Every parent struggles with the idea of how to declutter kids toys. We want our children to have everything they need, but we don’t always want our homes or lives overrun by all their stuff. Many people try their best to follow and enforce a “no toy in the living room” rule, but this only has so much success before it becomes impossible, and you know it.
The Montessori method is an excellent way to help your children be successful and responsible around their toys and belongings. There’s no need to lock away everything or throw things away as soon as they start to get dusty or seem out of place. The method is a great way to approach a space that will let your kids have all the freedom they want but also allows you some control over what they do with their space, how they keep it clean, and how they manage their belongings.
In this article, we’ll talk about how to declutter kids toys; the basic Montessori method for organizing kid’s toys.
Why Do Toys Need to Be Decluttered?
Having kids with a lot of toys is great in many ways. Your kids will have more activity and learning opportunities, play with friends, and they won’t get bored if they are left to entertain themselves while you’re out at the grocery store or work all day.
However, the more toys your children are given, the less likely you’ll be able to control how their toys are stored and cleaned. Here’s why decluttering your kid’s toys is essential:
1) Decluttering Kids’ Toys Requires Responsibility
If your children enjoy playing with toys, then you know how easy it is for things to get out of hand. If your child has a new toy set but no explanation or instructions on how to handle them, then it’s likely that they will lose or break those things. Especially when your children are young, they will not be able to manage their possessions properly, so it’s up to you as the parent to provide them with the right tools.
You should teach your children how to keep their things clean and organized, but if you don’t teach them those basics when they are young, they won’t know how to keep their toys organized when they get older.
2) Decluttering Kids’ Toys Requires You to Set Clear Boundaries
When decluttering your kid’s toys, setting boundaries for yourself is crucial. Allowing yourself to get carried away can lead to an out-of-control mess and frustration. So when you’re decluttering kids’ toys, set some clear boundaries for yourself:
- How many toys should go into each bin?
- How many bins should there be?
- What kind of toys are allowed in each container?
- What kind of toys aren’t allowed in each bin?
The following are a few examples of boundary-setting that can prevent unnecessary anxiety or stress during your decluttering efforts.
3) Decluttering Kids’ Toys Can Help Prevent Injuries
If you have enough clutter lying around on the floor, it can cause your child to trip or fall over loose objects. If your child is playing with toys too close to the edge of a bed or couch and falls off, then he could get seriously hurt.
Decluttering toys doesn’t just help prevent toy-related injuries but also prevents other injuries and encourages children to be more cautious and respectful of the things they play with.
4) Decluttering Kids’ Toys Can Provide a Safe Environment
Toys can cause some serious problems if they are left around the house. Ensure that your home is free of all clutter and have designated areas for each toy. If you have a playroom or toy room, select a specific corner or place to store toys and accessories.
On the other hand, decluttering will help keep your home free of all mess, making it easier to organize and maintain a safe environment.
5) Decluttering Kids’ Toys Helps You Feel More Comfortable in Your Home
Having a relaxed and comfortable home is essential for your family. Decluttering provides a safe and comfortable environment for you, your family, and your guests. Ensuring your child’s toys are stored and organized can help keep your home tidy and clean, which will benefit anyone visiting or living there.
How to Declutter Kids Toys the Montessori Way
After knowing why you want to declutter your kids toys, it’s up to you as the parent to figure out how to declutter them safely and responsibly.
You may think this is daunting because there are so many toys in your child’s room, but it doesn’t have to be. The Montessori way to declutter kids’ toys is as follows:
1. Create a List of the Things You Want to Keep.
Before starting any decluttering efforts, make sure you have a written list of all the toys and other items in your child’s room that you want to keep. As part of the list, ensure you include instructions telling your child how to care for those things.
Some items on the list should be removed because they can be dangerous or break easily, especially if your child is young. These items should be stored either in their original location or safely out of sight.
The following questions can help you create a list of things to keep and get rid of.
- What are your child’s favorite toys?
- Which ones get played with the most?
- Do I want this item in my child’s room?
- Is there anything else I would rather have my child play with than this item?
- Will my little one be able to handle the thing without injuring themselves or someone else?
- Will this item cause clutter or mess if it is lost or left around?
2. Get Rid of Anything Broken or Missing Parts (or Pieces!)
Broken or missing parts make toys unsafe for children, so keeping these kinds of toys is a bad idea. This includes not just toys but books, stuffed animals, and other items that are used frequently by children.
Getting rid of broken or missing parts is an essential part of decluttering. Broken toys could be dangerous if they are sharp, small pieces could be a choking hazard, and missing parts might make it hard for your child to play with them.
If you’re wondering whether or not a toy is safe, here are some tips:
- Check for sharp edges or points that could poke your child’s skin
- Look for small pieces that could become lodged in your child’s throat or nose
- Test out any batteries or electronics to make sure the toy works properly
- Examine the toy closely to make sure it’s in good shape
3. Organize the Toys by Category
The best way to organize toys is to group them by type.
Start by gathering your child’s toys into one area and then separate them into categories: outdoor toys, indoor toys like open-ended ones, and arts & crafts. Now that all the toys are grouped, it will be easier for you and your child to put them away when playtime is over.
You can further categorize the toys by looking at their material and purpose. For example, you can:
- Group items by whether they are made of plastic, wood, or metal
- Group items by their purposes
- Group items by their type: dolls, cars, puppets, etc.
4. Rotate Toys Frequently
Once you’ve organized your child’s toys into categories, it is time for the fun part: rotating the toys!
One simplest and least time-consuming way to declutter is to regularly rotate the toys in and out of your child’s room. Toy rotation will help keep all toys fresh no matter how old.
Rotate toys throughout the week and make sure each category gets equal attention. Rotating toys weekly means you don’t have to get rid of any toys—they’ll go into storage until the following week.
5. Create a Toy Box
A toy box is a great way to ensure that your child’s toys are safe, organized, and easy to access. It is also an excellent way to add style to your child’s room. You may choose to purchase an actual toy box, or you can use a large storage container, depending on what works best for you.
If you want to get your child involved with the process, assign them a toy box for their toys and ensure they are responsible for putting them away when playtime is over. Encourage your child to use the toy box to organize their toys so they can put them away on their own.
Decide on a designated spot for the toy box and clear space in that area. Make sure it is easily accessible so your child doesn’t have to go too far to get their toys.
Final Thoughts
When you declutter your child’s toys, you help them build skills like self-control and responsibility! Cognitive and motor skills are also improved when your child knows where their toys are and how to use them properly.
Are you looking for a trusted, qualified firm to help your child declutter their toys or other items in your home? Or, would you like to know more about the many benefits of decluttering your home? Montessori Academy is perfect for you!
We have a variety of activities designed for your child’s development. With a fun and creative environment, we teach your child to enjoy being creative and learning Montessori through hands-on activities, age-appropriate play, and education. Our classes are safe, fun, and educational!
At Montessori Academy, we orient each child to respect themselves and their belongings. Your child will have fun learning how to properly care for their belongings, ensuring they are safe, organized, and easy to access.
To learn more about us, contact us today! We look forward to working with you and your family!
