As much as I try to stay organized, it always seems like my kids’ toys take over the house. LEGO bricks somehow find their way to the living room floor. A pile of Squishmallows regularly end up in a corner of my son’s bedroom, and it’s not uncommon for our ever-growing stash of board games, cards and jigsaw puzzles to overflow in a storage bin or two.
Whether you share a small apartment or a spacious home with your children, I’m pretty sure you can relate. That’s why I checked in with professional organizer (and fellow mom), Tonia Tomlin, to find out exactly how to declutter toys, so you and I can get our homes in order once and for all.
“Decluttering kids’ toys not only creates a more organized space, but it also fosters a sense of responsibility, focus and calm in children,” Tomlin says. “It helps them understand the importance of taking care of their belongings and creates a more peaceful environment for learning and playing.”
Keep reading for all of Tomlin’s helpful decluttering tips.
Begin with a clean slate.
Be it the playroom or a spot in the family room, you need to start fresh and decide on a dedicated area for your children’s toys. “Before sorting toys, clear the area entirely,” Tomlin says. “It will give you a good perspective on what you have and make it easier to assess what to keep, donate or toss.”
Sort and purge.
Once you clear the area, start by categorizing all the toys by type. For instance, put stuffed animals together, building blocks together and educational toys together. “This will help you see the overall quantity and variety,” Tomlin says.
This is also a good time to examine each toy, separating any that are broken or no longer appealing to your kids. Tomlin recommends keeping duplicates to a minimum, too: “Keep one or two of each type of toy, unless they serve a specific developmental purpose.” You can donate the rest if they are in good condition.
Let your child participate.
“Depending on your child’s age, allow them to be part of the process,” Tomlin says. Kids enjoy feeling a sense of independence, so it’s a good idea to give them an opportunity to take part in the decision-making. Let them share what toys they want to keep and those they’re comfortable parting ways with. “It encourages mindful thinking about what to keep, which can also help them develop skills in letting go and prioritizing what truly matters.”
Consider donating unwanted toys.
Every child outgrows toys as their interests change over time. If you happen to have toys in good condition that they no longer use, go ahead and donate them to charity. “This helps others in need and prevents the clutter from taking over your home,” Tomlin says.
Incorporate clear storage bins.
Using clear storage bins that can be easily stacked and labeled is a simple way to help keep your home in order. You can even take it a step further by using color-coded bins to organize different types of toys. “This way, your child will know where everything goes, making cleanup easier,” Tomlin says. “I also like to use my photo printer and add photos of the toys to the bins — kids love this.”
Rotate toys regularly.
Any parent knows that kids tend to get bored quickly. One minute they’re obsessed with a toy, the next minute, they never want to see it again. The fix? “Instead of keeping every toy out at once, rotate a selection of toys every few weeks. This keeps playtime fresh and prevents overwhelm. Plus, it makes toys feel ‘new’ again, so they’re more exciting to your child.”
Take advantage of vertical space.
Small-space dwellers, this is especially important for your setup. Using shelves and wall-mounted racks to organize toys are great ways to maximize vertical space. “This keeps items off the floor and creates more space for playing,” Tomlin says.
Weave in double-duty furniture.
Don’t underestimate the convenience of multipurpose furniture — it’s essential if you live in a small space. Shop for ottomans with built-in storage or a toy chest that’s complete with cushioned seating kids can use. “This hides the clutter but keeps toys easily accessible,” Tomlin says.
Teach clean-up habits early.
“As your child grows, encourage them to clean up after playtime,” Tomlin says. “You can make it fun by turning it into a game or singing a clean-up song.” Once they get used to cleaning up after themselves, they’ll come to appreciate maintaining an organized space on a day-to-day basis. Plus, according to Tomlin, “a well-organized space can even enhance creativity and imaginative play.”
Shop wisely for new toys.
Once you’ve decluttered the toys in your home, be mindful of the new ones that come into your space. “When gifting toys, ask friends and family for experiences or practical items instead,” Tomlin says. “If new toys are received, make sure there’s space for them by removing old ones first.”
Simplify your toy collection.
“Fewer toys can actually encourage more imaginative play,” Tomlin says. Aim to make their toy collection as manageable as possible. Your child will feel less stressed and find it easier to stay organized after each and every play session. “This will help everyone in the family enjoy a tidier, more functional space.”
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
