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You’ve probably stepped on one too many toy cars, tripped over a pile of stuffed animals, or spent way too much time searching for that one missing puzzle piece your child just has to have.
Toys have a way of multiplying overnight, don’t they?
One day, you have a cute little basket with a few favorites, and the next, your living room looks like a toy store exploded.
I get it. As a homemaker and mom of a toddler and a 5-month-old (as of this writing), I’ve been in the trenches of toy clutter.
But I’m learning a few things along the way about how to declutter toys and keep the chaos under control without the guilt (or the meltdowns).
The best part? You don’t need to spend hours doing it!
If you’re drowning in toys and don’t know where to start, here’s my friendly, no-stress guide to decluttering your kids’ everyday toys.
And just 15 minutes a day is all it takes.
Let’s do this together!
Step 1: Change your mindset about toys.
Before we even touch a toy bin, let’s talk about our mindset.
This is probably the hardest part because this is all about mind setting. Our actions are often being dictated by what ideas already exist in our minds.
So, you’ve got to be open for a new idea and be willing to discard an old idea that’s preventing you to declutter your kids’ toys.
I used to feel guilty when I’m about to declutter toys because they were gifts, cost money, or might be played with “someday.”
But I realized that too many toys weren’t actually making my toddler happier. In fact, the more toys he had, the more overwhelmed he seemed.
It may look like he was playing with everything. But when I really looked at it, he was just touching a few items here and then, and then discarding the rest, like they didn’t matter at all.
I tried hiding some of those toys, trying to test if he would remember them.
Guess what? He didn’t.
When we cut back on the toy clutter, he actually plays better, use his imaginations more, and takes better care of what he has.
So yes, it’s true when they say that kids don’t need more toys – they need meaningful toys.
Less truly is more!
Step 2: Set a simple goal.
When I started decluttering my kids’ toys my only goal was to empty a hamper of toys. I wanted that hamper empty because I wanted to use it for laundry. Simple!
What about you? What’s your goal?
Make it simple and easy to achieve. This will help you avoid feeling overwhelmed.
For example, you can aim to reduce toy clutter by twenty percent this week. Or clear a bin or a hamper of toys like what I did.
Or maybe remove just five to ten stuffed animals from their collection (depends on how much stuffed animals your kids have)
Step 3: The 15-Minute Daily Declutter Plan
Instead of tackling everything at once, let’s break it down into 15-minute sessions each day. This way, it’s manageable and stress-free.
And you can do it even if you’re busy. Because when you have a toddler and a baby, oh you’ll be very busy!
Day 1: The Quick Sweep
Before diving into sorting, donating, or organizing, you need to get a clear picture of what you’re working with.
A quick sweep helps create an instant sense of order, making it easier to move forward without feeling paralyzed by the mess.
So, set a timer for 15 minutes and follow these simple steps:
1. Grab a box, a basket or a bin – This will be your collection point for all the random toys you find.
2. Walk through your home – Go room by room and pick up any toy that is out of place.
Look under couches, behind furniture, and in unexpected spots (because somehow, toys always end up there!).
I always do this at home, and this is just super helpful every time. Every time!
3. Put them in one spot – This could be a corner of the living room, a playroom, or even a huge laundry basket (my favorite spot!).
The goal is to gather all the toys so you can see what you’re working with.
4. Do a quick sort (optional) – If you have time left, start grouping similar toys together – cars with cars, dolls with dolls, blocks with blocks. But if you’re short on time, no worries! We’ll get to that in the next steps.
Just by doing a quick sweep, by the time your timer goes off, your home will already feel lighter.
You’ll have reclaimed your floors and saved your feet from stepping on painful toy pieces (yeah it happens to me so many times!).
Plus, seeing a visible improvement in just 15 minutes is super motivating!
Day 2: Sort and purge one bin.
Decluttering can feel overwhelming when you try to do everything at once. That’s why we’re breaking it down into manageable steps.
By focusing on a single bin today, you’ll make meaningful progress without feeling exhausted.
