Craft Closet Makeover for the Toy Testing Sisters

We had the pleasure of working with Mandy from the Toy Testing Sisters to transform a craft closet just off her kitchen. Mandy and Mel, the sisters behind Toy Testing Sisters, have built a reputation for their thoughtful toy reviews and, along the way, gathered an impressive collection. This particular closet is the hub for Mandy’s kids’ creative play, arts and crafts, and also houses their upstairs toy rotation (a small sampling of toys kept upstairs, while the main playroom and larger toy collection live downstairs).

Our goal was to create a functional and inspiring closet that made creativity easy, gave the kids access to the supplies they love most, and ensured everything had a designated place. We wanted the system to be simple enough for her kids to maintain while still bringing beauty and order to a high-traffic space. Here’s how we made it happen!

Steps to an Organized Craft Closet

At Nice & Neat Homes, we follow the same five-step method on every project. Here’s how it looked in Mandy’s space:

1. Remove Everything – The first step is always to clear out the space completely. This gives us a clean slate to work with and helps our clients see exactly what they own.
   
2. Sort and Categorize – Once everything is out, we sort items into categories like markers, stickers, paint, toys, and more. This step helps us understand how much space each category needs and whether it makes sense to keep everything in this closet.
   
3. Edit and Declutter – Mandy set aside items her family no longer used or loved, making room for what truly mattered.
   
4. Bring in Product – With categories set and quantities in mind, we brought in thoughtfully chosen storage solutions that would make the system sustainable. Read on for more details about what products we chose.
   

Label Everything – Finally, we finished the project by labeling every bin and container. Labeling is key to long-term success because it takes the guesswork out of cleanup.

Whether it’s Mandy, her kids, or even a babysitter putting things away, everyone knows exactly where each item belongs.

Product Selection: The How & Why

Mandy had one specific request for this closet: clear bins. She wanted her kids to be able to see their supplies at a glance and feel inspired to use them. While we always label bins for clarity, clear containers give kids that extra layer of accessibility. Here are a few of the products we used in her space:

• Brightroom Stacking Acrylic Bins – These versatile bins fit perfectly on Mandy’s shelves and come in a variety of sizes. We used them for larger categories like stickers, paint, and magnets. The lids make stacking easy, and their wipe-clean design is perfect for messy art supplies.
  
• 12×12 Open Front Bins – These bins are ideal for little hands. They allow kids to quickly grab what they need without having to unstack containers. While they are stackable, in this closet we left them open and accessible.
  
•  Elfa Over-The-Door Organizer – One of our favorite solutions for maximizing space, this system added a ton of vertical storage to Mandy’s closet. We used it for pens, colored pencils, and other smaller supplies, leaving plenty of extra room for future needs.

These are just a few of the products we used in Mandy’s craft closet. For an all-inclusive list, click here. 

Making Space for Memory Boxes

One of the unique touches we added to this project was creating a dedicated home for potential memory box items to live. Mandy keeps a memory box for each of her children, where she stores keepsakes like artwork, school projects, report cards, and other milestones. By giving her a specific spot in the craft closet to collect these items, it becomes so much easier to sort through them regularly and decide what’s worth saving. This small step helps her stay on top of sentimental clutter and ensures nothing important gets lost in the shuffle of everyday life.

If you’re curious about how memory boxes can simplify your own home, you can check out how Mandy uses hers here. We’ve also compiled a detailed list of what to store in your memory box to give ideas!

The Result

The finished closet is now bright, functional, and inviting. Mandy’s kids can easily find their art supplies, rotate toys in and out, and access everything independently. Mandy has peace of mind knowing the closet won’t spiral back into chaos because each item has a clear, labeled home. Even better, she has a built-in system for capturing family memories through her kids’ memory boxes.

For more insight from Mandy’s experience working with Nice & Neat Homes, check out the reel  she made about the process. To see behind-the-scenes details from our perspective, watch the reel we created here. 

Ready to Get Organized?

Organized spaces do so much more than look good. They make daily life easier and more enjoyable. Whether it’s one craft closet or your entire home, our team at Nice & Neat Homes specializes in creating customized systems that actually stick.

If you’re ready to simplify your home and create spaces that inspire, we’d love to help. Reach out to us to learn more about our services, explore more projects on our website, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter for practical tips and inspiration.