1. Declutter With a Purpose

A simple way to reduce toy clutter is to adopt the “one-year rule.” If your child hasn’t played with something in the past year, it’s time to let it go. If you can’t remember the last time it was used, that’s a clear sign someone else could benefit from it more. This is the perfect chance to teach your kids about kindness by donating gently used toys to other children who may not have as many.

When it comes to broken or unsafe toys, make sure to recycle what you can so your home feels safer and more manageable. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the space opens once the excess is gone. Plus, the fewer toys you keep, the easier it becomes to organize the ones that matter.

2. Sort and Categorize Items

Gather every toy into one central spot so you can see the full picture, then sort them into categories like “favorite,” “outgrown,” “broken” and “seasonal.” This helps you quickly identify what deserves space in your home and what can be passed along. Get your kids involved to make the process more engaging and less overwhelming — it can feel like a game rather than a chore.

Unlike adults, children don’t cling to nostalgia, so they’re often ready to let go of toys they’ve outgrown. This is the perfect time to help them understand that it’s okay to part with things they no longer love, while still holding on to their true favorites.

3. Create Smart Storage Systems

Use labeled bins, baskets or cubbies to make cleanup quick and easy. Give every toy a clear home so your kids know exactly where things go. If you have an insulated garage or attic, take advantage of the extra storage space for items you might not want to store in an uninsulated space, which can experience less comfortable temperatures during winter and summer, to avoid any damage to your items. Try rotating toys so only a few are available at once. This keeps playtime fresh and makes managing clutter easier.

Be sure to choose storage solutions that fit your family’s needs, whether clear bins for easy visibility or closed bins to maintain a tidy, streamlined look. Keeping storage simple and accessible means kids can clean up with minimal reminders. Over time, this helps create lasting habits that keep your home organized with less effort.

4. Store Sentimental Items Thoughtfully

Even if your kids aren’t playing with them, there may be some items you want to keep for sentimental purposes. Set aside a small memory box or bin for toys with special meaning. 

Involve your kids by letting them decide what feels most meaningful to save. This will help them feel included and teach them the value of choosing what’s worth keeping. By striking this balance, you’ll hold on to the memories while creating a home that feels organized and easy to manage.

5. Maintain With Easy Daily Habits

Establish a quick 10-minute nightly cleanup routine as a family so tidying up feels manageable and consistent. Keep your storage solutions simple and height-accessible so kids can handle them independently, encouraging accountability.

To stop toys from spreading everywhere, designate specific areas of the room for play and storage. Architectural features, like hollow window seats, make great toy zones that help contain the mess. When every toy has a place, cleanup becomes easier and faster. Treat decluttering as an ongoing habit, rather than a one-time project, so your home stays in tip-top shape.

Create a Calm and Tidy Home Through Small Steps

Toy clutter doesn’t have to take over your home — you can regain control with a few intentional changes. Small, consistent steps, like nightly cleanups or seasonal purges, create lasting order without overwhelming your schedule. Embracing smart storage and a balanced approach to sentimental items lets you enjoy a calmer, tidier space that works for the whole family.