Out with the Old, In with the New: Toys
Decluttering the Kids’ Toys Before New Gifts Arrive
The holidays are magical, but they bring a challenge to every parent: where will all those shiny new toys go? If your children's play area is already overflowing, waiting until after the gifts arrive is a recipe for chaos.
The secret to a peaceful post-holiday home is to make room now. This isn't just about space; it’s about teaching valuable lessons about organization and generosity.
Here is your compassionate, four-step guide to decluttering the toy room before the avalanche begins.
Step 1: Set the Stage
Before you involve the kids, you need a plan.
Gather your supplies: Get several large, labeled boxes or bins ready:
Toss: For broken items, dried-up markers, or anything with missing pieces.
Donate / Sell: For items in good condition that are ready for a new home.
Keep (for later): For sentimental items you want to save, or toys you want to cycle out of rotation temporarily.
Establish the quota: Mentally decide how much space you need to clear out. Use the “One In, One Out” rule as your mantra. For every new item expected, an old item must be ready to leave the house.
Time it right: If possible, tackle this when the kids are at school, napping, or busy. You can do the bulk of the tossing (of clearly broken and unwanted items) quickly without argument.
Involve your children to empower them and teach decision-making, but keep the process structured to avoid emotional pitfalls.
Step 2: The Kid-Friendly Sorting Strategy
Focus on categories: Instead of tackling the whole room, focus on one category at a time (e.g., "stuffed animals”, “building blocks”, or “board games”). This makes the task less overwhelming.
Ask the right questions: Instead of asking, “Do you want to get rid of this?” which encourages hoarding, ask:
“Is this game too easy for you now?”
“When was the last time you played with this?”
“Is there another child who would love this toy more than you do right now"?”
The “Testing Period”: If they are resistant to parting with something, move it temporarily into the “Keep (for later)” bin and store it out of sight. If they don’t ask for it in a month, move it straight to the donation pile.
Step 3: Immediate Action on Common Clutter Culprits
Certain types of toys are always the easiest to clear out. Target these first for quick wins!
| Clutter Culprit | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Puzzles & Games | Check every box. If pieces are missing or the game is clearly broken, toss it immediately. Pro Tip: Keep a small Ziploc bag inside game boxes for small pieces. |
| Art Supplies | Toss any dried-out markers, broken crayons, paint that has gone bad, or dried-up glue sticks. Consolidate usable supplies into one container. |
| Duplicate Toys | Do you have three identical race cars? Two Barbie dreamhouses? Keep the best one and donate the rest. Duplicates rarely add value to play. |
| "Happy Meal" & Party Favors | These tiny, low-quality items create constant visual clutter. Unless they are actively played with, put them directly into the "Toss" bin. |
Step 4: The Generosity Lesson
Frame the decluttering process as an act of kindness and community spirit, rather than a loss.
Highlight the impact: Talk to you children about how their gently used toys will go to a child who doesn’t have many gifts this holiday. This connects their actions to a meaningful outcome.
The donation ritual: Let them help load the car and drop the boxes off at the donation center. This completes the cycle and gives them closure.
Reclaim the space: Once the “Donate” and “Toss” boxes are empty, take a few minutes to reorganize the remaining toys. Seeing the organized, spacious play area helps them appreciate the decluttering effort.
Final Tip for Parents
The goal isn’t a museum-perfect playroom; the goal is a joyful holiday. By clearing the clutter now, you are reducing stress for yourself and creating anticipation for the wonderful new toys that are about to arrive.
Ready to Conquer the Chaos?
Decluttering is the first step, but creating a system that lasts is the real challenge. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, or if the idea of perfectly organizing the “Keep” pile sounds like too much to handle before the holidays, we are here to help.
Contact us today for a complimentary 30-minute consultation. We specialize in creating custom, sustainable organization systems for playrooms and family spaces, ensuring your home is holiday-ready and stays clutter-free all year long.