So, set a timer again for 15 minutes, and follow these steps:
1. Choose one bin, shelf, or drawer – Pick a small, defined space to work on.
It could be a toy box, a storage bin, or even a drawer filled with tiny figures and accessories.
2. Empty it completely – Take everything out so you can see exactly what’s inside.
This helps you assess what your child actually plays with and what’s just taking up space.
3. Sort into four categories:
Keep – Toys your child loves and plays with regularly.
Donate – Items in good condition that another child could enjoy.
Trash – Broken toys, missing pieces, or items that are no longer safe.
Store – Toys that your child still enjoys but doesn’t play with daily. These can be rotated in later to keep things fresh.
4. Wipe down the bin – While the toys are out, take a moment to clean the storage area.
5. Put everything back neatly – Only return the toys that made it into the “Keep” category.
Now you have one clutter-free space for toys that feels fresh and organized! This also sets the tone for the rest of the decluttering journey.
Continue doing this for all the bins, shelves or drawers of toys you have until everything is clutter-free.
Always limit yourself to just 15 minutes a day, unless of course, if you have more time, then you can always extend and do more!
Day 3: Declutter books and puzzles.
Books and puzzles are wonderful for kids’ development, but they can quickly pile up, making it hard to find favorites.
By keeping only the ones your child truly enjoys, you’ll create a more inviting space for reading and playing.
Now set your timer again to 15 minutes and go through your kids’ books and puzzles.
1. Gather all books and puzzles – Bring them to one spot so you can see what you’re working with.
2. Sort into four categories:
Keep – Books and puzzles your children love and use often.
Donate – Those still in good condition but they have already outgrown or lost interest into.
Trash – Torn books or puzzles with missing pieces.
Store – Seasonal books or more advanced puzzles your children will grow into.
3. Wipe down shelves and storage areas – A quick dusting or wipe-down makes the space feel fresh and new.
4. Organize thoughtfully – Arrange books in a way that makes them easy to reach and visually appealing. Store puzzles neatly in boxes or labeled bags.
After this, your children will have a more inviting reading and play space. You’ll also spend less time picking up scattered puzzle pieces!
Day 4: Declutter stuffed animals.
Stuffed animals are beloved but can take over your child’s room quickly. They do take up a lot of space!
Therefore, reducing their number helps create a cozy but manageable play area, making it easier to keep things tidy.
Limit stuffed animals to a reasonable number. If your child has favorites, keep them, but donate or store the extras.
Set your timer again to 15 minutes, and let’s begin:
1. Gather all the stuffed animals – Collect every stuffed animal in one place so you can see the full collection.
2. Sort into four categories:
Keep – The most loved and frequently played with.
Donate – Gently used stuffed animals that could bring joy to another child.
Trash – Heavily worn, torn, or damaged ones that can’t be repaired or donated.
Store – Sentimental or seasonal plush toys that can be stored for later.
3. Set a limit – Decide on a reasonable number of stuffed animals to keep based on space.
4. Create a storage solution – Use hanging nets, storage bins, or over-the-door organizers to keep plush toys tidy.
Now, instead of an overflowing pile, your children will be able to enjoy and appreciate their favorite stuffed animals without the clutter.
For tips and ideas on organizing stuffed animals, read our related post – Stuffed Animals Storage: 20 Impressive Ideas!
Day 5: Declutter small toys.
Small toys can easily take over play areas and become frustrating to manage. And these toys are often those that get stepped on (Ouch).
By keeping only those that your child truly enjoys and by properly organizing them, you’ll create a space that’s easier to maintain and more fun to play in.
Set your timer again to 15 minutes. And let’s begin!
1. Gather all small toys – Collect all small toys in one place.
2. Sort into four categories:
Keep – Favorites that get played with often.
Donate – Small toys in good condition but are no longer loved.
Trash – Broken or missing pieces that can’t be used.
Store – Small toys that can be rotated in later.
3. Wipe down storage areas – Give toy bins or shelves a quick clean before putting toys back.
4. Use small storage solutions – Use clear bins, drawer organizers, or divided containers to keep small toys sorted.
With small toys sorted and stored neatly, you’ll prevent frustrating toy searches, reduce daily messes, and most importantly, you can avoid stepping on toys!
