As the holiday season approaches, I’m a strong advocate for the pre-holiday toy declutter. This year marks our family’s first Christmas with three kids. Our youngest, born at the start of the year, is now old enough to tear open gifts and enjoy new toys. It’s a delightful sight! Her grandparents are eager to witness this, and so am I. I genuinely love giving my kids presents. While we don’t go overboard for Christmas, with three children, even a few gifts each can quickly pile up.
Rather than battling the surge of new toys that Christmas brings, I’ve been clearing out old items to create space. I understand that Christmas doesn’t need to be solely about accumulating new things, but given the challenges of 2020, I’m not inclined to explain the value of experiences over possessions to my little ones. We can’t safely venture out this year, so a plethora of books and toys are coming our way, and we need to make room for them.
To gather inspiration, I’ve explored numerous articles by parents who are far more organized than I am. Some use the Kon Mari method, which wouldn’t work for me—nothing in my kids’ room sparks joy for me except the kids themselves. There are super-organized parents with labels and meticulously crafted systems. They’re fantastic, but that’s not me.
If you’re an everyday parent with a somewhat relaxed approach to organization and want to simplify your toy situation without diving into a complex method, I’ve got some practical tips for you. After eight years of parenting, I’ve gathered insights that work for me without needing fancy tools or a trip to the Container Store—just a few large boxes.
1. Don’t sneak in the toy purge.
Your kids will notice if toys start disappearing. If your four-year-old finds a favorite Aquaman from a Happy Meal missing, the drama will ensue. It’s essential to communicate that Christmas is coming and that some toys will need to find new homes. Imagine how you’d feel if your belongings vanished without your consent!
2. Clarify what stays.
Before diving into the decluttering, let them know that their cherished items are safe. My oldest is obsessed with dinosaurs, while my middle child loves playsets from their favorite shows. Making it clear that these beloved toys won’t be part of the purge helps ease their worries.
3. Sort into categories.
Instead of creating chaos, gather everything into one spot. Use boxes or baskets to line up toys and create zones: Keep, Store, Throw Away, and Donate. This method, inspired by the old show Clean Sweep, allows you to sort through items systematically, with your kids helping along the way.
4. Start with broken items.
The “Throw Away Zone” is a good starting point. Kids can sometimes cling to toys that are beyond repair. Explain that broken items aren’t safe or fun. This gentle introduction to decluttering can help them let go of toys that are clearly in disrepair.
5. Foster a sense of giving.
Many children have big hearts. Explain that their outgrown toys can bring joy to other kids. They might surprise you by willingly placing items in the “donate zone.” You can also model this behavior by donating some of your own possessions.
6. Consider storage for beloved items.
If a toy is too cherished for the donation pile, put it in the “Storage Zone.” We use large plastic bins for items kids can say, “See ya later!” Every few months, we rotate toys—bringing back ones they haven’t seen in a while and saying goodbye to others they’ve outgrown.
7. Organize the “Keep Zone.”
A successful toy purge should result in some free space for new gifts. Ensure that everything they choose to keep has a designated spot that won’t clutter your home. Baskets and shelves work for us, but the key is to create a system that suits your household.
8. Sell items for family fun.
If you have valuable items, consider listing them on a local resale page. Let your kids know they can use the money for a fun family outing, like visiting a drive-through light display, or making special cookies for Santa. This can motivate them to part with unused toys.
9. If necessary, consider a little stealth mode.
If kids resist helping with the purge, remind them that some items will have to go, whether they participate or not. The toy purge is essential to make space—sorry, one-armed Aquaman!
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In summary, the holiday season can lead to an overwhelming influx of toys. By communicating with your kids, sorting items systematically, and fostering a spirit of giving, you can successfully declutter and make room for new gifts. Remember, it’s about creating a manageable and enjoyable environment for everyone.