If you're really struggling, taking photos and printing off much smaller versions is a good space-saving hack’, recommends Lucy Searle, Editor in Chief of Homes & Gardens. ‘It’s tough, but try to keep only the best or most sentimental pieces in hard copy.
Whether it’s intricate drawings, playdough creations, or lego models, dedicate some space for your children’s latest artwork and store previous pieces in a keepsake box elsewhere. Dedicate space for favorite creationsĬreations certainly don’t count as clutter, however, when space is tight, you need to be a little mindful of how – and what – you leave out on display. When decluttering with older children, encourage them to think about, and then write down, all the good memories they associate with that item. Taking photographs can help children make peace with letting go. Remember, it’s not the toy itself that holds emotional significance, it’s the memories that go with it.
Declutter toys professional#
Make the point that It’s not goodbye, it’s bringing joy to another, so we should feel great about what we’re doing!’, explains professional organizer Julie Onstot of SortWell Organizing Co.Įxplain how these toys can bring happiness to someone else, and let your child know exactly where they’re going, whether it’s a nursery, hospital, or children’s shelter – you could even take your child to visit beforehand if it’s appropriate to do so. ‘Sorting through old toys is a great time to start the conversation of paying it forward. Explain the importance of sharingĭonating toys is not just a great way of decluttering, it also offers up an opportunity to teach your children the importance of sharing and giving.
Consider passing toys like this on to friends or family, or a parent who you know will love, appreciate and enjoy it as much as you did. Be really honest with yourself about why you’re holding onto it – if your child isn’t bothered, then you need to let it go, too. Whether you have happy childhood memories of playing with your own dollhouse, train set, or cuddly toy… it’s not uncommon for a child to move on from a toy, while the parent can’t bear to see it leave their collection. It’s not just children that love toys, adults do too. ‘Bringing them back into circulation after time away creates a novelty factor similar to the buzz of something new – but without the pricetag,’ says professional organizer Katherine Blacker of Sort My Space. Depending on your system, you could rotate these on a weekly, monthly, or tri-monthly basis. Instil a toy rotation systemĭecluttering doesn’t have to mean getting rid of toys altogether rotating toys on a regular basis will limit the number of toys on offer at one time, which has been proven to increase children’s focus and engagement – not to mention make for a more clutter-free environment.įill two or three boxes per child, each with a mix of toy types, and store them in the loft or garage. Set a limit of 2-4 months – if your child hasn’t asked for them in that time, you know they won’t be missed. Collate these into a box and store them somewhere out of sight. You know your child best, but as a general rule, don’t push too hard – a ruthless approach to decluttering is likely to result in an unnecessary upset, and there are plenty of gentle methods you can use that are just as effective.ĭuring the decluttering process, you’re likely to come across a few toys you’re not sure about, particularly when decluttering on behalf of younger children. You’re likely to meet more resistance here, as whilst they may no longer be favorites, once-loved toys likely hold emotional significance. Once you’ve done that, it’s time to tackle outgrown toys. Next, move on to duplicates try and limit your child to just a few types of each toy.
Declutter toys full#
Start by getting rid of broken toys, used sticker books, full coloring pads – anything that no longer has a use. Start with the easiest decluttering tasksĭecluttering can be a daunting task for adults, let alone for children, so it’s always a good idea to keep things simple and easy to begin with. In line with this advice from Vicky, we’ve put together a list of top tips and techniques for decluttering toys and organizing a bedroom that will make the process quick, easy, and even enjoyable for your kids – and for you, too.
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