Both things can be true at the same time…
First....
Kids come with a lot of stuff...clothes, equipment, toys, craft supplies, sports stuff, etc.
and Second....
You deserve to live in a functional and settled home space that provides all family members with a comfortable place to spend time in, aside from this fast paced world we live in.
Both things can be true at the same time
You may ask:
How do I set limits for the amount of kids stuff I can easily maintain on a regular basis?
Perhaps identify "a container" for each category (vehicles, stuffed animals, Legos, train set, dolls, doll clothes and accessories, books, balls, or whatever makes sense for your stuff. ) A container can be a tub/ bin, a shelf, a drawer, cabinet, or even a space in a room.
The container is the limit. Once it is full, that's it. The rest is donated. If you come across something else to keep in a certain category - decide what to get rid of from the container to make room. Try to avoid purchasing a bigger container.
Do my children need this particular toy or product to "learn" xyz? Absolutely not! If marketers are promising you some educational outcome, don't believe them. The truth is that development happens when children's bodies (physically, muscles and senses) and minds (mentally, cognitive and emotionally) are ready to do so. Yes, give them a rich environment of items. experiences and language, but no particular toy or program will "teach" your child, if that child is not ready to do so.
Children need a variety of items (toys and equipment) that fit 3 categories:
1- a few items that they have just mastered - to build confidence and refine skills/ knowledge
2 - a few items that they are ready to use - developmentally appropriate
3.- a few items that feel a bit challenging, but not so hard that they are not ready to learn
What do I do with the rest of the "stuff"?
Outgrown items and those items that no longer serve you can be passed along to others.
Items that are too old, developmentally, place them in storage until ready.
Use a toy rotation system to switch out items that you wish to keep that they are ready to use.
Off-Season equipment /clothing can be placed in a storage area.
What are good choices to keep?
Open-Ended toys are some of the best choices for homes with children of multiple ages or stages of development.
Items with high play value - for more ideas in this category - check out our videos on our YouTube channel - link below
Items that support their interests - cars, trains, animals, sports (whatever area they are interested in)
Seasonal equipment / clothing
Books - not hundreds - a small variety out at one time - kids love to hear the same stories over and over. The collection can be put in storage and rotated.
A bin of craft materials: play dough, scissors, glue/sticks, paper, markers, crayons, colored masking tape, and cardboard recyclables
How do I know I have the "right" number of items?
There is no magic number. Decide what works best for your family.
This small collection of toys, books, equipment, and clothing is manageable when tidying - can be reset within 15 minutes or less.
and
When the items fit into their containers.
Last....
Have systems/ routines in place to declutter/ reset daily/ weekly
Rotate out seasonally
Be intentional when purchasing in the future
I CAN HELP YOU kickstart your decluttering journey!!!
Ask about our 2-hour SPACE RESET for one kid space in your home. We will work together to create a more settled space.
(available for families living within 20 minutes of The Wonder Room)
Email me to schedule your SPACE RESET TODAY!!!!
No judgement, I'm simply here to help!