What do you use for storage of kids play stuff in the backyard? (M)

[one l michele]

We really don't need a shed, as our mower, snowblower, etc. fits fine in the garage and I really wouldn't want the kids to be in the shed unsupervised if that stuff were in there. I thought about a trash can, but not sure how neighbors would feel seeing a trash can in our back yard. The rubbermaid storage things are expensive simply to store outdoor toys. What do you use?

[Jenn in Mo]

We've got some sort of Rubbermaid-ish bucket. 2 Big buckets. One is for swimming toys and one is full of balls, cars, etc. We keep them in the garage. If they had to stay outside without a roof to keep the rain out, what about Rubbermaid/Sterilite containers with lids? The 18 gal totes? Those lids snap on pretty decently for keeping things dry. Not gorgeous, but less conspicuous than a trash can.

[Sue G in PA]

:D Seriously, we do a yard pick-up once a week. The rest of the week, there are bikes, balls, bats, gloves, trucks, etc. all over the yard. I figure if the neighbors don't like it...they can clean it up every night! Okay, now, for how we store the toys for real. :D We have those round buckets w/ handles for balls, gloves, bats, sports equipment and another for trucks, yard toys, gardening stuff, etc. Bikes are stored in our shed. Those buckets only cost about $4 a piece at Walmart. Not that expensive. We keep the buckets in the shed, but you could easily keep them on a porch, garage, etc.

[Brenda in FL]

We use the expensive rubber maid storage thing :001_smile:

We tried using the big containers, but the lids eventually fall apart from the elements - and usually someone would leave a lid off and they would fill with rain water and just sit in the sun and boil the toys - messy!!

We need to put some shelving and bins in the storage thing - it's a mess in there.

[TCoppock]

Good thing that our neighbor can't see into our backyard because they are in a GARBAGE CAN!:D Honestly, it really does serve the purpose quite well.

[Jolash]

I bought two BIG laundry baskets to store it all. We live slap up against our church and one basket is for toys DS doesn't mind sharing with all the church friends on Sunday mornings/church events and one goes into the storage room for toys he wants to keep. We have a rule that all the kids know...if you take it from the basket, you put it back before you leave. Otherwise, it won't be there next week. I generally let him leave any toy in the yard and we do a pick up on Saturday afternoons for the next morning.

[tess in the burbs]

we got a store brand plastic tote for the smaller toys last summer. It's broken now but we will get another one for this summer. We now have a playset with a house up top and the bottom area is covered...so I encourage all toys to get underneath and bonus is if the toys hit the plastic tub with lid on during the rain.

we too don't want a shed. Their outdoor riding toy is falling apart and I know it's b/c of the weather damage, but oh well. If it bothered them they would ask about a cover....