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Writer's pictureEllie Azerad

Questions to Ask Yourself and Your Children When Decluttering Toys




When it comes to decluttering toys, it's essential to involve both yourself and your children in the process. By asking a series of questions, you can determine which toys are worth keeping and which ones are ready to find a new home. This blog post will provide you with a list of questions to guide you through the decluttering process and help create a more organized and enjoyable play area for your children.

  1. Do your children pass over this toy and search for a different toy time and again? Take note if your children consistently ignore a particular toy in favor of others. This may indicate that they prefer other toys and are ready to part with the neglected one.

  2. Do the children dislike cleaning up because the specific toy is too overwhelming to tidy? Consider whether the toy has an excessive number of pieces or is challenging to clean up. If it becomes a constant source of frustration during cleanup, it might be time to let go.

  3. Is this toy age-specific? Evaluate whether the toy is appropriate for your children's current age range. If the toy is no longer age-appropriate or they have outgrown it, it might be time to remove it from their collection.

  4. Is this toy valueless? Assess the condition of the toy. If it is broken, missing pieces, or has been forgotten about, it may no longer hold any value. The same goes for toys that no one plays with, board games, card games, and puzzles that have fallen out of use.

  5. Who plays with this toy? Consider who actively engages with the toy. If no one plays with it currently, reflect on whether it's likely to be used in the next month. If not, it may be time to let it go.

  6. What does this toy do? Is it open-ended and does it inspire creativity? Determine whether the toy is open-ended, encouraging imaginative play and creativity. Open-ended toys, such as art supplies, blocks, and building sets, tend to offer more long-term engagement and educational value.

  7. Do your children tend to get bored with this toy quickly? Toys that are highly specific in their function or purpose (close-ended) often lose their appeal quickly. On the other hand, toys that allow for open-ended play tend to foster creativity and hold children's attention for longer periods. Consider keeping toys that keep your children busy for extended periods of time.

  8. Is this toy burdening you? Consider whether the toy is difficult to clean up, takes up excessive space, or makes annoying sounds. Toys should contribute to a pleasant playtime experience, so if a toy becomes burdensome, it might be time to remove it.

  9. Is it so colorful and busy that it makes you and your home feel dizzy? Opt for toys in neutral and visually pleasing colors. A cluttered and overwhelming visual environment can make it difficult for both children and parents to enjoy the space.

  10. Does it make annoying noises? Consider getting rid of toys with loud, clunky electronic features that lose their novelty after the initial excitement. These toys can quickly become headache-inducing and lose their appeal.

  11. Do the children get frustrated when playing with this toy? Toys should be enjoyable and not cause frustration or tears. If a toy is overly complex or difficult to use, it may be time to let go of it.

  12. Are you the only one who loves this toy? Reflect on whether your attachment to a toy is greater than your children's interest. If the toy holds sentimental value to you but doesn't engage your children, consider passing it on to someone else who will appreciate it.

  13. Will this toy last? Evaluate the quality of the toy. Well-made, durable toys have the potential to stand the test of time and even be passed down through generations. Focus on keeping high-quality toys, including wooden toys and multi-purpose, open-ended play items.

  14. Is this toy a favorite item in your home? Be mindful of toys that your children have randomly declared as their prized possessions. While it may seem odd, these toys hold special significance for your children and should be preserved.

Decluttering toys can be a challenging task, but by asking these important questions, you can make the process more manageable. Remember to involve your children in the decision-making process, as their input is valuable. By creating a more organized and intentional play area, you can foster creativity, reduce overwhelm, and ensure that the toys available are truly enjoyed by your children.

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