As a parent, I’m a big advocate for a pre-holiday toy declutter. This year marks our family’s first Christmas with three kids. Our youngest was born at the start of the year, and she’s now at that adorable age where she can tear wrapping paper and play with toys. Her grandparents are excited to see her enjoy the holiday, as well as our older kids.
And honestly, I share that excitement. I love giving my children gifts. While we don’t go overboard for Christmas, the number of presents can quickly add up when you have three little ones. To manage the inevitable influx of new toys and books, I’ve been clearing out the old ones to make space. Although I understand that Christmas doesn’t have to mean an overload of new items, this year has been particularly challenging, and I don’t want to explain the importance of experiences over material things to my small children. With little opportunity for outings this year, we’re expecting a lot of new things, so we need to clear some space.
To find inspiration, I’ve read numerous articles from parents who are far more organized than I am. There are those who apply the KonMari method (which isn’t for me—nothing in my kids’ rooms sparks joy for me except for the kids themselves!) and parents who are pros at making lists and labeling everything. They’re amazing, but that’s just not my style.
If you’re a typical parent with a somewhat relaxed approach to organization and want to simplify things without diving into a complicated system, I have some tips gleaned from my eight years of parenting experience. You won’t need fancy gadgets or trips to the store; just a few large boxes will do.
Be Transparent About the Purge
Don’t attempt to purge toys without your kids’ knowledge. They will notice if their favorite items suddenly disappear! For instance, if your four-year-old wakes up one morning and can’t find his beloved Aquaman figure—despite its missing arm and chew marks from the dog—he’ll understandably be upset. Before you start sorting, make sure your kids know that Christmas is approaching and that it’s time to make space for new treasures. They need reassurance that their cherished items are safe from the declutter.
Create Designated Sorting Areas
Instead of dumping everything into one chaotic heap, create distinct zones for sorting. Gather all the toys in one area and establish four categories: Keep, Storage, Trash, and Donate. (I borrowed this idea from an old show called Clean Sweep!) Sort through items one by one or by category, with your kids’ help.
Start with Broken Toys
The “Trash Zone” is a great starting point. Kids often hold onto items that are broken or damaged beyond repair. Explain that these toys aren’t safe or fun anymore and encourage them to let go of anything that’s not in good condition.
Encourage a Spirit of Giving
Many children have big hearts. If you explain that their gently used toys can bring joy to other kids, they may surprise you with how many they’re willing to add to the “Donate Zone.” You can also set an example by donating some of your own items, showing them how sharing can make a difference.
Try Toy Rotation
If there are items your kids are not quite ready to part with, place them in the “Storage Zone.” We use large plastic bins for this purpose. Every few months, we revisit these bins and swap out toys, allowing kids to rediscover items they haven’t played with in a while, while also saying goodbye to things they no longer enjoy.
Organize the Keep Zone
After the decluttering process, ensure that everything in the “Keep Zone” has a designated spot. If you don’t create space for the new items, your decluttering efforts will feel pointless. Use baskets or shelves to keep everything organized, so you’re not overwhelmed with clutter after the holidays.
Consider Selling Unused Toys
If you find larger or hard-to-sell items, consider listing them on local resale platforms. Share the potential earnings with your kids, allowing them to use the money for a fun family activity, like visiting a drive-through light display or baking special cookies for the holidays.
A Little Stealth May Be Necessary
If your kids resist helping with the purge, let them know that you will need to step in and handle it on your own. The toy decluttering is essential to making room for new items, and if they don’t want to cooperate, you’ll take charge.
Sorry, one-armed Aquaman!
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Summary
Decluttering toys before the holiday season can be a smooth process if you involve your children, reassure them about their cherished items, and create organized categories for sorting. By appealing to their sense of charity, introducing toy rotation, and ensuring everything has a place, you can effectively manage the influx of new items while teaching valuable lessons about sharing and organization.
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