Have you seen the post going around that goes something like this: “I spoke to the lady at the charity shop and she said she wished more people would go through and donate unwanted toys and clothes before Christmas rather than after. This is when we really need them.”
Just like our winter clothes that we keep until the end of winter, even though we don’t wear them and donate them once the weather is better… we often only sort through toys after the kids have received news ones at Christmas.
Here is a new approach: declutter beforehand, making room for the new.
The advantages are simple: You are more likely to be able to donate them and make another child’s Christmas, but you will also have a tidier house going into the holidays and by involving the children, going through items together, it may spark ideas about what they really want for Christmas and what they aren’t really interested in.
Step 1: Get the kids involved
The key to successful decluttering the children’s rooms is making it a team effort. It’s easy for parents to tackle a room themselves, but involving the children in the process will not only get the job done faster, but also teach them important organisational skills. Start by explaining why you’re decluttering. Christmas is a time of giving, and it’s the perfect opportunity to clear out the old to make room for the new. Encourage them to think about which toys they truly love and use and which ones could go to others who might need them more.
Make it a fun challenge. Create a “Keep or Donate” game where they can go through their toys and books, deciding whether to keep them or donate them. Set a timer for a 10-minute decluttering challenge and see how much you can both accomplish in that time. Depending on their age, you could celebrate each filled donation bag with a mini “well done!”, or sticker chart reward to make it feel like an accomplishment.
Step 2: The lesson of having too much
One of the greatest benefits of decluttering is teaching children that too much stuff can often be overwhelming and not necessarily enjoyable. It’s easy for kids to accumulate an endless stream of toys and clothes, but once their rooms are cluttered, it can feel like they’re drowning in their own belongings. Use this time to have a conversation about quality over quantity. Help them realise that having fewer, more meaningful items allows for more creativity, playtime, and even better organisation.
Ask your child what toys they truly enjoy playing with. Encourage them to pick favourites, and be sure to praise them for the thoughtful process.
Step 3: Donate the unwanted items
Once you’ve gone through everything together, the next step is to donate the items that are still in good condition but no longer needed. This is the part where your kids can feel the joy of giving to others. Many children’s charities or local community groups will be delighted to receive gently used toys, books, or clothes. Explaining this to your child gives the act of decluttering an added layer of purpose. It’s about spreading joy, not just making space.
