How to Declutter Toys (Part 1): Why It’s So Hard — and Where to Start

If you’ve ever looked around your living room and wondered how the toys took over (again), you’re not alone.

Between generous grandparents, birthday party gifts, school rewards, and those last-minute impulse buys at Target — the toy clutter creeps in fast.

And it doesn’t just affect your home… it affects your peace, your routines, and your capacity.

It’s easy to feel like no matter how often you sort, purge, or “organize,” the mess still finds a way back.

But the truth is: decluttering toys isn’t just about stuff. It’s about emotions, systems, and a whole lot of expectations we never signed up for.

Before we get into the how, let’s start with the why it’s so hard — and what to do about it.

Here’s what we’ve learned after working with hundreds of families in real homes:

1. It starts with good intentions.

Baby showers, birthdays, and holidays often bring in a flood of items that aren’t age-appropriate (yet), duplicate what you already have, or simply never get used.

The problem? Most toys don’t enter your home with the same kind of intention that other categories often do. People either don’t plan ahead at all — or they plan way too far ahead.

While it’s natural to anticipate growth, development, or “just in case” moments, the result is usually overflow.

But unlike clothing, toys don’t need to be saved in bulk. Your child won’t suddenly need five new puzzles, ten board games, and a duplicate train set overnight.

Instead of planning years in advance, try asking:

→ What toys are developmentally appropriate right now?

→ What are they actually using — and enjoying?

Pro Tip: Create a short list of toys your child loves today — and let that guide your decisions moving forward.

 2. We’re not minimalists — and that’s okay

But, how much is too much? 

At The Modern Steward, we’re not about bare shelves or rigid aesthetics. We believe kids should learn, develop, and have fun.

But the goal is to support their growth without letting toys take over the household. That means creating clear categories, assigning designated homes, and setting reasonable limits — so your home works for everyone, not just the toys.

The right amount will look different for every family, but here’s a quick check-in:

• Can your kids clean up independently or with minimal help?

• Can you identify what’s in each bin or zone without digging?

• Do the toys reflect their current interests and developmental stage?

If not — it might be time for a household reset.

As a parent myself, I can confidently say: the goal isn’t just to create an organized home. It’s to help raise kids who feel capable and confident in the spaces they live in.

In the words of my client Rachel: “This isn’t just about stuff — it’s about teaching my kids how to manage life.”

If that resonates, you’ll want to read our companion blog:

Raising Organized Kids Starts with You: 5 Habits + Systems That Actually Stick

3. There’s emotion attached — for us and for them

Sometimes, it’s not just a stuffed animal — it’s the one Grandma gave them, or the one they held when they were sick.

Letting go feels personal. Especially when you’re the one who bought it, cleaned it, or stayed up all night assembling it.

That’s why we believe in a gentle, collaborative process — not a power struggle.

You can teach boundaries and organization without forcing detachment.

Use age-appropriate language, and focus on the benefits:

“We’re making space so your favorite toys are easier to find and play with.”

4. Donation isn’t always easy — but it’s worth it

Knowing what (and where) to donate can stall progress. But with the right guidance, it gets easier.

In general, avoid donating plush toys or anything heavily used. But items like puzzles, blocks, books, and play sets can often be wiped clean and passed on.

We love partnering with organizations like:

• Angel’s Place

• Local daycare centers and toy drives

• National networks like Good+ Foundation

Feeling unsure? We created a full donation guide to walk you through it:

👉🏽 How to Donate & Discard Sustainably

5. Most systems aren’t built for kids — they’re built for parents

Baskets with lids. Storage bins that stack five high. Narrow shelving crammed into closets.

These things look nice… but they’re hard for kids to use consistently.

Before you buy another bin, observe how your child naturally plays and puts things away. Then design a system that works with those habits — not against them.

Need help picking practical tools?

We shared our favorite products here:

15 Organizer-Approved Products That Actually Work

What’s next?

We’ve covered why it’s hard — and why your struggle is totally valid.

In Part 2, we’ll walk you through:

• Our go-to toy categories for sorting

• Purging with intention

• Smart storage that supports your routines

• And how to create a rotation system that actually works

I would absolutely love to hear your feedback, please comment.

Read Part 2: Toy Decluttering Systems That Actually Work