Written By Melanie McConnell of Mello Spaces as part of our Organizing Blog Collab.
Before you have more stuff coming into your home, especially for kids, take this time to really go through all of their belongings. It is best to do the first round of letting go with your kids in the room. They can tell you what can stay and what can go. Later, do another round when they’re not around. I think it’s essential to have them involved, so they’re taught early and develop this habit for themselves. However, they don’t always part with items very well, and if it’s something they never touch and you don’t see them using, it’s going when they’re not around! Most of the time, they never even notice. This is an excellent time of year to donate these items you’re getting rid of to a local organization that could use them or a family in need! Or sometimes grandparents want some toys for their house and will gladly take them.
Should it stay or should it go?
- Dolls, Figurines, and Stuffed Animals. If they’re looking worn or have seen better days, it may be time to toss. Also, pull any that your child has moved on from in interest or outgrown, as well as any possible doubles.
- Electronics. Match up charge cords to the item they came with and toss any extras, labeling the kept cords. Sell any items your kids are no longer using and recycle the ones that don’t work anymore.
- Arts & Crafts. Have your kids test their pens and markers, tossing out any that have dried out, along with overly worn out crayons, dried up clay or dough, old slime, and barely-there paints. Flip through any art books or notepads and recycle if there’s hardly an empty page.
- Books, Movies, and Personal Items. Pull any books or movies they’ve outgrown. Feel free to save a favorite book or 2 or any with personal notes in them for memory boxes. Have them help you take a dig through any personal items, including those for sports or hobbies, and get rid of what they’re no longer using, interested in, or if it doesn’t fit.
With all of these, it’s also up to you whether it’s something to be saved and put away for younger siblings when the timing is right.
