As the holidays approach, I’m a firm advocate for decluttering toys. This year marks our family’s first Christmas with three kids. Our newest addition, born early in the year, is now at the age where she can tear into wrapping paper and engage with toys, which is just delightful. Her grandparents are eager to see that, as are our older kids—and I can’t deny that I enjoy gifting my children presents too. While we keep our celebrations modest, with three kids, even a few gifts each can quickly add up.
Rather than battling the wave of new items that the holiday brings, I’ve been proactively clearing out old toys to create space for the new. I know that Christmas doesn’t have to mean “more stuff,” but given the challenges of 2020, I’m not about to explain the concept of experiences over possessions to my little ones when we can’t safely go out. This year, we’re expecting a lot of books and toys, so we need to make room for them.
To get motivated, I’ve read various articles by those who are far more organized than I am. There are parents who utilize the KonMari method (which doesn’t work for my family as nothing in my children’s room brings me joy except for the kids themselves). Then there are the list-making, ultra-organized, label-loving parents. They are inspiring. But I’m not one of them.
If you’re just an everyday parent, looking to reduce the clutter without the commitment to a specific method, I’ve got a few practical tips for you. After eight years of parenting, I’ve gathered some insights that work for me. You won’t need fancy tools or a trip to any store; all you need is a few big boxes.
Don’t Sneak in the Toy Purge
Your kids will notice if toys start disappearing. If you suddenly toss out that one-armed Aquaman from a happy meal, expect a morning meltdown when your four-year-old demands to know what happened to it. Your kids deserve to know that Christmas is coming and that it’s time to make room for new things, which may mean letting go of some toys. They wouldn’t appreciate their belongings disappearing without their consent, so be upfront about it.
Before starting the decluttering process, reassure them that their favorite toys are safe. For instance, my oldest loves dinosaurs, while my middle child is attached to character playsets. It’s crucial to establish that their cherished items will remain untouched.
Create a Sorting System
Start by gathering all the toys into one central location without touching their most beloved items. No need to create chaos; simply organize them into four categories: Keep, Storage, Throw Away, and Donate. (I borrowed this idea from a show that aired years ago!)
Begin with the “Throw Away” category, where you can address broken or unusable toys. Kids can be surprisingly attached to broken items, but once they realize they’re no longer fun or safe, they often agree to let them go.
Encourage Charity
Many children have kind hearts. If you explain that their gently used toys can bring joy to other kids, they might surprise you with how many they’re willing to donate. You can model this behavior by donating some of your items too, showing them how sharing can make a difference. Just ensure that donated toys are in good condition, as secondhand items should be valuable, not merely “better than nothing.”
Consider Toy Rotation
If certain toys aren’t ready for the donate pile but are too loved to get rid of, place them in the “Storage Zone.” We keep a few plastic bins where the kids can bid farewell to some toys temporarily. Every few months, we rotate them out, bringing back items they haven’t played with in a while and saying goodbye to others they’ve lost interest in.
Organize the Keep Zone
This decluttering effort won’t be effective if you don’t have space for new gifts. Ensure that everything in the “Keep Zone” has a designated place that keeps clutter at bay. We use baskets and shelves, but the organization system you choose is entirely up to you.
Sell Unwanted Toys
For larger or more valuable items, consider selling them on local resale platforms. Let your kids know they can use the money for family fun, such as a drive-through light display or special ingredients for holiday treats. This can make letting go of unused toys feel more rewarding.
Embrace a Little Stealth
If your kids resist helping, remind them that the toy purge is necessary. If they don’t want to cooperate, you may have to take matters into your own hands. Sorry, one-armed Aquaman!
For more ideas on family activities and decluttering, check out this other blog post. You can also learn about enhancing your fertility journey through reputable resources like Make A Mom and Resolve.
Summary
Decluttering toys before the holidays can help make space for new gifts while teaching kids about sharing and organization. Start by being upfront about the process, involve your children in sorting, and encourage charitable giving. Consider toy rotation for beloved items and ensure everything kept has a designated spot. Selling unwanted toys can also add a fun twist to the experience.
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