Ok moms, it is that time of the year. You know, when your children are going to get an influx of toys and you are going to think, “where on earth am I going to fit all of this stuff!” Here are a couple of tips to help keep down on the extra holiday clutter.
1) Buy big items for your children. Try to avoid things with alot of little pieces. It is all the little stuff that drives you insane.
2) Begin creating the space for what you know is already coming. Begin organizing their rooms and moving things around now, leaving empty wall space.
3) Either by yourself, or with your kids, go through their toys with three boxes; Keep, give away, and throw away. Have them determine which of the three boxes each thing goes in. Take the throw away box to the garbage immediately! (This includes anything that is worn out or missing pieces) Put the give away box in the trunk of your car, immediately. Find a local orphanage, or charity to take your gently used toys to. (Please only take items that are in good condition, and aren’t missing pieces) Let your kids go with you so they understand where their things are going. You may find them compelled to give more away.
4) Use shelves or bins to store toys in, it is easier access and clean up for children. It is also great for things that do have alot of little pieces, i.e. barbie stuff, cars, train set, etc. When I get ready for my girls to clean up, I can pull out one bucket at the time, tell them to pick up all the barbie stuff. This breaks down their task for them and it is all neatly organized!
Using these tips, especially #2 and #3 will help take alot of the “clutter stress” out of the holidays!
oooooh, these are great ideas girl! I love organizing.
Love the idea of big toys rather than little. I’ve been telling my husband that one for a while and so glad to see I’m not the only one to think of it.
Thanks for the ideas! My 4-year-old is getting a “gently loved” large toy kitchen. I’ve already cleared a spot for it. I love toys that come with their own container, bin, or tote bag. My biggest complaint would be with the My Little Pony and Barbie accessories!! I have a hot pink plastic basket specifically designated for the My Little Pony things and a plastic bin (it is actually a “shoe” bin) for her Barbie things. Clutter makes me nutty!