Millennial Moms are Overwhelmed by Toys (How to Declutter Them)
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Drowning in Toy Clutter? You’re Not Alone.
Ever feel like your house is just one big toy explosion? Same, mama. I used to spend way too much time picking up toys, organizing bins, and trying (and failing) to keep my home looking somewhat presentable. No matter how much I tidied up, the mess never seemed to end.
The real issue? We just had too many toys.
Toys are cheaper and easier to buy than ever before, and before you know it, your living room looks like a toy aisle exploded. But the more toys kids have, the less they actually play with them. They get overwhelmed, and so do we!
So if you’re ready to clear the chaos and bring back some peace, here’s how I finally took control of toy clutter—without the guilt.
Why Fewer Toys = Happier Kids (and a Happier You!)
Here’s the thing: research shows that kids play better when they have fewer toys. Less clutter means:
More focused play (goodbye, short attention spans!)
Less overwhelm and frustration
More appreciation for their toys
Easier cleanup (which means less stress for you!)
Once I cut down on the toy clutter, I noticed my daughter played more creatively and for longer stretches. And bonus? My home actually stayed clean for more than five minutes. If you’re ready to get those same results, here’s how to make it happen.
1. The Wishlist Trick (No More Impulse Buys!)
Ever been in Target when your kid begs for just one more toy? Instead of saying yes or dealing with a meltdown, we snap a quick pic and add it to a wishlist.
Nine times out of ten, my daughter forgets about the toy completely. And if she still wants it weeks later, we consider it for birthdays or special occasions. This simple shift has saved us money, space, and sanity.
2. The Container Rule (A Game-Changer!)
Instead of setting an arbitrary toy limit, we use containers to set boundaries:
One bin for stuffed animals
One basket for dolls or action figures
One box for building blocks
If a container is full, that’s it! If a new toy comes in, an old one has to go. This keeps toys from taking over your entire house.
3. The One-In, One-Out Rule
New toy? Cool! But before it stays, we pick one old toy to donate. This keeps clutter in check and teaches kids about gratitude and mindful choices.
4. The ‘Decide Later’ Bin
Some toys are tough to let go of. That’s why we use a ‘Decide Later’ bin.
If my daughter isn’t sure about parting with a toy, we store it away for a month. If she doesn’t ask for it, we donate it. No stress, no tears—just clutter-free living.
5. Rotate the Toys
Instead of having all the toys out at once, we keep some stored away and swap them out every few weeks. When the “new” toys come back, it’s like Christmas morning!
What to Do with Decluttered Toys
Not sure what to do with the toys you’re letting go of? Here are some easy ideas:
✅ Donate to local shelters, daycares, or charities.
✅ Sell on Facebook Marketplace or resale apps.
✅ Repurpose or recycle broken toys.
Looking for intentional toys that last? My daughter LOVES this.
Ready to Simplify?
Decluttering toys doesn’t mean taking the fun away—it means creating a space where kids can actually enjoy the things they love without feeling overwhelmed. Once I simplified our toy collection, I felt instant relief, and my daughter actually played better.
If you’ve been feeling like toy clutter is running your life, try just one of these strategies today. And if you do, let me know—I’d love to hear how it goes!
Want more simple living tips? Be sure to for more ways to make mom life easier!
You can find all of my favorite Organization Goodies, here!
Let’s chat! Have you decluttered your kids’ toys? Which method works best for your family? Drop a comment below!
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