Are you feeling like you’re drowning in a sea of too many toys? I’ve been there, and I know it can be overwhelming. But I promise, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel! Here are 6 easy steps on hot to declutter toys.
Why Declutter Kids Toys?
Decluttering your kids’ toys is one of the best things you can do for your sanity and your family’s well-being. Not only will it make your home look and feel less chaotic, but it can also teach your kids valuable lessons about the importance of sharing and letting go of things they no longer need.
And the good news is, it’s easier than you might think! Today, I wanted to walk through six simple steps to declutter kids’ toys, one manageable task at a time. You’ll learn how to set goals, sort toys, purge what you don’t need, organize what’s left, store toys properly, and maintain a clutter-free space.
So take a deep breath, mama, and let’s get started! I’ll be right here with you every step of the way, cheering you on and reminding you that you’ve got this. Together, we’ll conquer the toy clutter and create a happier, more peaceful home for our children, you and your family.
How to Declutter Kids Toys: 6 Easy Steps
Step 1: Set Goals
Before we dive in, let’s talk about why it’s important to set goals first.
Setting goals gives you a clear direction and purpose, and helps you stay focused and motivated throughout the decluttering process. It’s easy to get sidetracked or overwhelmed when you’re faced with a room full of toys, but having a specific goal in mind can help you make more informed decisions about what to keep and what to let go.
To set achievable goals, start by breaking down the task into smaller, more manageable steps. Don’t try to tackle everything at once – focus on one area of your home at a time, or even one category of toys (like stuffed animals baby dolls or board games).
Also, be realistic about your time and energy levels. Don’t set a goal that’s too ambitious or that you don’t have the resources to achieve. Remember, it’s better to start small and build momentum than to burn out before you even get started.
Some examples of goals for decluttering kids’ toys might include:
Donate 10 toys to a local charity or shelter
Create a toy rotation system to reduce clutter and maximize playtime
Sort toys by category (e.g. puzzles, art supplies, outdoor toys) and designate a specific storage space for each
Purge broken or incomplete toys and make a plan to replace or repair them
Remember, these are just examples – your goals should be tailored to your specific situation and needs. So take some time to think about what you want to achieve, and then set some goals that feel achievable and inspiring to you. You’ve got this!
Step 2: Sort
Working one category at a time, divide it into piles:
trash – obviously broken things or overly used things that are not worth repairing, or donating
broken items – broken items that are worth fixing either to sell/donate or keep
donate/sell – nicer items that are not useful in your home
keep – items your kids play with on a daily or weekly basis that add value to your kids’ lives
store for later – toys your kids have not played with for a while because they have outgrown that phase.
Tips For Deciding What Toys To Keep And What To Let Go Of
Keep in mind your observations from step 1.
A lot of the time with sets like train tracks, car tracks, doll house sets, there are pieces included that aren’t really ever played with that are only added to rise the piece count to make it sound like a better deal than it it. Don’t be afraid to add these pieces to you “donate” pile.
Try not to keep multiples of the same toy unless they work together. How many dolls and stuffed toys do your kids actually play with? Variety is a good thing but less is also more. One good quality toy is better than three that serve the same purpose.
Set yourself a number or space limit for types of toys. For example, 2 dolls for each girl, one bin full of legos, 5 tractors for each boy….
Opt for open-ended toys over close-ended ones.
Be very selective about what you are deciding to store. Ask yourself did my kids play with these things often? Do we have multiple items that serve the same purpose (example: rattles, shape sorters, play mats…
Step 2: Sort
Step two is all about sorting! Sorting toys is a crucial step in the process, as it helps you to better understand what you have and what you actually need. It’s also a great opportunity to involve your younger kids in the process, teaching them about organization and decision-making.
To sort toys effectively, start by creating designated piles or bins. I especially like to use three categories for every decluttering process: Toss, Keep, Donate, and Store for Later. Begin by sorting through toys and making piles of what you want to keep based on ages of your kids and if the toys are open ended or not. You could even sort by frequency of use. Based on this, you can decide what belongs in the Trash, Donate, Save for Later Piles.
Working with one pile at a time:
Trash – broken toys or overly used toys that are not worth repairing or donating
Broken Toys – broken items that are worth fixing either to sell/donate or keep
Donate/Sell – nicer items that are not useful in your home
Keep – items your kids play with on a daily or weekly basis that add value to your kids’ lives
Store for later – toys your kids have not played with for a while because they have outgrown that phase.
Tips For Deciding What Toys To Keep And What To Let Go Of
Keep in mind your goals from step 1.
Consider “sets”. Train tracks, car tracks, or other toy collections usually have pieces that aren’t ever played with. Don’t be afraid to add these pieces to you “donate” pile.
