If you’ve ever found yourself tripping over toy cars, stepping on stray Lego blocks (ouch!), or simply wondering where on earth to stash all the bits and bobs that seem to multiply overnight, you’re not alone.
Storage is a never-ending battle for many Australian families, especially those living in smaller homes or apartments. But one clever mum has found a budget-friendly solution that’s not only practical, but also stylish.
It all starts with a $12 Kmart fridge drawer. Chantelle Chislett, a mum of two energetic boys, recently shared her ingenious storage hack that’s taken her sons’ shared bedroom from chaotic to calm.
Like many parents, Chantelle faced the classic conundrum: as her family grew, so did the mountain of toys, clothes, and clutter.
The boys share a sliding door wardrobe, and while she initially used two of Kmart’s popular ‘Kids Storage Units with 6 Tub’ organisers, the arrival of her second child meant she needed to make room for a second hanging rail for clothes.
Suddenly, the bulky storage units had to go. But necessity is the mother of invention, and Chantelle’s solution resonates with parents across Australia.
Instead of splurging on expensive custom cabinetry, she picked up a buffet from Fantastic Furniture and repurposed a range of Kmart’s clear storage containers:
- $12 Large Fridge Drawer
- $13 16L Clear Open Front Bin
- $27 Square Large Modular Storage Drawer
- $10 two-pack of Clear Packing Cubes.
The result? A streamlined, tidy, and highly functional storage system that keeps toys out of sight but still easily accessible for little hands.
‘It was also great because it looked neater—I know kids come with mess, but sometimes mess feels a bit chaotic and overwhelming, so this was a nice way to hide it,’ Chantelle explained.
And let’s be honest, who among us hasn’t felt overwhelmed by the sight of toys strewn from one end of the house to the other?
Chantelle’s approach is as practical as it is clever. She grouped small toys to assess how much space she’d need, then chose stackable containers to maximise every inch of shelf space.
The larger, awkwardly shaped toys and big Lego blocks found a new home in the Square Large Modular Storage Drawer, which fits perfectly under the clothes rail—a spot that was previously wasted space.
‘We now have a second rail for the boys’ clothes. We used the empty space on the floor below for large cars/trucks that used to sit on top of the unit or just on the floor in the bedroom,’ she said.
And the best part? There’s still room to grow. ‘We still have a half-empty side of the unit to fit more toys if we need!’ Chantelle added, proving that a little planning goes a long way.
For parents looking to replicate her success, Chantelle has some sage advice: ‘Knowing quantity and size helps make the decision on what size tubs you get. Also, if you want to utilise space, make sure the sides are flat so there’s no gaps between.’
It’s a simple tip, but one that can make all the difference when you’re working with limited space.
Chantelle also made a safety-conscious choice by leaving the buffet’s legs off, making it easier for her two-year-old to reach toys on top and reducing the risk of tipping. It’s these thoughtful touches that make her solution so family-friendly.
Her post has struck a chord with other parents, who have chimed in with their success stories.
‘We did similar with a buffet,’ one mum shared. ‘So much better, especially since our house is smaller. So we don’t have a spare bedroom or lounge to put toys in. This keeps it out of sight and so much better.’
Others praised the neatness and accessibility, with one parent noting, ‘Love that the kids can see everything.’
It’s no secret that Kmart has become the go-to for affordable, versatile home organisation solutions. From fridge drawers to modular bins, their range is designed to be mixed, matched, and repurposed in countless ways.
With the rising cost of living, more Australians are looking for ways to make the most of what they already have.
Have you tried a Kmart (or other budget) storage hack that’s improved your home, or do you have tips for controlling clutter in a small space? We’d love to hear your stories and see your before-and-after photos! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Also read: Kmart shopper’s ‘genius’ $10 hack for a tidy cabinet
