No one warned me that parenting would turn my home into a toy explosion zone. Seriously, where do my kids even get all this stuff? Between the tiny plastic bits lodged in every corner, books and games hogging every available surface, and an endless supply of toys and art supplies, it often feels like we’re on an episode of “Hoarders.”
As a bit of a neat freak, clutter makes me anxious. When the mess gets so bad that I’m tip-toeing around to avoid Lego landmines, it’s time for a serious toy purge. I make it a point to do this at least a couple of times a year. I pick a day, send the kids off to play elsewhere, and then dive into their toy collection to decide what to toss, donate, or keep.
Let me tell you, I’m fierce about it. If they haven’t touched a toy in two or three months, it’s gone. I’ve never regretted anything I’ve thrown out—not even for a second. Most of the time, my kids play with only a fraction of their toys anyway.
Sure, there are some favorites that deserve to stay, cherished toys full of memories. But let’s be real: a lot of what they have is just junk. And for the toys that aren’t complete trash but haven’t seen much action? They get donated to kids who could use them more. As my kids have grown, they’ve even started joining in the donating process. It’s a powerful lesson in sharing and understanding that not everyone has as much as we do.
After a big decluttering session, it’s nothing short of miraculous. Suddenly, the kids who claimed to be bored start playing—really playing! With less clutter to distract them, they can actually see and enjoy the toys they love. The space feels lighter, and their imaginations can run wild. Plus, I’m way happier in my tidier home. It’s a win-win; we all feel less stressed and more at ease.
I wish I could say I keep the decluttering momentum going all year, but let’s be honest; it’s tough to prevent new toys from sneaking in. I try my best, but it’s challenging when you want your kids to socialize and enjoy gifts. Regular decluttering helps remind us what truly brings joy.
For my kids, it turns out only a few categories of toys are worth holding onto: activity-based toys like art kits, open-ended items that spark creativity (we have a massive box of dress-up costumes), good books, and fun games that everyone can play together.
Over time, I’ve gotten better at guiding gift-givers toward these kinds of toys. I’ve also convinced my kids that experiences often hold more value than physical items, and they’ve started to come around to that idea. Plus, I make sure that any new purchases are purposeful—something they’ll actually use instead of just adding to the clutter. It’s not perfect, but I do my best.
The key takeaway for us as parents is to teach our kids that less is more. They don’t need the latest trendy toy, which often turns out to be bulky and overpriced. What really matters is the experiences we share and the connections we build, not the stuff we own.
When it comes to actual toys, they should reflect what sparks joy in their lives. The rest? Just clutter. Once you clear that out, it’s like everyone can finally breathe, relax, and truly enjoy what’s important.
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In summary, decluttering your home can lead to a more relaxed and joyful environment for both you and your kids. Teaching them the value of less can help them appreciate what truly matters.
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