How to Declutter Kids Toys Before New Gifts Arrive

Every parent in Charlottesville is dealing with the same December struggle. New gifts are coming soon, and the toys already feel like they are taking over the house. Before your living room becomes a toy store on Christmas morning, a simple toy reset can make the rest of winter feel lighter and more manageable.

This is one of the best organizing tasks you can do in December, and kids are usually more on board than you expect when it is done the right way.

Step One: Sort Toys Into Simple Categories

Use clear, easy groups such as

• toys they play with every day

• toys they use sometimes

• toys they have outgrown

• toys that are broken or missing pieces

• toys they forgot existed

You can do this with or without your child depending on their age.

You are simply creating clarity before deciding what to keep.

Step Two: Let Kids Choose a Few Favorites

Instead of asking what they want to get rid of, ask what their favorite items are. Children respond much better when they feel in control. Favorite choices go into the daily play bin or shelf.

Step Three: Gently Declutter What Is Left

Anything that is broken, unused, or outgrown can be

• donated

• recycled

• passed down

• stored for rotation

• thrown away if no longer usable

This step removes the overwhelm that builds throughout the winter.

Step Four: Create Simple Storage That Kids Can Maintain

No complicated systems. Kids need easy, visible storage such as

• baskets

• low shelves

• labeled bins

• soft storage cubes

Everything should have a home that is simple enough for them to clean up on their own.

Step Five: Hide a Few Toys for January

If your child has too many items but is attached to them, quietly rotate a small portion.

Bring them out in January when the winter boredom slump hits.

It feels like new toys without spending money.

Why This Matters

Decluttering toys before new ones arrive

• reduces holiday stress

• lowers cleanup battles

• makes your home feel calmer

• gives kids a clearer play space

• increases creativity and focus

• prevents instant post-Christmas overwhelm

This is one of the most effective December resets you can do as a parent.

If you want help organizing kids rooms, playrooms, closets, or full home toy chaos, our team can step in with

• room resets

• toy sorting and organizing

• full decluttering

• winter home resets

• whole home organizing sessions

A calmer home sets the tone for a calmer holiday season.

And your kids will feel it too.