Ah, what a relief that is!
Day 6: Declutter arts and craft supplies.
Too many arts and craft supplies for kids can lead to cluttered, unusable spaces. On the contrary, a well-organized art area encourages creativity while making cleanup easier.
So again, set your timer to 15 minutes. And here’s what to do.
1. Gather all craft supplies – Collect crayons, markers, stickers, paints, papers and other craft supplies in one spot.
2. Sort into four categories:
Keep – Supplies in good condition that are used regularly.
Donate – Extra supplies or unused craft kits.
Trash – Dried-out markers, broken crayons that can no longer be used, and used-up items.
Store – Specialty items for specific projects.
3. Wipe down craft space – Clean tables, shelves, and storage bins.
4. Organize for easy access – Use cups or pencil cases for markers, folders for paper, and bins for miscellaneous items.
A decluttered craft area makes it easier for your children to find supplies, and it also encourages creativity without the mess!
For organizing craft supplies, you can read these related posts:
- How to Organize Pens, Pencils and Markers
- 12 Easy and Brilliant Dollar Store Hacks for Organizing Your Craft Supplies
Day 7: Organize the favorites.
Now that you’re done decluttering, it’s time to make sure the toys that remain are easy to find, play with, and put away.
A simple, organized setup makes clean-up easier and keeps the play area inviting.
You can even teach your kids how to clean up and organize their toys after playing!
Just show them where each item should go. Then gently guide them on putting back their toys. And do it together. Organize with them!
So, here’s what to do step by step:
1. Identify the favorites – Pull out the top-played-with toys from the past week.
2. Choose a storage solution – Use bins, baskets, shelves, or labeled drawers for easy access.
Read our related post for tips and ideas: Toy Storage Ideas: Having Fun while Organizing.
3. Make it kid-friendly – Store toys at your child’s level so they can grab and put away toys independently.
They will gladly help you organize when you make it easy for them too.
4. Label everything – Use picture labels for younger kids to make cleanup simple.
When you’re done with this, your children will now have a well-organized play area with only the toys they love.
This makes playtime more enjoyable! And the bonus part is that clean-up becomes easier.
Now this 7-day declutter plan for your kids’ toys can always be extended as needed.
The total time it will take you to fully declutter everything depends on how much toys your kids have and how much time you’ve got.
So, don’t worry if you’re still not done after seven days. This is completely normal.
As long as you’re consistent into committing at least 15 minutes each day to decluttering, and you’re doing necessary steps to prevent the clutter from coming in again (steps 4 to 6), then you’ll be just fine.
You can do this Mama!
Step 4: Implement a toy rotation system.
One trick that has saved my sanity is toy rotation. Instead of having everything out all the time, I store half of the toys and swap them out every few weeks.
This way, it feels like my kids are getting “new” toys without actually bringing in more stuff.
Try it too! Store some toys away and switch them out every few weeks to keep things fresh.
Step 5: Set boundaries for new toys.
The best way to keep toy clutter from coming back is to set limits. Try these ideas!
1. One in, one out rule – If a new toy comes in, an old one goes out.
2. Gift experiences instead of stuff – Encourage family members to give zoo trips, museum passes, or activity kits instead of toys.
3. Teach gratitude over accumulation – Help kids understand that joy doesn’t come from more stuff.
Step 6: Maintain a decluttering habit.
You’ve done it!
But decluttering isn’t a one-time thing.
Every few months, do a quick toy check-in to keep things manageable. Like do a major cleanout before birthdays and holidays so you’re not drowning in new stuff.
A Home That Works for You
At the end of the day, decluttering your kids’ toys isn’t about having a Pinterest-perfect playroom.
It’s about creating a home that feels peaceful, where kids can actually enjoy their toys without being overwhelmed.
So, take it one step at a time. Even if you only clear out one bin today, that’s progress. And trust me – your feet will thank you when you’re not stepping on Legos or on small cars at midnight!
What’s your biggest struggle with toy clutter? Let’s chat in the comments or in the email – I’d love to hear your tips too!
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