How to Declutter Children’s Toys After Christmas

Christmas is magical for children, but for parents it often comes with an overwhelming side effect. Toys everywhere. New gifts arrive, old ones remain, and suddenly there is no space left to play, let alone relax.

Decluttering children’s toys after Christmas does not mean throwing things away or upsetting anyone. It is about restoring balance so your home works again while keeping toys accessible and enjoyable and as always if the clutter is taking over your home, a storage unit can help.

Why toy clutter peaks after Christmas

Christmas adds volume without removing anything. Toys accumulate gradually throughout the year, then Christmas doubles the load overnight.

Children also tend to receive similar items from multiple people. More plush toys, more games, more sets with missing pieces. Without a system, everything ends up mixed together, broken or forgotten.

Start with space, not decisions

The biggest mistake parents make is trying to decide what to keep and what to get rid of straight away.

Instead, start by creating space. Clear floors, surfaces and play areas first. Once toys are no longer everywhere, it becomes much easier to see what is actually used and enjoyed.

This removes pressure and avoids emotional decisions.

Sort toys by how they are used

A simple way to declutter without stress is to group toys by use rather than by type.

Everyday favourites should stay accessible. Occasional toys can be stored out of sight. Rarely used toys can be packed away without being thrown away.

This approach respects your child’s attachment to their belongings while still reducing clutter.

Rotate toys instead of removing them permanently

Toy rotation is one of the most effective decluttering techniques.

By storing some toys away and bringing them back later, children often rediscover them with renewed interest. This reduces boredom, limits mess and extends the life of toys.

Rotation also prevents overload. Fewer toys out at once usually leads to better play and less chaos.

Use storage to keep toys without losing them

Storage does not have to mean bins everywhere.

Clear, labelled boxes make it easy for children to find and put away toys. Under bed storage works well for sets and puzzles. Shelving with baskets keeps frequently used toys organised without overwhelming the space.

For larger collections or toys used only occasionally, external storage can be a practical option, especially in smaller homes.

What to do with toys that are outgrown

Outgrown toys are often the hardest to deal with.

If you are not ready to donate or sell them, storing them temporarily removes pressure. This gives you time to decide without cluttering your home.

Many parents find it easier to part with toys once they have been out of sight for a while.

Involve children in the process

Decluttering works best when children feel included rather than excluded.

Let them help choose which toys stay out and which go away. Frame storage as making space to play rather than taking things away.

This builds positive habits and reduces resistance.

Focus on play quality, not quantity

A cluttered space often leads to less focused play. Too many options can be overwhelming for children.

Decluttering helps children engage more deeply with the toys they love. It also makes tidying up faster and less stressful.

Keep sentimental toys separate

Some toys are kept for emotional reasons rather than play.

Designate a special box for sentimental items. Knowing they are safe allows you to remove them from everyday spaces without guilt.