Playroom Holiday Prep: Decluttering Toys

Topics: Playroom, Kids Organization, Decluttering, Holiday, Home Organization, Home Organizer, Annapolis Organizer

The holidays will be here before we know it and I’m sure the toy catalogs have already started arriving in the mail. My kids used to study them like a textbook and would eagerly circle all the toys they wanted.  As parents, we know how much excitement and joy kids—especially younger ones—get from toys and gifts. Even if your child hasn’t played with a toy in months, they’re often reluctant to let them go. With family members and friends eager to show love through physical gifts, the toys can quickly pile up. While experiences or alternatives can be wonderful, we understand that sometimes people prefer giving something tangible, especially around the holidays.

With the holiday season approaching, now is the perfect time to get ahead of the influx of new toys by decluttering! Not only will you clear up space for  incoming gifts, but you’ll be able to inventory the toys you already have, which is often a good reality check before the shopping begins. As a bonus, your kids will have a refreshed, organized play area they’ll love. Here’s a guide to decluttering kids’ toys effectively, even when they want to hold onto everything. Be sure to also check out our playroom refresh blog for a 5-step quarterly refresh guide. And remember, if this feels like a big task, we’re here to help at Systems by Susie and can knock it out with you in just one 5 hour session.

Set Clear Boundaries with a “Toy Limit”

To start, define a specific amount of space for toys, like a shelf or a few bins. Explain to your kids that only the toys that fit in these spaces can stay. When it’s full, they’ll have to make a decision about what stays and what needs to go. Setting boundaries like this gives both you and your child a sense of control and makes the decision-making process easier. You can even establish limits by toy category, like “five stuffed animals” or “one puzzle bin,” to simplify things further.

Let Them Choose Their “Favorite Toys”

Kids love having choices, so give them the power to select their top 5-10 favorite toys. Once they’ve set aside their “must-keep” items, it’ll be easier to go through what’s left and decide what’s truly important to keep. This process helps them feel invested and valued in the decision while allowing them to let go of the toys that didn’t make the cut.

Teach Them the Joy of Giving

This is a great time to encourage generosity. Explain that by donating toys, they’re helping another child have a happy holiday season. You can even let them choose where to donate! (This is also a great thing to incorporate into your kindness advent calendar.) If there are sentimental toys in the mix, take a quick photo for them to remember it by before donating it, helping them hold onto the memory without the clutter.

Test Out a “Try-It-Out Box”

For toys they’re on the fence about, experiment with using a “try-it-out box.” Similar to a toy rotation, place these toys in a separate bin, then put it out of sight for a couple of weeks. If they don’t ask for the toys, that’s your cue that it’s okay to let them go. If they do, only bring them back if they’re willing to swap with another toy they no longer play with. We often tell our clients, young and old, that making things “one step removed” can make it easier to part with things.

Create a Memory Box for Special Items

There are always a few sentimental items that kids feel especially attached to, even if they don’t play with them. Designate a small “memory box” for these treasures that can be stored in their closet or with your family’s keepsakes. Limiting it to one box per child keeps things manageable while allowing them to hold on to items they care about.

Make Decluttering a Fun Game

Turn decluttering into a game to make it less overwhelming and more engaging. Try timing how fast they can sort toys into “keep,” “donate,” and “toss” bins, or set up a decluttering scavenger hunt! When they see this as a fun activity, they’re more likely to participate willingly and enjoy the process. Setting a timer also lets them know there is an end in sight and helps keep them focused on the task at hand.

Lead by Example

Kids mirror our actions, so let them see you declutter, too. Show them how you part with items you don’t need anymore and explain why it’s beneficial. This can be a powerful motivator and help normalize the idea of letting things go.

Be Patient and Reassure Them

Some kids are naturally more attached to their toys than others. Offer reassurance that letting go doesn’t mean losing the memories tied to those items. It’s okay to declutter in stages, especially if this is a new experience for your child. Taking a photo of them holding the item can really ease the transition of letting it go.

Need playroom inspiration? Check out these mood boards.

Overwhelmed? We’re Here to Help!

Decluttering can be a big task, especially when you’re juggling parenthood and the upcoming holidays. At Systems by Susie, we’re ready to step in and help you transform your child(ren)’s playroom into an organized, stress-free space just in time for Christmas! Our team specializes in creating spaces that are not only tidy but also easy for kids to maintain. We’ll help you set up practical systems so your family can focus on making memories, not managing clutter.If you’re ready to get started or want to learn more about our organizing services, contact us today! Let’s create a holiday season filled with joy (and a little less mess).

Happy Organizing!

Susie