As a devoted advocate for the pre-holiday toy purge, this year is particularly special for us—it’s our first Christmas with three kids! Our youngest, born at the start of the year, is now at that delightful age where she can tear into wrapping paper and enjoy toys. It’s heartwarming to see her excitement, and of course, the grandparents are eager to witness all the gift unwrapping.
I genuinely love gifting my children, but with three of them, even a modest number of presents can quickly pile up. Instead of battling the inevitable influx of toys during the holidays, I’ve opted to declutter in advance. While I understand that Christmas doesn’t need to mean an overwhelming amount of new items, let’s be honest—2020 has been a rough year. It’s not the best time to explain the concept of valuing experiences over possessions to my little ones, especially when we can’t safely venture out. So, this year, we’re preparing for an influx of books and toys, and we need to make room.
To get motivated, I’ve read countless articles from parents who are far more organized than I am. They’ve mastered methods like the KonMari technique (which, truthfully, isn’t feasible for me since nothing in my kids’ room sparks joy for me except the kids). These are the ultra-organized, label-making parents who seem to have it all figured out—and I admire them!
If you’re a regular parent, like me, with a somewhat relaxed approach to organization, here are a few straightforward tips for a toy purge. With eight years of parenting experience under my belt, I’m not a novice, but I’m also not an expert. These tips have worked for me without the need for a label maker, an organizing system, or even a trip to the Container Store. All you need are a few large boxes.
Be Open About the Purge
Your kids will notice if toys start disappearing without an explanation. If you suddenly remove items from their space, expect a morning wake-up call from a distressed child searching for their favorite toy. It’s essential to inform them that Christmas is approaching, and we need to make room for new items. No one enjoys having their belongings vanish without notice.
Make it clear that the toys they cherish are safe from being purged. For example, my oldest is a dedicated dinosaur enthusiast, while my middle child adores various character playsets. Before we even start sorting, I reassure them that their beloved toys will remain untouched.
Create a Sorting System
Begin by making a large pile of toys, but don’t include the most cherished ones. The goal isn’t to create chaos; it’s simply to gather everything in one place. Line up any baskets or boxes full of toys and designate four areas: Keep, Storage, Trash, and Donate. (I may have borrowed this idea from that old show, Clean Sweep.)
Sort items one by one or by category. Let your kids participate in the process. Start with the broken or unusable toys. It’s often easier for children to part with items that are clearly damaged. Explain that these toys are no longer fun or safe.
Encourage Generosity
Many kids have kind hearts. If you explain that gently used toys can bring joy to other children, you might be surprised at how many they’re willing to let go of. You can also set an example by donating some of your items. This helps them understand the importance of sharing.
Just a reminder: Ensure that donated toys are clean, in good condition, and complete. Secondhand toys should be a positive option for other kids, not just a last resort.
Consider a Toy Rotation
If a toy is too special to toss or give away, place it in the Storage Zone. We use a couple of large bins for this purpose, allowing the kids to say “goodbye for now.” Every few months, we revisit these bins to swap out toys and assess what no longer holds their interest. Admittedly, there’s no strict schedule for this; I often just pull out bins when looking for something else!
Organize the Keep Zone
After all the sorting, it’s vital that everything your kids want to keep has a designated place. A successful toy purge won’t feel fruitful if you end up with clutter again. Make sure everything has a home so that you’re not overwhelmed after the holiday season.
Monetize for Fun
If you have larger items or those that might be hard to part with, consider selling them on a local resale page. (In these pandemic times, opt for contactless pickup.) Inform your kids that they can use the money for a family treat, like visiting a drive-through light display or baking special cookies for Santa. Sometimes, the prospect of enjoying something fun can outweigh the attachment to unused toys.
A Little Stealth May Be Necessary
If all else fails and your kids refuse to help, you might need to be a bit sneaky. Let them know that if they don’t want to participate, you will take charge of the purge. It’s important to create space, and if they won’t cooperate, you might have to step in—sorry, one-armed Happy Meal Aquaman!
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In summary, a toy purge can be a manageable task with a little planning and communication. Involve your kids in the process, encourage them to let go of items, and make sure everything has a designated spot. This way, you can enjoy the holiday season without being overwhelmed by clutter.