If you feel like decluttering your kids' rooms is a never-ending process, you should know that you're not alone. They're constantly outgrowing everything from their shoes to their formerly favorite (and now ignored) playthings, making it a challenge for even the most diligent of moms to keep up. If your weekend plans involve yet another attempt at organization, we've got five things that you should absolutely consider getting out of there — ASAP!
In the Toy Box
Your kids can definitely take the lead in this area. Just have them make decisions following the rule that if the toy in question fits any of the following criteria, it's out!
- It's missing pieces that you need in order to play with it.
- You can't remember the last time you played with it.
- You don't like it anymore.
- It's dirty or worn beyond repair.
- You have two or more of the same toy.
- You have a newer version of the same thing that you like more.
In the Bathroom
Mom or dad can handle this one. First, go through all of your kids' bath toys and throw out those that have gotten moldy (or gross) over time. Then plow through your products. If you can consolidate partially used bottles of the same thing, do so to save space. If old shampoo, lotion, or diaper cream has seen better days, toss it. And most importantly, do a thorough medicine cabinet or vanity purge. If anything in there has expired, it's time to say goodbye!
Their Artwork
Kids' creations can turn even the most practical of parents into sappy, nostalgic borderline-hoarders. If parting with your child's preschool project feels like tossing a Picasso in the trash, consider one of these creative approaches to curating (and consolidating!) artwork [4].
In the Closet
If it's too small, it doesn't belong there. Make an executive decision on whether to save outgrown apparel for a younger sibling, donate it, pass it along to a friend or family member, or just throw it out. If it's ripped or torn and can be salvaged, take it to a tailor or DIY [6]. If it's something that you bought ahead of time for your child to grow into, make sure that it's somewhere that you'll remember it!
As for everything else, hang as much as you can in the closet, as it's a lot easier to see there. Keep dresser drawers as neat and tidy as possible, with articles of clothing neatly folded and organized by category.
Baby Gear
Less furniture means more space, something that most families put a high value on. If you have a glider, stroller, Pack 'N Play, or other piece of baby apparatus that you've moved past, consider donating it to an organization like Baby Buggy [8] or Baby2Baby [9]. Or if you're feeling crafty, try one of our creative approaches to repurposing your crib [10] and crib mattress [11].