How To Declutter kids’ Toys (and organise them too)

Introduction: Bring Some Joy Back Into Your Home!

Our Mission is to empower you through organising. Are kids’ toys taking over your house? Do you feel overwhelmed by the clutter and don’t know where to start? Well, fear not! With the help of a professional organiser and some genius storage ideas (we’re looking at you, Ikea), you can declutter your home and create a more organised home. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of  how to declutter kids’ toys and organising toys, providing tips and tricks along the way. So get ready to reclaim your home and create an organised haven for your family!

Kallax Unit- Toy storage ideas

The Importance of Decluttering Toys and the Benefits for Your Kids

Now that we’ve established the need to declutter and organise your kids’ toys, let’s dive into the importance of this process and the benefits it can bring to your little ones.

First and foremost, decluttering toys allows children to focus and engage more deeply with the toys they truly love. When there are fewer options available, kids can better explore their creativity and imagination without feeling overwhelmed. A clutter-free environment also promotes a sense of calm and tranquilly, allowing your children to play and learn in a peaceful space.

Furthermore, decluttering teaches kids important life skills such as decision-making and responsibility. By involving them in the process, you are teaching them to evaluate their belongings and make choices about what to keep or donate. This not only reduces clutter but also instills a sense of ownership and pride in their space.

In addition to the practical benefits, decluttering can also have a positive impact on your kids’ emotional well-being. Studies have shown that an organised and clutter-free environment can reduce stress and anxiety levels, allowing children to feel more at ease in their surroundings.

So, as you embark on your decluttering journey, remember the many benefits that await your family. By providing a clean and organised space for your children to play, learn, and grow, you are setting them up for success and creating a joyful haven they can truly call their own. Stay tuned for the next section, where we’ll delve into the step-by-step process of decluttering and deciding what to keep.

Letting Go: Organised Toys Will Bring a Sense of Joy

As we continue our exploration of decluttering kids’ toys, it’s important to address the challenge of letting go. We understand that it can be difficult to part with things that hold sentimental value or that your children once cherished. But fear not, because in this section, we’ll guide you through the process of discovering what truly brings joy to your kids.

Start by involving your children in the decision-making process. This allows them to take ownership of their belongings while also giving your insight into what truly matters to them. Ask them questions like, “Which toys do you play with the most?” or “Which ones make you the happiest?” Their answers can help you identify the toys that should stay.

Another helpful strategy is to observe your children during playtime. Pay attention to the toys they naturally gravitate towards and those that seem to spark their imagination and creativity. These are the keepers that deserve a special place in their play area.

For items that your kids have outgrown or no longer show interest in, consider donating them to a local charity or passing them on to another family. By doing so, you’re not only freeing up space in your home but also spreading joy to others who may not have access to as many toys.

Remember, letting go doesn’t mean losing memories or sentimental value. Encourage your children to hold onto a few items that hold special meaning to them, like a favourite stuffed animal or a treasured activity set. This way, they can still have a connection to their past while making room for new experiences.

In the next section, we’ll discuss practical strategies for organising and storing the toys that have made the cut. So stay tuned, and let’s create a clutter-free and joyful space for our children to thrive in!

How to Declutter Kids’s Toys: Find Them a New Home

In this section, let’s talk about how to find a loving home for unwanted toys. Decluttering toys doesn’t have to mean throwing everything away. Instead, we can find new homes for toys that are no longer needed or enjoyed by our children.

One option is to donate gently used toys to a local charity or organisation. Many organisations, such as schools, local nurseries, or play centres, are in need of toys for children who may not have the privilege of owning their own. By donating, you not only declutter your home but also spread joy to those less fortunate.

Another option is to pass on toys to friends or family members. Have a chat with other parents and see if they have any interest in the toys your children have outgrown. This way, the toys can bring joy to another child’s life and create lasting memories.

You can also consider hosting a toy swap party. Invite friends and their children to bring their unwanted toys and exchange them for others. This is a great way to refresh your child’s toy collection while fostering a sense of community and sustainability.

Remember, by finding a loving home for unwanted toys, you’re not only decluttering your space but also teaching your children the value of sharing and giving. So, let’s continue our journey to a clutter-free and joyful environment for our little ones to thrive in!

Organising With Style: Creative Storage Solutions and Display Ideas

Now that we’ve found loving homes for unwanted toys and decluttered our space, it’s time to focus on organising the toys that our children still cherish. But who says organising must be boring? Let’s tackle this task with style and creativity!

One of the key factors in maintaining a clutter-free space is having proper storage solutions. Invest in sturdy bins, baskets, and shelves that not only serve their purpose but also add a touch of personality to the room. Look for colourful storage containers or ones that feature your child’s favourite characters. This not only keeps the area tidy but also adds an element of fun to the space.  Take a look at this Ikea blog for inspiration of storage tots toys https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/rooms/childrens-room/gallery/toy-storage-solutions-for-tots-pub23ac4c31

But storage doesn’t always have to be hidden away. Consider incorporating open shelves or bookcases into your child’s room. Use these display areas to showcase their most treasured toys or create themed displays. It allows your child to easily see and access their toys while adding a decorative touch to the room.

For smaller toys like figurines or building blocks, consider clear, stackable containers. This not only makes it easy to find what you’re looking for but also adds a visually appealing element when multiple containers are stacked together. These containers are perfect for inside closet shelves or under bed storage.

To further streamline the organisation process, make use of labels. Label each storage bin or container with the type of toys it holds, such as dolls, cars, or puzzles. Not only does this make tidying up a breeze, but it also helps your child develop important organisational skills.

