If you’ve ever stepped on a Lego (!!!), tripped over a toy truck, or wondered how the dolls managed to multiply overnight — you’re not alone. Toy clutter has a sneaky way of spreading fast.
You might be asking yourself: What should I do with all these toys? Should I try a toy rotation? And where do I put those big playsets that don’t seem to fit anywhere?
Let’s walk through some simple, practical ways to get toy clutter under control — and keep it that way.
Start with Less (Always Less!)
First and foremost — less really is more.
Kids play better when they’re not overwhelmed by choice. So begin by keeping and displaying the toys they genuinely love and use. You’ll notice they start playing more creatively when they can actually see what they have.
Everything else, pack it away or add it to a toy rotation (more on that below).
Toy Rotations: A Simple Game Changer
Toy rotations are great if you’ve got a lot of toys but not much space, or if your kids get bored quickly and need variety.
Keep out the “everyday favourites” — the things your kids play with constantly, like Lego, blocks, or the train set. Store these in containers that suit the size of the toys, and label everything clearly (pictures work well for younger kids).
Then, group everything else into categories — puzzles, costumes, pretend play, building toys, and so on. From each category, choose a few to stay out and pop the rest away for later. Every few weeks, swap the toys over and enjoy how “new” everything feels again.
Need more help with how to group or store them? Check out my blog post all about toy rotations here.
This photo is of the toys donated in a recent toy declutter session. The child decided to donate her My Litte Pony collection to make space for a new toy that took up a lot of space.
Involve the Kids (When You Can)
If you have the time and energy, involve your children in the process — even just a little. It helps them learn to group similar items, understand the space they have, and see the benefit of having less.
Asking them before and after a tidy up gets them connected with the good (or bad) feelings they get when they do this. Remind them of this in the future to help them connect positive feelings to organising and decluttering.
You may also discover new insights into how they play, which means you can set up the space in a way that works better for them. For example your child plays with the blocks and the wooden animals together (never seperately), so store them in the same tub.
One way to involve them is to get them to put their favourite stuffed toys in a container. What doesn’t fit has to go. So you’re making the container the bad guy.
If this doesn’t work – because they love their soft toy collection so much – it allows you to have an open conversation about space (and its restrictions). From here, you can ask if they are willing to let go of a different category of toys to make space for their growing stuffed toy collection.
That said, it’s perfectly fine to make decisions on their behalf when needed. You know your child best, and what they’ll handle well. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here. Just be mindful of creating ‘trauma’ by getting rid of things they love or breaking their trust by doing it behind their back. Your inner voice is a guide here – you’ll know how your child will respond, and if an possible upset will pass quickly. Some tips below if letting go is hard for your kids.
When They Don’t Want to Let Go
If your child gets upset when something leaves the house, there are a few gentle ways to help them through it.
Try letting them say goodbye, have one last play, or take a photo with the toy before donating it. Sometimes, just being part of the process helps them feel more in control.
You can also set up a “holding box” in the garage. Pop the uncertain toys in there and revisit them a month later. If your child hasn’t missed them, treat that as a sign that they can go.
These conversations are valuable. They help kids connect with the benefits of having fewer, well-loved toys — more space to play, easier clean-ups, and a calmer environment overall.
Note: Sometimes you don’t want to let go. If your child says they don’t want something, allow them to have their opinion. If you think they should keep it because Granny gave it to them, move it to their, or your memory box. Keeping items in their room because you think they should keep it, or you have aspirational dreams that they want to play with it, creates clutter. Let them go, or store them in a space you’ve dedicated to sentimental items.
Smart Toy Storage
Good storage doesn’t need to be expensive or Pinterest-perfect — it just needs to work for your home.
Here are some options:
-
- Clear bins or baskets: So kids can see what’s inside and pack away easily. Label them with pictures or words. The containers may come with lids – Leave the lids off if on shelving, as kids are more likely to put their toys away. This storage solution works well with the Kallax shelving.
- Cube shelving (like IKEA’s Kallax): Great for keeping toys tidy and accessible. Bunnings and Kmart/Big W often sell a version of these too.
- Plastic tubs with dividers: Perfect for Lego, craft bits, or small toys. The link is just an example but most shops now sell containers of different shapes and sizes.
- Lidded boxes: Ideal for bigger sets like Little People or Mobilo. Containers with lids means you can stack them.
- Soft toy beanbags: You can get clear blow up chairs that are designed to be filled with stuffed toys. I’ll be honest, this isn’t my favourite storage option but it appeals to some. It creates a ‘useful’ home for teddies with sentimental value, but aren’t played with anymore.
If space is limited, check if your local area has a toy library. For my Canberra locals try Meg’s Toy Box. They’re brilliant for borrowing larger toys for a small fee, usually under $2, and returning them a few weeks later. It’s a great way to keep playtime fresh without adding long-term clutter.
And why not check out some toy decluttering tips here.
The soft toy overwhelm children and parents alike are met with today. Get your kids to choose out their favourites first.
The Takeaway
Toy clutter can feel endless, but it doesn’t have to take over your home. Keep the favourites, rotate the rest, involve your kids when possible, and choose storage that fits your space and family.
The goal isn’t a perfect play space — it’s creating a space where your kids can play, imagine, and enjoy themselves, and where you can walk across the floor without stepping on a rogue piece of Lego!
Have a clever toy storage idea that works in your home? I’d love to hear it. Come share your tips (and toy battles) in the WellSorted Facebook Group