Tips to Declutter Children's Toys leading up to Christmas

Getting the children involved in decluttering their toys is a game changer to taking the stress out of this necessary task leading up to Christmas. We've found that Christmas is an ideal time to get them involved because of the obvious promise of more things to fill in the gaps and when they are on board the task for me (and many others we have spoken with) becomes so much easier!

Decluttering children's toys is something i personally really struggle with, here's why :

- i have 3 children and so i'm always convinced that the next one will play with the toys as they get older;
- because in the holidays things do get dragged out and used (although i am wondering whether 15 mins is a good enough reason to hang onto a whole room full...!)
- because if I take items out when the children are here they start relaying stories and memories which is then closely followed by Oscar Award Winning dramatics providing 101 reasons to put each item back in the box; and
- It's hard to find time to do this when the children are not in the house. 

So WHY bother decluttering their things at all and HOW to get the children involved? Read on to find out... 

First WHY do it ? Answer - BETTER MENTAL HEALTH AND OF COURSE SPACE ...

Decluttering is key to feeling connected to your life right now, as you (your children) let go of items from the past, you (they) can focus on what interests you (them) and is enjoyable to play with right now and it makes space for new things (CHRISTMAS THINGS!).

Also scientific studies have shown that clutter raises your cortisol levels potentially leading to anxiety and depression! Don't we all want to help our children avoid unnecessary pressures on their mental health! 

As a parent/guardian we don't have the luxury of teaching assistants, dining staff and after school cleaners, so it is really difficult to keep some order to a mountain of stuff - once mixed up and spilling over it becomes uncontrollable, spewing like a volcano every time you open the cupboards or look under a bed - Reducing the amount you have helps you to maintain some feeling of order, it becomes easier to teach children how to manage their things and it allows you to say yes to moving onto the next activity without going into a nagging fit or a cold sweat!

So next,  HOW to get the children involved in decluttering their toys on the lead up to Christmas ...?

Try one of the 5 suggestions from the list below, please do tell us how you get on over on our social media @stresslesschristmas - The list has been created through our experience and from speaking to people in different online communities ...

1 - Write A Letter From Santa - On Christmas paper as though it's from Santa, tell them they have to give away some of their toys otherwise there is no room for new ones, maybe mention that this helps him as he can't keep up and some toys will go to other boys and girls for presents too. Maybe get the Naughty Elf to deliver the letter one morning. 

2 - Selling Makes Money Equals More Presents -  If the children have completed their Christmas Wishlists in October (as per our Stress Less Christmas Programme) explain that some of the presents will be purchased by you (or Santa brings some and you bring some) and talk about the costs.... explain that selling some toys which they no longer play with will put money towards the things they really want right now. 

3 - Create 3 Boxes & Start Filling
i) Keep But Put Away box (useful for children not ready to let go of things which connect them to their even younger self)
ii) Donate To A Charity box (a great excuse to talk about the essence of giving at Christmas)
iii) The Thank You and Goodbye box (for those items which have quite obviously given joy but really must be thrown away) 

 4 - Host A Clothing and Toy Swap a few times a year and always do one in October or November. The children can help to organise it, but maybe hold the Christmas one without them as you may find you gain some presents at the same time. Any items left over are donated to local homeless or women's shelters.

5 - Become An Elf On An Errand - Give each child a large cloth bag and get them to decorate it, then challenge them to fill it with items they have outgrown or are bored with. Next get them to dress up as an Elf on a mission to deliver the sack to a local charity - again this could be a great Elf on the Shelf game.

We really hope these suggestions help you to get your children involved in the decluttering, it is a great skill to learn both practically and psychologically.... as one woman we spoke to told us "My children are all grown up and still do a pre-christmas clear out, it helps to refocus their minds for the year ahead too"

 Thanks for Reading, More tips like these can be found in our Stress Less Christmas Programme click through to join us for FREE   ... Michelle x