Cleaning Out the Playroom for Christmas

As Christmas comes along the idea of adding more toys to the playroom can be daunting. Kids accumulate stuff so quickly, it can become overwhelming. That’s why we always recommend a playroom clean-up before Christmas! We have tips on how to convince your kids to donate old toys and how to declutter in time for Christmas.

Step 1: Take an Inventory and Organize All Toys

Start by cleaning the room and organizing like toys together:

• Stuffed animals
• Blocks/Legos
• Books
• Art/Supplies
• Dolls/Action Figures
• Board Games
• Toy Cars
• Costume Play
• Ect

As you go through all the toys put aside and throw out anything that is broken. You may choose to do this part alone to make the donation part less overwhelming for your child. Make sure to have a donation plan before you start choosing what to donate with your child.

Whatever route you take make sure to be empathetic and understanding. Your first attempt may not work, try again another day.

Everything Has a Home

Next, you want to make sure everything has a home and is set up in a way that makes keeping the playroom clean easy. Here are some tips on making playroom maintenance easier.

• Keep like toys together in bins, the less time someone needs to spend sorting the better (ex: barbies, clothes, and accessories all in the same place)
• Use labels (include pictures!) so kids know where their toys’ home is.
• Find unique storage solutions for bigger toys, consider a toy rotation for things like a toy farm or train set. Only have one out at a time. (More on Toy Rotation below!)
• Invest in easy play/clean storage like Lego Tables that kids can play on top of and store pieces inside.

You will know your child’s interests better than anyone. Do some research on different storage solutions and management for those unique interests. If your child is more into dolls, art, or Lego, sometimes the storage solutions are all different. Find something that works for your space AND your child.

For your child’s key interests you may want a solution where they can keep toys out to play and come back too. (Dollhouse/Art/Puzzles).

Include your Kids in Decluttering

You will want to avoid throwing your child’s things out without letting them have input. Explain to your child that new toys are coming for Christmas, and to make way for new toys they will need to donate old toys. If your children are old enough consider watching the movie “Toy Story 2” together before decluttering to show toys going to new homes to be loved by new kids.

• Ask your child if there are any toys they want to donate up front.
• Give options: Would you like to donate 3 toys or 5 toys?
• Have your child fill the specific toys storage box and decide anything that doesn’t fit gets donated.

Make decluttering a tradition and try to practice what you preach. Show your child things you are willing to donate as well. Bring your child along when dropping off donations.

Consider Toy Rotation

If you have the space and your child is still hesitant giving away toys, consider doing a Toy Rotation. Toy Rotation is to put away some toys in storage and swap them out every few weeks/months so only the toys your child is interested in “now” are out. It reduces clutter and helps kids focus rather than be overwhelmed with choices.

We love the tips provided by Swaddles and Bottles on where to start with Toy Rotation if you need more inspiration.

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Kinder Buddies Oakville Daycare is a Quality First Daycare and Infant Care facility in Oakville, Ontario. We take care of children from the age of 6 weeks to 5 1/2 providing nutritious meals and fun activities all day long.