4 Tips for Getting Rid of Old Toys as Your Kids Age

As a parent, you've undoubtedly asked yourself more than once why a toy or two was in your living room or kitchen and not in your child's toy box where it belonged. You may have even tripped on a small piece and threatened to toss all toys. Perhaps you have multiple children and have even had to break up a fight over a toy that suddenly both wanted to play with or possess. If that is you, know that you aren't alone.

Even in homes with a playroom, toys can create an unsightly mess chaotic enough to change the entire vibe. However, getting rid of toys isn't simply as easy as pulling out a green trash bag and tossing toys in for disposal. Regardless of whether your children are attached to their toys or have outgrown them, downsizing their toy box or getting rid of toys is not an easy task.

Below are some tips for getting rid of toys as your kid’s age or outgrow them.

Let your kids be part of the decision-making process

When you decide to downsize your child's toy box because they have outgrown many of their toys or you know they are no longer age-appropriate, let them be part of the decision-making process. Don't make reducing toys punishment for your child; instead, make it a joyous occasion. However, the first thing you want to do as a parent is warning them that it will happen. Tell them all the reasons that downsizing is beneficial. Some of those could be:

It makes room for new toys.

It gets rid of toys with missing pieces.

It gives toys to less fortunate kids.

Let your kids make money off their old toys

Kids love the idea of making money of their own. If some toys or games are gently used by your children and in good shape, tell your kids that there are multiple ways that they can make money from them. Yard sales are always fun for kids to participate in and even more fun when they sell their items. Yard sales teach kids to set prices and also be willing to negotiate. In addition to yard sales, there are reputable websites where vintage toys are bought and sold. Using sites for selling is a fun way for tech-savvy kids to sell old items like their old transformers g1 toys.

Get one, toss one

Parents can use some of the same concepts and strategies regarding new things in the closet for themselves on their children. The idea of adding one new piece means getting rid of one old piece can work with children's toys as well. For instance, if your child has asked their grandparents for a new toy for their birthday, tell them they must get rid of something in their toy box to add a new item to their toy box. The idea of getting one, tossing one works well for birthday gifts, Christmas, or any time something new is added to your child's toy box.

In addition to getting one, toss one; when there are celebrations where your child could be the recipient of a gift, it is not unusual for parents to request that guests not bring toys.

Teach children to be charitable with their toys

If your child has outgrown toys, but they are still in good shape or gently used, tell them all the benefits of donating those toys to charity. Empathy is excellent quality and it is never too early to teach. There are thousands of organizations who help families in need and ensure children that their toys will not only go to a child in need, but one who will appreciate their generosity will make your child grow to be charitable and giving.

Whether homes have a playroom or not, toys can create chaos and clutter that can change the vibe of a home. Although it's not an easy task, there are tips for getting rid of children's toys that your child has outgrown a more manageable job. Some of those tips are letting your children be part of the toy sorting and tossing process, letting your kids make money off their old toys, teach your children that getting a new one means tossing an old one, and teaching your children to be charitable with old toys.