10 Steps to Decluttering Kids Toys

Is your home filled with kids toys? Do you have trouble walking around your home without stepping on a toy? Learn the 10 steps to decluttering the kids toys in your home, and keep it decluttered for good. I’ll also share tips on how to get cooperation from the kids.

Living room with kids toys

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Does your child have a playroom overflowing with toys? Are the toys are every where sometimes, multiplying on their own? If so, it may be time to declutter.

A decluttered home and space for kids to play is really important. It helps to cut down on anxiety and stress, while also boosting creativity. Read more on why less is more when it comes to kids with 8 Reasons Kids Need Minimalism.

So where do you start? I’ve got a step-by-step guide on how to declutter the kids toys and create mindset of less is more the kids can easily adopt. I’ve used this method since my kids were toddlers and now with teenagers they’re still using this method.

Let’s take a closer look at how to declutter toys.

1. Create Three Bins: Toss, Keep, Donate

You want three bins: toss, keep, and donate. As you pick up a toy, determine if it needs to be tossed, kept, or donated. This makes it so easy to go through your child’s collection.

2. Move Quickly

You want to move quickly so that you can go through your child’s collection quickly. If your child is helping you declutter toys, explain to why things are being donated or tossed. This can be difficult, but you need to help your child understand why it’s important to let things go. Talk about how other kids can benefit from the toys that are donated.

3. Toss Broken Toys

Without question, toss toys that are broken. Not only are they broken, but broken toys can be a hazard for children. Sharp edges can cut them or pieces may break off and be swallowed. Even if it’s your child’s favorite toy, it needs to be tossed.

4. Set a Limit

You want to have a limit of how many toys your child can have. For example, you might have bins for each type of toy. When that bin is full, your child either has to get rid of some before getting something new or they can’t get new toys.

Kids toys in a living room

5. Use Bins to Contain Toys

Bins can be a parent’s best friend. Not only do they contain toys, but they organize them too. You can attach labels so that your child knows where to put toys when they’re done. If your child is too young to read, you can use a picture in place of text.

6. Encourage Kids to Let Go

Kids are more understanding that we realize. Sit down and explain to your child that there are kids out there that don’t have any toys and that when they donates some of their, those kids are able to have things to play with.

7. Recycle Puzzles and Board Games with Missing Pieces

Puzzle and board games that are missing pieces can actually be used in craft projects. Puzzle pieces can be used to make jewelry and old board game boards can be framed and used to decorate a playroom. Be creative. But also don’t feel like you have to keep it. If it hasn’t been played with for a long time, consider donating it.

8. Rotate Toys

Did you know that rotating your child’s toys can ensure they plays with them more often? Take half the toys and put them in storage. Every three months, rotate out the toys. This will make it feel like she’s getting new toys without having to spend money.

9. Use the Buy One Get Rid of Two Rule

If your child wants to bring home a new toy, explain two toys in their stash need to go. As soon as you get home, have them find two toys to go in the donate bin before giving them the toy. This helps ensure their toy collection doesn’t get out of hand and reduces impulsive buys (a lifelong skill).

10. Remember That Less Is More

The fewer toys your child has, the more likely they are to play with what they has. If you find that your child plays with a new toy for a day or two before tossing it aside, it’s time to rethink how often they get new toys. Having fewer toys also boosts creativity.

More often than not, toy collections get out of hand. Take the time to help your child declutter their toys. This will encourage your child to play with more of their toys and to appreciate what they have.

Kids toys in a living room

More Clutter-Free Tips

Did you try this? Don’t forget to rate it and comment below to let me know how it went. You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

7-Day Decluttering Challenge

Looking for more ways to declutter your home? Join my FREE 7-Day Decluttering Challenge! You’ll get a free printable workbook you can use to declutter for good.

I’ll go more in-depth on how to declutter every room in your home, including bedrooms, living and family rooms, closets, and bathrooms.

I’ll also show you how to deal with the emotions that often come up when you’re decluttering and simple strategies you can use to overcome them.

Photo credit: Bigstockphoto.com / FollowTheFlow

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