With these creative storage solutions and display ideas, you can turn the task of organising into a fun and stylish activity. Remember, an organised space not only keeps toys in order but also promotes a sense of calm and creativity for your child. So let’s unleash our inner interior designer and create a clutter-free oasis that sparks joy!

Promoting Generosity: Teaching Kids the Joy of Giving

Now that we’ve successfully decluttered and organised our kids’ toys, it’s time to take it a step further and teach them the joy of giving. As parents, we can use this opportunity to instill valuable lessons about compassion, gratitude, and the importance of helping others.

One way to promote generosity is by involving our children in the donation process. Sit down with them and explain the impact that their donated toys can have on less fortunate children. Encourage them to choose which toys they would like to donate and talk about how these toys could bring joy to someone else’s life.

Consider taking your child to a local charity or organisation that accepts toy donations. Let them physically hand over the toys and witness first-hand the appreciation on the faces of those receiving them. This experience will not only foster empathy but also create lasting memories that they will carry into adulthood.

Additionally, encourage your child to participate in community service activities that involve giving back. Volunteer at a local shelter or organise a toy drive for underprivileged children during the holidays. By actively engaging in acts of kindness, our children will not only develop a sense of empathy but also gain a deeper understanding of the impact their actions can have on others.

As parents, let’s remember that teaching our children about the joy of giving is a lifelong lesson. By promoting generosity and compassion from an early age, we are shaping them into individuals who care about the well-being of others. And in the process, we are fostering a sense of joy and fulfilment that goes beyond material possessions.

A Clean Slate: Celebrating the Joy of a Clutter-Free Space!

After decluttering and donating our kids’ toys, it’s time to celebrate the joy that comes with a clutter-free space! Picture a room filled with only the toys that bring your child happiness and spark their creativity. It’s a clean slate, ready for new adventures and imaginative play.

A clutter-free space not only creates a more peaceful environment but also encourages our children to fully engage with the toys they have. With fewer distractions, they can focus on the toys that truly bring them joy, allowing their imagination to soar to new heights.

Take a moment to appreciate the transformation you’ve achieved together. Celebrate this accomplishment as a family and bask in the joy of a clutter-free zone. Emphasise the importance of keeping the space organised, and encourage your child to take responsibility for putting their toys away after playtime.

By maintaining this clutter-free space, your child will develop good habits and a sense of ownership over their belongings. They’ll learn to appreciate the value of keeping their environment tidy and organised.

With a clean slate, your child’s creativity will flourish, and their playtime will become more intentional and purposeful. Embrace the joy of a clutter-free space and enjoy the endless possibilities that lie ahead!

Summary of the Declutter Process

Step 1: Watch and Take Note

Don’t rush into decluttering without watching your kids play for a few days or weeks.

• What toys are played with the most?
• Which ones are never played with?
• Which toys are dumped out for no reason at all?
• What frustrates your kids while they’re playing?
• Which toys are played with for 5 minutes or less at a time?
• Which toys are played with by more than one of your kids at a time?
• What toys are enjoyed by both boys and girls?

Toys that aren’t being played with are adding nothing but stress and clutter to your home.

Step 2: Declutter:

• Rubbish: obviously broken things or overly used things that are not worth repairing or donating, scraps of paper
• Donate nicer items that are not useful in your home.
• Sell: There is nothing wrong with making some money from their toys. It’s a great incentive to give it to the child to save.
• Keep items your kids play with on a daily or weekly basis that add value to your kids’ lives.

Step 3: Categorise

The next step is to work on one toy category at a time. Here’s a list of basic toy categories:

• figures: action figures, animals, shopkins
• building toys: Legos, Magna Tiles, k’nex,
• Play kitchen toys: foods, cookware, dishes
• vehicles and tracks: car tracks, train tracks, cars, tractors
• games: board games, puzzles
• craft supplies: pencils, colouring books, paints
• baby-specific toys: shape sorters, rattles, pull toys…
• role play: costumes, jewellery, hats, crowns…
• dolls and accessories: dolls, plush toys, clothes, cradles, blankets…
• doll house: people, furniture, and accessories
• Miscellaneous: anything that doesn’t fit in the other categories

  

Step 4: Organise:

• Clear/Stacking Storage: Amazon has some great ones.  https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=Toy+Storage%2C+Stacking+clear+storage.+Colourful+storage
• Colourful Storage:  We love these wham boxes that fit like a glove into the Kallax if you use the shelf dividers https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/kallax-insert-with-1-shelf-white-20423720/ unit.https://www.plasticboxshop.co.uk/home-storage-c1/studio-basket-square-15-02-p5066
• Labels for Toy Boxes: Use words for older children and pictures and words for younger ones. You can shop for labels on my website. https://thespacecurator.co.uk/shop/

Step 5: Maintain

• Do it regularly at the beginning of the school holidays.
• Do it before milestone events. Birthdays, religious events, and Christmas
• Create habits. Encourage kids to tidy up before they move on to the next toy.

Conclusion: Embrace the Joy of Minimalism in Your Home.

In conclusion, embracing the joy of minimalism in your home goes beyond just decluttering kids’ toys. It’s about creating a mindset of intentional living and valuing experiences over material possessions. So why stop at just decluttering toys?

Consider extending this minimalist approach to other areas of your life as well. Look at your own belongings and see if there are items that no longer serve a purpose or bring you joy. By letting go of unnecessary clutter, you create space for the things that truly matter.

Remember, it’s not about having the least number of things possible, but rather about surrounding yourself with items that have meaning and bring you happiness. So be selective when purchasing new toys or any other items for your home.

By embracing minimalism, you not only create a more organised and peaceful environment for your family but also cultivate a lifestyle cantered around experiences, gratitude, and joy. So let go of the excess, embrace the simplicity, and savour the joy of a clutter-free home.

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