Try not to keep multiples of the same toy unless they work together. How many toys, dolls and stuffed animals do your kids actually play with? Variety is a good thing, but less is also best. One good quality toy is better than three that serve the same purpose.
Set yourself a number or space limit for types of toys. For example, 2 dolls for each girl, one bin full of legos, five tractors for each boy….
Opt for open-ended toys over close-ended ones. (more on open-ended toys here)
Be VERY selective about what you decide to store. Ask yourself, “do my kids play with these things often? Do we have multiple items that serve the same purpose?”
Step 3: Purge & Categorize
Okay, now this is the fun part (at least I think it’s fun). Purging. Something about this step always brings me a sense of peace and calm. Toss or donate anything that also ignites anxiety (like obnoxious noise making toys…Tickle Me Elmo, anyone?)
Here’s a list of what items I like to categorize
figures: action figures, animals, princesses
building toys: legos, blocks, magna tiles, k’nex, lincoln logs…
play kitchen toys: foods, cookware, dishes
vehicles and tracks: car tracks, train tracks, cars, tractors
games: board games, puzzles
craft supplies: crayons, pencils, coloring books, glue…
baby specific toys: shape sorters, rattles, pull toys…
role play: costumes, jewelry, hats, crowns…
dolls and accessories: dolls, plush toys, clothes, cradles, blankets…
doll house: people, furniture and accessories
random: anything that doesn’t fit in the other categories
Step 4: Use Bins to Contain Toys
Once you’ve gone through your kids’ toys and categorized toy collections, it’s time to use bins to contain all the toys. This will help keep your space organized and make it easier for your kids to find their toys when they want to play. No more “MOM! Have you seen…?” questions.
You will want to choose a location or furniture piece to house your toys. We store our kid’s toys in linen cubes or plastic containers in closets or shelves.
Consider the size of the toys and choose bins accordingly. Plastic bins with lids work well for many toys, but other options, such as baskets or linen cubes, might also be suitable for fewer toys in your space.
To make these bins more functional, I like to label them. Here are a few tags I like to use or you can easily print, cut, laminate, and attach labels to your bins.
Step 5: Let Go
Okay, has this process been hard? Getting a bit emotional while purging? I get it. I remember first moments my kids began to use a little piano we once had. When it began to make funny noises, I knew it was time for it to go. BUT, I will say that I have plenty of pictures of them using it, which made the choice to get rid of it easier.
Remind yourself of the reasons why you are doing this.
we spend too much time picking up
we don’t have places to put all of these toys
my kids don’t play with a lot of their toys
Christmas is coming and we don’t have any room for the toys we will be gifting our kids!
my kids don’t like playing when everything is unorganized and clutter overwhelms them
less toys = less to clean, store and keep track of
if toys aren’t serving my family, then they are bringing us downStep 4: Organize What’s Left
Step 6: Maintain the Decluttered Space
When decluttering toys and keeping them that way, the first step is figuring out where most of them come from. Are you or your husband buying them? Are they hand-me-downs from friends? Once you know where you get most of your clutter, you can create a plan to avoid future buildup.
One way to do this is by limiting how many new toys come into the house. We set guidelines. by responsibly managing what already exists in our home rather than adding more. We have set boundaries like saying, “To get something new, get rid of two,” or opting for experiential gifts rather than toys for birthdays or holidays. Creating a clear path forward with sensible guidelines helps keep clutter at bay over time.
Involving Kids in the Process
When it comes to involving your kids, make it fun and interactive! Encourage them to help sort their own toys by category or age range, and ask them to pick out only a few items or special items they really love and want to keep. This can help them feel more ownership and control over their belongings, and it can also be a great opportunity to talk about the importance of giving back to those in need.
In the End, What Matters Most
Remember, finding a system that works for you and your family is vital. It’s one step closer to managing a clutter-free home that doesn’t require too much storage. Begin looking at everyday objects like boxes and baskets as tools for creativity and make believe. This allows for fewer toys. Search your house for edible ingredients or materials you can use for science experiments or arts & crafts activities. Books, magazines, and nature provide endless new ideas for indoor playtime!
When looking for an alternative toy solution, consider its function – do you want it to encourage imagination? Logical thinking? Problem solving? It may also be beneficial to research how long the item will likely last before replacing it with something new.
Lastly, remember to store all your toys in labeled bins so that their toy collection doesn’t get out of hand, and, everyone knows where they go when not being used– this makes clean up quicker and easier! And don’t forget to celebrate your progress – every small step counts!
For more tips on creating a clutter free home follow me on Instagram @joyfulhome_blog or visit the blog.
