Why Decluttering Kids’ Toys Before the Holidays Matters
Simplify the Season | Holiday Decluttering Tips for Families
This post is part of our Simplify the Season series, where we share tips for reducing stress, creating space, and embracing more joy during the busy holiday months.
The holiday season brings joy, family traditions, and—if you have children—a wave of new toys and gifts. Decluttering before the winter holidays can do good in multiple ways. Not only will your home feel calmer and less overwhelming after Christmas or Hanukkah, but the toys your family no longer needs can bring joy to others.
Make Room Before the Holiday Rush
One of the biggest benefits of decluttering before the holidays is avoiding the post-celebration overwhelm. By creating space ahead of time, you’ll have designated spots for new gifts and won’t feel like toys are spilling into every corner of the house. Families thrive with clear boundaries, so consider setting limits: dedicate a bookshelf, closet, or storage bins for toys, and once those are full, it’s time to edit and donate.
Teach Kids the Value of Giving
Decluttering with your children can be a teaching moment. Involving kids in the process helps them learn that we don’t need to keep everything—and that the toys they no longer use can be loved by another child. It’s a simple but powerful way to introduce generosity and gratitude during the holiday season.
Extend the Life of Toys Through Gifting and Donating
When you let go of toys before the holidays, you’re not just clearing space—you’re extending their life cycle. Hand-me-downs can become meaningful holiday gifts for friends or family. Locally, I love using my Falls Church Buy Nothing group, where neighbors pass along items just in time for the holidays.
Many of my clients also donate toys to organizations like Northern Virginia Family Services or Columbia Baptist’ food pantry which ensure families in need receive gifts during the holidays. Selling gently used toys on Facebook Marketplace can also provide extra cash to put toward this year’s presents.
Buy Smarter, Buy Used
Over the past few years, I’ve made it a priority to reduce my family’s consumption—especially when it comes to toys. I often buy used items for Christmas gifts through Facebook Marketplace, which cuts down on waste and keeps plastic out of landfills. It’s a sustainable approach that still delivers joy to kids on Christmas morning.
Start Now for a Stress-Free Season
Decluttering kids’ toys before the holidays isn’t just about making space—it’s about creating a calmer, more intentional season for your family. By clearing out the old, donating what you no longer need, and setting limits on storage, you’ll welcome the holidays with less stress and more joy.
✨ Ready to simplify your home before the holiday season? Sort It Out offers professional organizing services across Falls Church, Arlington, Fairfax, Bethesda, Potomac, and the DC metro area. Let’s make space for what matters most this holiday season.
This post is part of my holiday blog series, Simplifying the Season.
Catch the full series here:
Why Decluttering Kids’ Toys Before the Holidays Matters
Less Stuff, More Joy: Our Gifting Approach (to come)
After the Holidays: Storing, Sorting & Resetting (to come!)
