Time to Declutter: 8 Kids’ Items You Should Toss Before They Notice
Every parent knows that kids come with more stuff than the average small army. From toys to clothes, it can feel like you’re living in a never-ending episode of “Hoarders: Junior Edition.” While some items are sentimental and worth keeping, there are definitely a few things you can sneak out of the house without your little ones ever realizing they’re gone. Here’s a friendly guide to eight kids’ items that you can toss before they notice, freeing up some much-needed space (and sanity).
1. Broken Toys
Let’s start with the obvious: broken toys. If it’s missing a wheel, has a giant crack, or is just plain unusable, it’s time for it to go. Sure, your kid might have once loved that toy dinosaur, but they probably won’t notice its absence if it’s been gathering dust in the corner for three months. Trust me, they’ll hardly miss it when you replace it with a little extra playtime.
2. Duplicates
Ah, the joys of gift-giving! It’s always nice to have a back-up, but how many stuffed bunnies does one child really need? If you’ve got multiples of the same toy, consider keeping one and donating the rest. Not only will you declutter, but you’ll also be teaching your kids a great lesson about sharing and giving.
3. Outgrown Clothes
Kids grow faster than weeds in a garden, and before you know it, those adorable outfits are just taking up space in the closet. If it’s clear that the size 5 shirt is, let’s just say, “a bit snug,” it’s time to let it go. You can either donate them or pass them down to a friend, but whatever you do, don’t let them linger. That’s just a recipe for an epic, tear-filled meltdown when they realize their favorite shirt no longer fits!
4. Old School Papers and Artwork
Every parent loves a good piece of child art, but let’s be real—there’s only so much refrigerator space available. Instead of keeping every scribble and finger painting, curate a small collection of your favorites. Snap some photos of the rest and toss the originals. This way, you’ll have a digital keepsake without the clutter. Plus, you’ll save yourself from feeling guilty about recycling a masterpiece that may or may not have been created on a Tuesday.
5. Expired Baby Gear
Remember that baby swing or bouncy chair that your little one outgrew ages ago? It’s probably just taking up space in your garage, gathering dust and cobwebs. If you’ve moved on from the baby stage, say goodbye to that old gear. Check for expiration dates on car seats and strollers, too—nothing says “time to toss” like a product that’s no longer safe. You’ll feel a sense of relief, not to mention a little nostalgia, as you make room for the next exciting stage of parenthood.
6. Toys with Missing Pieces
Ah, the puzzle that’s missing half its pieces—what a classic! If you’ve searched high and low for that last elusive piece and come up empty-handed, it’s time to wave the white flag. Toss those incomplete games and toys, because let’s be honest, they’ll only frustrate your kids when they realize they can’t play with them. Replace that broken puzzle with a new, complete one, and watch their faces light up!
7. Unused Gifts
We all have those well-meaning gifts that just didn’t hit the mark. Maybe it’s a board game that’s too complex or a toy that never caught their interest. If it’s been sitting in the corner for months, it’s likely time to let it go. Consider re-gifting it or donating it to a local charity. Your kids might not remember that weird robot that never worked, but they’ll appreciate the extra space for something they actually love.
8. Outdated Electronics
Kids often accumulate gadgets like they’re Pokémon cards! Old video game consoles, broken headphones, and outdated tablets can pile up quickly. If your kids are now glued to the latest devices, it’s probably safe to let go of the relics of their “former” tech life. Just make sure to wipe any personal data first—no one wants a surprise password fiasco when you’re trying to declutter!
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