Decluttering your kid’s toy area can not only be stressful but emotional. It’s difficult getting rid of toys that they’ve been playing with for so long, but once your child has outgrown them, all they’re doing is collecting dust. Even though it may cause a problem or even a temper tantrum, you have to declutter, and there’s no better time than spring cleaning.
Get ready to throw out the old and welcome the new. These playroom decluttering tips will help you expel all the unwanted, unloved, and unused toys in your home.
Where To Start
Since getting rid of toys can be so emotional, it’s best to start with the easiest items to get rid of. If they’re broken or damaged, throw them in the trash. Next, check to see if there are any duplicates. No child needs four different “make your own slime” kits. One is enough, especially if they’re not using it regularly.
More easy toys to throw away are ones that are missing pieces. Board games are notorious for this problem, but so are card games and some dolls with specific accessories. When it’s not possible to use a toy for its original purpose, get rid of it.
After that, you can start at the top and work your way down. Go through the shelves, bookshelves, and the closet looking for forgotten items. If they’re stored away in a tub, collecting dust on a high shelf, or hidden in the back of the closet, you don’t need it in your home.
Another great way to start is by asking your kids what toys they don’t want anymore or which ones they don’t play with. Tell them that you’re going to donate the toys to other children who will really appreciate them and play with them all the time. Sometimes, knowing that the toys are going to a good home instead of a landfill can soften the blow of losing toys.
Get The Kids Involved
Including your kids in the decluttering process can give them valuable life skills. It can help them learn what items they value, when to keep those items, and when to move on. Plenty of adults have issues letting go of material objects, which can be a massive detriment to them. So, get your kids to start decluttering sooner rather than later.
It’s important to ease them into the process. One of the best ways to do that is to have a couple of similar toys lined up for them to choose from. Gather all of their dollhouses, toy cars, and action figures and allow your child to see how similar they are. Then, let them choose which one to keep and which ones they’re willing to part with.
Once they decide and they’re ready to get rid of the other similar toys, make sure you praise them! Getting rid of material belongings as an adult can be challenging, but it can be even worse as a kid. These are some of their very first possessions, and they can hold some powerful memories.
Encouraging them to continue to declutter and reassuring them that they will get new toys in the future will help them let go. Remember, you’re not replacing these items any time soon, but when the holidays and birthdays come around, your house will be filled with toys again.
What Can You Do With The Toys
Once everyone has come to their final decisions of what toys you should keep and what toys you should get rid of, it’s up to you to decide how you’ll get rid of them. Luckily, you have a few options. You already know that if a toy is broken or missing pieces, it’s time to throw it in the trash.
The tricky part is deciding what to do with the toys that are still in working order. You basically have two choices. You can donate them, or you can sell them.
When you donate them, you can donate them to a thrift store, a place that receives donations and gives them to the less fortunate, or you can give them to your friends and family who have younger kids. It doesn’t matter where you donate them, as long as they’re out of your house.
You have a few different options when it comes to selling toys. Online markets, like Facebook and LetGo, are great if you only have a few toys to sell or if you’re willing to sell in bulk. Selling a lot of toys individually online can take a lot of time and effort, and it might not be worth it.
The other option is a garage sale. I love garage sales for a few reasons. For one, you can get your kids involved! They can help price the toys, set them out on display, and they might even get to see what child will be able to enjoy it next.
Selling toys is also an excellent option for when your child has a hard time letting go of the items. Talk to them and ask them what they want to do with the money once their toys are gone. Take them to their favorite restaurant or have a pizza party with the money. It will be easier for them to let go of the old toys when they have something new to look forward to.
Other Decluttering Tips
Do your best to let go of the guilt that comes with getting rid of so many toys. In the end, you’re doing the right thing for your home, yourself, and especially your kids. They don’t need to be overstimulated with options when they can use their imagination and the toys you’re keeping.
If you know one or more of your children won’t be happy with losing some toys, start the process when they’re not around. Start during nap time, while they’re at school, or on a playdate. You know what toys your kids play with. They might not even notice that these toys are gone.
Once all you’re finished decluttering, create a system. The best method to keep your home decluttered is the one in and one out approach. If your child wants another toy or gets another toy for a holiday, it’s time to get rid of one. That way, you’ll always have the same number of toys in your home, no matter what.
Be strong and keep decluttering until you’re left with toys that have value to your child. This process can be challenging now, but once your house is clean and junk-free, everyone will feel much better. Then you can start decluttering your own space!
