clearing clutter

 

Clearing Clutter – 12 Tips For Reducing Toy Clutter

Want to start clearing clutter? Here are our 11 best tips for reducing toy clutter BEFORE it gets out of hand!

 

 

Let’s chat about clearing clutter.

Let me guess…you’re feeling tired of stepping on wooden blocks and plastic action figures lying around your living room floor?

You’re also feeling overwhelmed by what can only be called toy clutter around your house.

It makes sense that this is a thing that frustrates you.

In the end, reducing toy clutter is really about more than keeping your home neat.

 

Here’s the thing: too many playthings can affect your child’s development and their ability to enjoy life.

 

A recent study actually found that children with too many toys get distracted easily and miss out on quality playtime, according to the University of Toledo in Ohio.

The research confirms what many parents and experts have long noticed.

 

When children have fewer choices, they tend to play with each object longer and express more creativity.

 

They even take better care of their toys instead of assuming that a replacement is on hand.

So the question is how do you learn to conquer those mountains of dolls and dinosaurs that you have lying around your house?

The truth is you’ll make playtime more rewarding and teach your children values that will help them to grow up happier and more successful when you aim to reduce toy clutter in your home.

 

clearing clutter

 

Getting Rid of Old Toy Clutter:

CLEARING CLUTTER
TIP # 1 – Focus on quality.

 

Be selective about the toys you choose to keep.

Discard anything your children have outgrown or broken.

Hold on to the ones that stimulate your child’s imagination and social skills rather than providing mostly passive entertainment.

Get rid of the rubbish toys you and your kids don’t really need.

 

 

CLEARING CLUTTER
TIP # 2 – Wait until bedtime.

 

While it’s great if your child is ready to participate in the selection process, chances are you might have to act on your own.

You are the adult and you get to decide what you want to hold onto and what you want to get rid of.

The truth is your child may not even notice they’re missing a stuffed animal they haven’t touched in years.

 

CLEARING CLUTTER
TIP # 3 – Rotate your collection.

 

One effective strategy is to keep out only a portion of your child’s toys at any time and store the rest.

Everything will seem new each time you switch them out.

I always did this when my kids were young.

I have seven plastic tubs which meant I could pull out a different box for each day of the week and it was super effective at keeping them interested in their toys for longer.

 

clearing clutter

 

 

CLEARING CLUTTER
TIP # 4 – Display your treasures.

 

Arrange toys in a logical order in small stations with individual themes.

Your child will spend more time playing and less time dumping bins out onto the floor to check what’s on the bottom – keep dolls in one section, books in another, Lego in a separate box etc.

 

CLEARING CLUTTER
TIP # 5 – Share the profits.

 

How can you motivate your child to winnow down their toys on their own?

You can ask for their help selling the rejects online or at a garage sale.

Give them a portion of the proceeds or put the money towards an outing or some new sports equipment that they want.

 

CLEARING CLUTTER
TIP # 6 – Swap with friends.

 

Consider setting up an exchange with other parents in your neighborhood or at your child’s school.

Box up toys you’re discarding or storing and give them away permanently or temporarily.

 

CLEARING CLUTTER
TIP # 7 – Donate to charities.

 

Decluttering can also teach your child about giving.

Create a list of worthy causes that accept used toys and let your child pick which one to support.

There is something quite liberating from knowing that the toys you are letting go of are going to those who in need, who will love and appreciate your old toys.

 

Preventing New Toy Clutter:

 

clearing clutter

 

CLEARING CLUTTER
TIP # 8 – Plan for special occasions.

 

Birthdays and holidays could undo all your hard work.

Find out what your child wants most.

Make a short list and stick to it.

Sometimes it’s best to buy only a few things they truly love rather than a hundred thing they don’t really care for.

 

CLEARING CLUTTER
TIP # 9 – Advise the grandparents.

 

Do you have well-meaning family and friends who add to the mess?

Let them know that you’re trying to reduce your consumption.

 

CLEARING CLUTTER
TIP # 10 – Test it out.

 

It’s easier to say goodbye to a video game or science kit when your child knows it’s just visiting.

You can subscribe to monthly toy rental services online or check to see what your local library has to offer.

 

 

CLEARING CLUTTER
TIP # 11 – Favor experiences.

 

Consider arranging activities instead of giving material goods.

Take your children to concerts or a circus or zoo to celebrate birthdays or outstanding report cards.

 

clearing clutter

 

 

CLEARING CLUTTER
TIP # 12 – Encourage reading.

 

Giving your child a love for reading may be the most enriching gift of all.

A library card takes up very little space.

The best thing of all – borrowing books from the library is free!

In the end, cutting down on incoming toys and thinning out your child’s current stock will help your child to engage in more constructive and creative play.

Your whole family will also enjoy a tidier home and less stress.

So do what you can to reduce the toy clutter in your home starting today.

 

 

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