We mainly use plastic tubs in our Expedit shelf unit but I have found the key is to rotate rotate rotate. I regularly go through everything and then cull - send to op shops and keep out about 4-5 main things they like, puzzles, dolls, strollers and a few other bits and that is it. Blocks, train tracks, cars are all on rotation and come out for a week or so then back again. I have been amazed at how little they actually need out but it has been a godsend for me because the mess does my head in.
I can't speak highly enough about the ikea trofast storage units. We have the bench style one in the kids room which is a perfect toddler height - ideal for play. Toddlers rarely like to play on the floor or at floor level (unless it is blocks/trains/roads etc) preferring to be at sitting or standing height. Think pre-school or kinder where all the activities are set up at child height. I found that DD (3yrs) didn't play with her play kitchen or farm set when it was on the floor but as soon as I moved it onto the trofast bench she would spend hours there. She uses the bench for craft activities, play-doh, animal play, cooking, trains, puzzles etc... The plastic tubs then slot in below the bench and hold all her toys. I put photo labels on the outside of them so she knows what goes where when packing up. It works a dream.
I also keep some toys in the bottom of the Expedit shelving in our lounge in boxes and baskets and have a basket on the shelf for all of her craft supplies. Dress ups are kept in an old vintage suitcase which is under her bed. Lastly, I keep a selection of toys in roll out plastic tubs under the beds for rotation. At the end of the day, we put on a pack up song (Found on itunes - by the mudcakes) and DD runs around putting everything away!! It is too good to be true but that song and this system leaves me with a house that is not overun with toys. So nice!
ETA: Just want to clarify, the best trofast configuration for toys is the bench with 3 sections x 3 shelf rails. We have two in a row along one wall which I somtimes put perpendicular to eachother to form a mini 'play room'. The stair like trofast configuration is ok for storage but you can't really make use of the top surface for play. (They have been awesome for clothes storage though!)
I'm another member of the IKEA cult here. We have the tubs in the drawers and they are perfect! If you are on a budget check out ebay as people are often selling them second hand. I figure my son will make it look second hand after about 2 seconds so I may as well buy it that way.
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