How to Declutter Toys (Simple Strategies That Actually Work for Families)
If you’ve ever stepped on a LEGO at 6am or felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of plastic in your home, you are not alone. Learning how to declutter toys has been one of the biggest game-changers in our home as a mom of five.
I used to think more toys meant happier kids.
It didn’t.
It meant more mess, more overwhelm, and honestly… more frustration for everyone.
Now? We live with less, and my kids actually play more.
Let me walk you through exactly how to declutter toys in a way that’s simple, realistic, and sustainable—especially for busy moms.
Why Decluttering Toys Matters (More Than You Think)
Before we get into the how, let’s talk about the why.
Kids don’t thrive in clutter.
In Simplicity Parenting, Kim John Payne explains:
“The less cluttered a child’s environment, the less cluttered their mind.”
That hit me hard.
Too many toys don’t create more creativity—they create overwhelm, decision fatigue, and shorter attention spans.
And if you’ve ever noticed your kids dumping everything out instead of actually playing… this is why.
Step 1: Start with a Toy Reset (Yes, All of Them)
If you really want to learn how to declutter toys, you have to see what you’re working with.
Take everything out.
- Dump bins
- Empty shelves
- Gather toys from bedrooms, living rooms, closets, cars… all of it
Yes, it’s chaotic for a minute—but it’s worth it.
This gives you a clear picture of:
- Duplicates
- Broken toys
- Toys your kids forgot existed
Step 2: Ruthlessly Remove the Obvious
Start easy. You don’t need to overthink this part.
Get rid of:
- Broken toys
- Toys missing pieces
- Dollar store junk
- Happy Meal toys
- Anything your kids have outgrown
This alone can cut your toy clutter in half.
As Joshua Becker says:
“The first step in crafting the life you want is to get rid of everything you don’t.”
Step 3: Keep Toys That Encourage Real Play
Here’s where your mom instinct comes in.
Ask yourself:
- Does this toy get played with regularly?
- Does it encourage creativity or imagination?
- Do my kids actually enjoy this?
We’ve found that fewer, better toys = longer, deeper play.
Think:
- Blocks
- Dolls
- LEGO
- Dress-up
- Open-ended toys
This aligns so much with what Dawn Madsen (The Minimal Mom) teaches:
“When kids have fewer toys, they play more creatively and for longer periods of time.”
And I can 100% confirm this is true in a house full of kids.
>> The Best Open-Ended Toys on a Budget <<
Step 4: Set a Simple Toy Limit (This Is the Secret)
This is the step that changes everything.
Instead of asking “Should I keep this?”, ask:
👉 “Do we have room for this?”
Give your toys a container:
- A shelf
- A toy bin
- A small closet
When it’s full… that’s it.
No overflowing. No stuffing more in.
This keeps clutter from creeping back in.
Step 5: Create a Toy Rotation (Game-Changer for Moms)
If you’re not ready to get rid of everything, rotate instead.
Here’s what we do:
- Keep a small number of toys out
- Store the rest in bins
- Swap every few weeks
It feels like Christmas every time.
And the best part?
You don’t need to buy anything new.
>> How to Organize Kids’ Toys: Strategies That Work <<
Step 6: Involve Your Kids (But Don’t Let Them Run the Show)
Yes, kids can help.
But if you’ve ever asked a child to declutter, you know they suddenly love everything.
Try this:
- Let them pick their favorites
- Give them a set number to keep
- Offer choices, not open-ended decisions
Example:
👉 “Pick your 10 favorite stuffed animals.”
This gives them control without overwhelming them.
Step 7: Make Decluttering a Regular Rhythm
Toy clutter isn’t a one-time fix.
It’s a rhythm.
We declutter:
And honestly? It gets easier every time.
What Happened When We Decluttered Toys
I wasn’t expecting such a big shift, but here’s what changed:
- My kids play longer (and fight less)
- Cleanup takes minutes instead of hours
- Our home feels calmer
- I feel less overwhelmed as a mom
Less really is more.
>> How to Keep Your House Clean With 5+ Kids: Practical Strategies That Work <<
Simple Toy Decluttering Rules to Remember
If you’re overwhelmed, just start here:
- Less toys = better play
- If it’s broken, toss it
- If it’s not used, donate it
- If it doesn’t fit, it doesn’t stay
- Rotate instead of buying more
🧺 Want Help Getting Started?
If you’re staring at a pile of toys and thinking “I don’t even know where to start…”—I get it. I’ve been there (times five).
That’s exactly why I made this simple Toy Declutter Quick Start Kit.
It’s what I personally use as a mom of 5 to keep toy clutter under control—without overthinking it or turning it into a huge project.
Inside, you’ll get:
✔ A step-by-step toy declutter checklist
✔ A simple guide for how many toys kids actually need
✔ A 15-minute plan to help you start TODAY
A Simpler Home Starts Here
If you’re feeling buried in toys right now, I want you to know—you don’t have to live like that.
You don’t need a bigger house or better storage bins.
You just need less.
Start small. One bin. One shelf. One category.
And watch how much lighter your home (and your mind) feels.
📌 Save This for Later
👉 Pin it for later and start with one small step—you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
And don’t forget—grab your Free Toy Declutter Kit before you go so you have everything you need when you’re ready to start.
