How to declutter your children’s toys?
Having little ones at home is a joy, but when it comes to their toys, there’s no easy way to declutter them. It can accumulate fast and take up a lot of space. I feel you! Even though they’re kids, you must respect their things and treat this task delicately. It wouldn’t be fair to your children even if you want to eliminate everything for your visual well-being. If you dread this task, don’t panic because, in this article, I’ll lead you to what I do and what has worked for me. I’m passionate about sorting, cleaning, and tidying, and these tips come from TV shows, Marie-Kondo’s books, and a mix of experiments I’ve used for my sorting for years. It’s up to you to adapt those tips to you.
A word before starting:
First, I’ll give you a tip to simplify your task immediately. If your child is at an age where he can express himself, simply ask him what he likes. If he can’t tell you, use your powers of observation to see what he’s drawn to when he plays. You know your child better than anyone, so before you start, put these toys in a box with the words “To keep” and put that box aside.
Secondly, please restrict yourself to toys only. While sorting out the toys for your little one(s), you’ll be distracted by another category. I know what it is, and I strongly advise against this. If you want to sort well, limit yourself to one category at a time.
1) Planning:
Depending on your schedule, start planning the ideal time to do this decluttering. Take a pen and paper and write down the rooms where the toys are.
Ask yourself if you’d like to sort only in his room or if you’re ready to sort toys in every room (basement, garage).
Note whether you want to do this task alone or with the child concerned.
Calculate the number of bins or boxes you’ll need for sorting:
- To keep;
2. For sale;
3. To give away;
4. Discard;
2) Sort:
Once you’ve finished step 1 and you know a bit about what to expect, start by defining a perimeter that will be reserved to put all the toys in. If this is too much at once, you can go by category too. For example, start with dolls, then construction sets, and finish with puzzles.
Take your bins, gather them in front of you so you can see them, and the sorting can begin. Take one toy at a time and examine them one by one.
3) Suggested questions for sorting:
Does he play with this toy regularly?
Is the toy still suitable for him?
Does the toy have sentimental or financial value?
Is it in good condition? Is it repairable?
Are there other toys similar to this one?
4) Selling and donations:
After organizing everything and placing it in his box, you can choose to sell the toys on platforms like Marketplace or Craigslist. If selling isn’t of interest to you, you can also donate them to charity stores or other organizations.
In conclusion, whether you decide to sell the toys for a little extra cash or donate them to those in need, taking the time to sort through your kid’s collection can bring both satisfaction and a sense of purpose. By finding a new home for these items, you’re not only decluttering but also contributing to your community. Whatever option you choose, remember that giving things a second life can make a positive impact, both for you and others. That’s also a great lesson to teach to your kid by showing him the purpose of it.