What Do you Do When the Toys Take Over? Downsize, Organize, Manage.

Tips for Organizing Toys

Does your home look like a tornado swept through, leaving toys scattered everywhere? When my kids were younger, the family room and their bedrooms often felt like toy zones on the brink of complete takeover – I knew I had to figure out how to declutter toys.

It’s heartwarming to see kids enjoy a safe space to play, but the mess can quickly become overwhelming. Cleaning up feels futile when the area looks the same two hours later. Beyond the stress, toy clutter can also pose safety risks – I’ve stepped on more than my fair share of stray toys!

If you’re ready to regain control, here are some practical tips for organizing, purging, and managing your children’s toys.

Step 1: Keep, Toss, or Donate?

At one point, we realized we needed to reevaluate the sheer number of toys. Without regular purging, older toys linger while new ones pile up. Getting the kids involved in the process not only lightens the workload but also teaches them valuable lessons about decision-making and generosity.

Questions to Consider

• When was the last time this toy was played with?
• Is it broken or unsafe?
• Does it have sentimental value or special significance?
• Has the child outgrown it?
• Do we really need two of the same thing?
• What Toys to Toss

Start with the easiest task: identifying broken or incomplete toys. Grab a large bag or box and go through the toys together, setting aside anything that’s damaged, missing pieces, or no longer functional. Praise your kids for their help – it’s a great way to encourage cooperation.

What Toys to Donate or Sell

For toys that are still in good condition but no longer used, create “Donate” and “Sell” piles. Explain to your kids that their unused toys can bring joy to another child. Often, framing it this way makes them more willing to part with items.

With platforms like Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp, selling toys is easier than ever. You could even make a fun family goal: sell enough toys to treat everyone to dinner or a fun outing!

What Toys to Keep

Keep toys that:

• Are regularly played with and encourage creativity or learning.
• Promote family bonding, like board games and dress-up sets.
• Hold sentimental value, such as gifts or cherished childhood mementos.
• Consider setting aside a small bin of age-appropriate toys for visiting friends or relatives.

Step 2: Organize the Toys

Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to organize! Here are some creative storage solutions:

• Clear containers: Stackable and easy to see through.
• Labeled bins: Use pictures for younger kids and large-font labels for early readers.
• Shelves: Great for books, puzzles, and frequently used toys.
• Under-the-bed storage: Perfect for seasonal or less-used items.
• Hanging hammocks: Ideal for stuffed animals.

We used labeled drawers for my daughter’s toys, divided into categories like dolls, crafts, and Play-Doh. The labels helped her learn to sort and made cleanup time easier.

Step 3: Involve the Kids

Choose a cleanup system that fits your routine. For example, designate cleanup time before naps or bedtime. Teaching kids to take responsibility for their toys not only reduces clutter but also fosters good habits.

Step 4: Rotate Toys

If certain toys aren’t being played with but still hold value, consider rotating them. Store some away for a few weeks, then reintroduce them. It can feel like getting a new toy without spending a dime.

Managing New Toys

No matter how organized you are, new toys will inevitably enter the house. Here’s how to manage them:

Talk to the Grandparents

Gifting can get out of hand. Have an honest conversation with relatives about limiting new toys to birthdays, holidays, or special occasions.

Adopt a “One In, One Out” Rule

Whenever a new toy comes in, an old one goes out. This keeps the collection manageable and encourages regular decluttering.

Step 5: Regularly Reassess

Every few months, revisit the toy situation with your kids. Use the same guiding questions to decide what stays and what goes. Reassessing ensures the clutter doesn’t creep back in.

With a little effort and consistency, you can create a system that works for your family. These tips helped me regain control of our home while still giving my kids space to play and grow. Hopefully, they’ll do the same for you!