How to Declutter Toys - 15 Surefire Tips to Keep the Mess at Bay
As parents, we love to see our children play with their toys. It brings us joy to see them having fun and its also essential for a child's development and learning. However, as useful as toys are, they can quickly become overwhelming and clutter up our living spaces.
The good news is that there are ways to declutter and organise toys while still allowing your child to enjoy them. In this guide, we'll share 15 surefire tips to keep the mess at bay and create a more organised living space for you and your child.
15 Tips to Declutter Your Toys
Throw Away the Rubbish First
First things first, you need to discard any broken or damaged toys, or any items that clearly need to be thrown away. This is important because it allows you to properly organise, categorise, and store the remaining toys. If you have rubbish lying around, it will only slow down the decluttering process.
Invest in Storage Solutions
Invest in storage solutions such as shelves, bins, and baskets to keep the toys organised. This helps to declutter your space while making it easier for your child to find and put away their toys. If you lack floorspace, consider visiting a storage facility to keep the toys organised and safe. With storage units in Brighton, London, and other major areas across the UK, you can easily find a facility near you.
Have a Vision
Sit down, close your eyes and imagine the ideal toy area for your child. What does it look like? How are toys organised? Having a clear vision will help you determine what is important and what you can declutter. It's a bit like painting a picture; you have to know what you want it to look like before you start.
Create Functional Spaces
Designate specific areas for different types of toys, such as a reading corner or an art station. This not only helps declutter but also encourages your child to engage in more focused play. Plus, it makes clean up easier and more efficient.
Consider Renting a Toy Rental Service
Most parents probably don't realise this, but you can actually rent toys for your children! This is a great way to reduce the number of toys in your home while saving money. Once your child gets tired of playing with a specific toy or outgrows it, you can return it and swap it for a new one.
Rotate Toys Regularly
Instead of having all the toys out at once, consider rotating them on a weekly or monthly basis. This not only reduces clutter but also makes the toys feel "new" again each time they are brought out.
Involve Your Child
Get your child involved in the decluttering process. Explain why it's important to have a clean and organized space and ask for their help in choosing which toys to keep and which to let go of. This can also be a great teaching moment about giving and donating to those who may not have as much.
Divide Toys into Categories
Another helpful tip is to divide toys into specific categories, such as puzzles, building blocks, dress-up costumes, etc. This not only makes it easier for your child to find and play with their favorite toys but also helps with organising and decluttering.
You can use labelled bins or storage containers for each category, making it easier to put toys away after playing and keeping the space tidy.
Encourage Experiences Over Material Possessions
Toys are awesome, however, experiences are just as important. Consider planning fun outings or activities with your child instead of continuously buying new toys. This not only reduces clutter but also creates lasting memories for both you and your child.
Add Labelling to Your Toy Storage Containers
Instead of chucking all the toys into one big toy box, invest in storage containers with labels. This will help your child identify where each toy belongs and makes it easier for them to clean up after playing. For younger children learning to read, use pictures or symbols as labels.
Teach Your Child How To Take Care Of Their Toys
Teaching your child how to take care of their toys not only helps keep them in good condition but also teaches valuable life skills. Show them how to properly store and organise their toys, as well as how to clean them when needed.
Create a Decluttering Maintenance Routine
Set aside a few minutes each day or week to go through your child’s toys and get rid of any broken, missing pieces, or unused toys. This will prevent clutter from building up and make the process less overwhelming. Eventually, your children should do this themselves, but if they're younger, make it a fun activity you can do together.
Don't Put Out too Many Toys at Once
Having too many toys out at once not only creates clutter but can also overwhelm your child. Instead, rotate the toys every few weeks or months to keep things fresh and interesting for them. This also teaches them the value of appreciating what they have rather than always wanting something new.
Lead by Example
Children are great imitators, so if they see you consistently decluttering and organizing your own belongings, they will learn to do the same. Make it a family activity and involve them in the process of decluttering and organising their toys.
Use Multipurpose Furniture
Invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes such as storage ottomans or shelves with baskets. These can be used to store toys while also serving as functional pieces of furniture in your child's room. This not only saves space but also teaches your child the importance of multi-functionality and organisation.
The Benefits of Decluttering Toys for Your Kids
We've already briefly mentioned the benefits of toys for children, but did you know that decluttering them can also have positive effects? Here are some of the benefits of decluttering toys for your kids:
* Better Focus: Children tend to lose focus and interest when they are surrounded by too many toys. By decluttering, your child can truly enjoy and fully engage with the toys they have.
* Imagination and Creativity: With fewer toys, children are forced to use their imagination and be more creative in their play. They will also learn to appreciate and take better care of the toys they have.
* Safety: A cluttered space can be a safety hazard for children. By decluttering, you reduce the risk of accidents and injuries caused by tripping over or being hit by toys.
Final Thoughts
Decluttering isn't just about getting rid of excess stuff, it's about creating a more functional and calm living space and teaching your children important life skills. So next time you're feeling overwhelmed by the clutter of toys, remember these tips for a more organised and stress-free home. Let's make decluttering fun and beneficial for the whole family!