Having a few dog toy storage ideas up your sleeve is a great plan for those moments when you feel like your home has suddenly become overrun by all your pooch’s playthings.
Given how much you love your furry friend, we bet you’ve spoiled them plenty by investing in some of the best dog toys. Which is a great thing by the way, because just like us humans, our pets can suffer from boredom, stress, and anxiety when they don’t have enough to do, and that can lead to all sorts of destructive behaviors.
But we also have a hunch that you have times when you survey your home in horror and wonder how on earth every single square inch of space has ended up being dominated by all of your beloved dog’s belongings!
If you’re wanting to tear your hair out right now with all the clutter, then trust us, you’ve come to the right place because we’ve found some ingenious dog toy storage ideas that are going to have your home looking like something Mary Poppins would be proud of in no time. Promise!
1. Canvas storage bin
Stylish and functional, canvas storage bins blend beautifully into any home decor and the fabric can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth, making them a great low-maintenance choice. We particularly love this Morezi storage box which has convenient side handles, an easy-to-fasten lid, and a collapsible design that makes transporting it a breeze.
2. Wine racks
Now, we know what you might be thinking, you’d quite like to keep your wine racks for actual wine, right? Well, don’t worry, you can, but it might also be a good idea to invest in an extra one for your dog’s toys as the humble wine rack performs a great double duty here. Choose a cubby style with a sealed back to keep everything secure.
3. Storage ottoman or footstool
Not only can the right storage ottoman or footstool add a touch of class to your living space, but it’s also a great place to store all those extra toys. There are tons of chic options to choose from, although we’re particularly loving the budget-friendly Otto & Ben ottoman-style toy box chest that comes in a wide range of colors.
4. Crates
Wooden storage crates have tons of rustic charm and they’re ideal for keeping the spaces around your home free from clutter. Nesting crates are particularly great as you’ll get different sizes, plus some even come with cute signage attached so you can quickly see what’s in each. You could use one for toys and the other ones for your dog’s grooming and walking supplies.
5. Shoe cubbies
Not just for your footwear, shoe cubbies are also ideal when you’re looking for a little bit of extra storage space. You can invest in vertical or horizontal cubbies in a range of sizes depending on the layout of the room you’re wanting to put it in and how many toys you have, but you’ll probably find something like a 15-unit organizer to be more than adequate.
6. A toy hammock
Want to keep your dog’s toys off the floor? Enter the hammock! This is an ingenious way of keeping your floors clear of clutter by suspending the toys in the corner of a room. It also prevents your pup from having access to them when you don’t want them to, so that’s a nice bonus.
7. Ladder shelving
Ladder shelving gives a beautiful modern look and it can be a nice way of displaying your dog’s toys alongside other items. You’ll find all sorts of lovely finishes in a range of tier levels, but we particularly like the combination of wood and metal offered by homeware brand Blissun.
8. Vintage suitcases
If you’re a fan of the retro or vintage look, why not store your dog’s toys in a suitcase? Purchasing two or three in various sizes enables you to stack them for a unique look that makes for a great talking point. You’ll find some great buys at your local thrift shop, but here’s an example from Deco 79 to give you an idea of the sort of look you can achieve.
9. Wicker basket
The humble wicker basket never goes out of fashion and they look stunning no matter where you put them, plus they’re budget-friendly, which is always a winner in our books! We have to admit we’re crushing hard on this cute option from the Bone Dry Store that’s made from durable and long-lasting hyacinth material that’s been woven into a metal frame.
10. Over-the-door shoe organizer
If you want to keep those toys firmly hidden away, why not go for an over-the-door shoe organizer? These hook over the inside of your door and come with pockets that you can place many of your pet’s items in. Once you’ve placed everything in the pockets, close the door and voila, out of sight, out of mind! AmazonBasics offer a great cheap and cheerful organizer with 20-pockets, more than enough to hold all those toys.
How to store your dog's toys
Although all of the above storage options are a great way to keep your pooch's playthings organized, there are a few additional tips that can help you extend the longevity of both the toys and whatever you're choosing to store them in.
Just like our clothes and bedding need washing regularly, you'll also want to make sure you regularly give all of your dog's toys a good clean to rid them of bacteria, yeast and mold. Rubber and plastic toys can be easily wiped down, but fabric toys often need to go in the washing machine at around 40-60 degrees to kill germs.
Make sure you check your dog's toys regularly too and when you notice fraying or pieces starting to come loose or break off, it's time to throw them in the bin and get a replacement.
Because dogs chew on their toys, your chosen storage option will need a good regular clean too. To make your life easier, look for materials like wood or metal that you can quickly go over with a damp cloth or fabrics like canvas, which can often be machine washed or spot-cleaned.
