How to declutter toys & organise playful spaces

If you’re searching for how to declutter toys, chances are you’re fed up with the sheer amount of toys lying around your child’s bedroom, playroom, or other parts of your home. Clutter not only makes a home look untidy, it can also make you feel stressed and unfocused. 

In the process of decluttering your kid’s toys, you will also create an optimal, healthy space for them to play, which plays a huge part in their development and allows them to discover their passion. 

So if you’re ready for a neater home that supports your child’s growth, here’s your easy guide on toy decluttering. 

1. Marie Kondo-inspired toy pile method

Do you know how many toys your child owns? The answer is likely more than enough. The truth is decluttering toys feels like a daunting task simply because you don’t know where to start, and there’s just too much to get through.

That’s why it’s best to dive into the process head first by placing all the toys in one giant pile. It’s an organising technique inspired by Marie Kondo. Once you have the visual representation, it’s time to separate these into the following categories:

• Broken toys
• Disliked toys
• Toys no longer played with or used
• Toys rarely played with or used
• Duplicates
• Toys your kids love

2. Further categorise the top toys

Once everything is in categories, it’s easier to decide what to keep, donate, sell, recycle, or toss. For the toys you are keeping, these need to be further categorised into toy types, such as trucks, Barbies, stuffed animals, puzzles, etc.

By doing this step, you’ll be able to see how many of each type of toy your child owns. If they have 10 Barbies and only play with 4, do you really need to keep them all?

If you’re feeling guilty about getting rid of your kid’s toys, rest assured that they will likely forget them if they are out of sight. As long as you keep the toys they really love, the process will be smooth. And if you’re unsure about a toy, it is recommended to store it away in your cupboard for a month. If your child doesn’t mention or ask for it within this time, it’s safe to get rid of it.

3. Empower your child: Involve them in the decision-making process

When learning how to declutter a child’s bedroom, how to declutter a playroom, or other spaces, you’ll quickly realise that it’s so much more than organisation and neatness. This is your opportunity as a parent to instil your child with good values and life skills. With this in mind, involve your older kids in the decision-making process by asking them what toys they would like to keep and which ones to give away or sell. Keep in mind that your child will have attachments to certain toys, so allow them to negotiate which ones matter most to them. This will give them a sense of control and builds their negotiation and decision-making skills

You may find that they are more emotionally tied to a McDonald’s Happy Meal toy over one purchased from Hamleys. In such situations, it’s best to be diplomatic and allow them to keep the free toy while you keep the more valuable one. We understand that it’s not always easy taking this route, but it’s all in the name of empowering your child.

4. The one in, one out rule: A simple strategy keeps clutter at bay

Decluttering is not a once-off task, especially when keeping on top of your kid’s toys. The easiest way to maintain a neat, tidy, decluttered space is to implement a one in, one out rule. This simply means with every new toy bought, one has to go out. To get them enthusiastic about this, speak with them about how they can sell their old toys to generate pocket money or spread joy by donating to less fortunate children.

5. Self storage solutions: The key to a clutter-free home

If you find that there’s still a huge mess no matter how many times you declutter your kid’s toys, chances are you simply don’t have enough space in your home. This is where self storage becomes the most convenient option. You can create more space for your child and all their belongings by placing some of your things in a storage unit, such as unnecessary furniture, equipment, seasonal sports gear, and so much more.

6. Toy rotation: Keeping old toys fresh 

A self storage unit also gives you the freedom to implement a toy rotation system, which limits the number of toys your child has access to at one time. For example, if your child has five full boxes of toys, you can store four boxes away and allow them to play with one box for the next month. In the new month, start rotating the boxes. This creates a novelty factor for your kids while freeing up more space in your home. 

The best Self Storage in Barry, Wales: Masons Self Storage

Now that you have the lowdown on how to declutter toys, it’s time to consider a trusted self storage facility if you need more space in your home. At Masons Self Storage, we offer 24/7 storage in Barry. Our units are secure, climate-controlled, and accessible all year long.

Plus, you will enjoy the convenience of flexible contracts and the added benefit of our Mobile Storage service, offering three innovative pickup options from your home or office. 

Choose Masons Self Storage for your toy storage needs to keep your home clutter-free, so your children can grow in an environment that nurtures their development without draining their energy. 

For more info or a free quote, contact our helpful, friendly team at 0800 533 5708 or [email protected]