priced at $79.99, the TROFAST Storage combination with boxes is a horizontal unit featuring three small storage boxes on top and three larger ones below. The boxes are available in various colors, and the three rows of grooves accommodate different box sizes. If you opt to purchase boxes separately, they range from $1.50 to $5 for plastic options, and $6 to $12 for mesh. The boxes are easy to label, and the unit’s low height and smooth grooves make it accessible for children to reach—and importantly, put away—their toys. If you’re considering this type of organization unit but find that the TROFAST is out of stock, there are other alternatives available.
Worthy Alternatives to the IKEA TROFAST System
When TROFAST products are out of stock, it might take some time for them to be restocked. Additionally, some items are only available in-store, which can be problematic if there’s no IKEA nearby. Fortunately, there are similarly priced storage options available, like the Humble Crew Supersized Toy Storage Organizer, which features 16 removable plastic bins in a variety of color choices.
Another excellent alternative is a cube storage organizer, often paired with decorative fabric or woven bins, offering a more elegant solution for toy storage in main living areas. Unlike the IKEA TROFAST system, cube storage allows you to mix and match different brands of toy storage bins and frames. With cube storage, you also have the flexibility to leave some sections without bins to serve as display shelves. The NELYE Organizer Bookcase comes in four-cube ($52.99), six-cube ($72.99), and eight-cube ($92.99) options in white or oak frames, usable vertically or horizontally. You can complement this system with Amazon Basics Cube Organizer Storage Bins ($22.20 for six), available in eight colors.
