Start Fresh: A Step-by-Step Guide to Decluttering Toys and Tackling Clutter in the New Year

The New Year is a time for fresh beginnings—and what better place to start than tackling toy clutter? If you’re stepping on LEGOs or can’t find space for holiday gifts, this guide will help you streamline your home, reduce stress, and create lasting organization.

Step 1: Envision Your Ideal Space

Before diving in, take a moment to imagine what a decluttered space would feel like—calm, functional, and inviting. Set your goals for the toy area. Do you want everything accessible for the kids or hidden away? Keep this vision in mind as you sort.

Step 2: Sort & Edit

The first step to decluttering is going through every toy with intention. Here’s how:

  1. Bring Everything Out
    Empty toy bins, shelves, and baskets. Seeing everything at once helps you grasp the amount you own.

  2. Group by Category
    Sort toys into categories (e.g., puzzles, dolls, building blocks, vehicles). This process makes it easier to see duplicates or items that no longer spark interest.

  3. Decide What Stays
    Use the "Keep, Donate, Toss" method. Involve your kids by asking questions like:

    • “Do you still play with this?”

    • “Would another child enjoy it more?”

Step 3: Set Limits

Even beloved toys can take over if there’s no limit. Implement these strategies:

  • Use Containers or Shelves
    Allocate a specific container or shelf for each toy category. Once it’s full, it’s time to pare down.

  • One-In, One-Out Rule
    For every new toy brought into the house, consider letting go of an older one.

Step 4: Organize with Systems

Remember, systems—not containers—are the key to lasting organization. Here's how to create simple, sustainable systems:

  • Label Everything
    Use pictures or words to label bins for younger kids. This makes cleanup easier for everyone.

  • Rotate Toys
    Store half the toys in a closet and rotate them every month. This keeps things fresh without adding clutter.

Step 5: Donate & Recycle Responsibly

Once you’ve decluttered, pass along toys in good condition to local charities, shelters, or thrift stores. Broken or worn-out toys can often be recycled through specialized programs.

Why Decluttering Matters

A toy-free-for-all might feel inevitable, but a cluttered environment can overwhelm both kids and adults. Decluttering toys helps:

  • Teach Kids Responsibility
    Sorting and maintaining toys fosters decision-making and accountability.

  • Reduce Stress
    A tidy space feels more peaceful and easier to navigate.

  • Increase Playtime Creativity
    Fewer options encourage deeper engagement and imaginative play.

Make 2025 Your Most Organized Year Yet

If toy clutter is only part of the problem, Streamline Organizing and Design can help transform your entire home into a functional, peaceful space.

📅 Schedule Your Free Consultation Today!
Call us at (406) 794-6538, email info@organizingwithstreamline.com, or visit organizingwithstreamline.com to get started.

Let’s make this the year of clutter-free living!

Check Out More Organization Tips

Looking for even more ways to bring order to your home or office? Check out our other articles:

Stay Connected

Don’t miss out on expert organizing tips, tricks, and exclusive updates!

Subscribe to our email list to get helpful advice delivered straight to your inbox, plus access to free resources like our Ultimate Decluttering Checklist.