As your child grows and collects more toys, you may feel that it is necessary to get rid of some of the things he no longer plays with. Gathering these toys can help you declutter your home as well as do something to positively benefit other children, says Emily Wilska, author of "Knack Organizing Your Home: Decluttering Solutions and Storage Ideas." Working with your child will help him feel that he is making a difference in the lives of underprivileged children and will encourage him to only keep the things he truly loves.
Step 1
Gather any toys from your child's play areas that she no longer has interest in. Include your child in the collection process so she can help you decide which toys to keep and which toys to give away.
Step 2
Separate the toys into piles. Make a pile for toys that are in good condition that your child no longer plays with and a pile of toys that are broken or damaged.
Step 3
Throw the broken or damaged toys away. Inspect all of the toys you wish to get rid of to make sure they do not have sharp edges or missing pieces because these can pose a safety hazard to the children who will eventually play with them, writes Wilska.
Step 4
Put the toys that are in good condition into cardboard boxes. Use as many boxes as needed so the toys are packed with care to ensure that they arrive at their destination still in good shape.
Step 5
Call local children's shelters and hospitals to determine what organizations take donations of used toys. Consider separating the toys and donating some to several different children's charities.
Step 6
Choose what charity you would like to give the toys to and drop them off. Collect a receipt for tax purposes.
Tips and Warnings
- Allow your child to choose one or two of is favorite toys from when he was younger to hold onto. He can display them in his bedroom or store them in a safe place. If your child has younger siblings, let him choose some of his favorite toys to give to his brothers or sisters so they are still in the home if he is having a hard time letting them go.
- Do not go through your child's toys without her, cautions Peter Walsh, author of "It's All Too Much Workbook: The Tools You Need to Conquer Clutter and Create the Life You Want," because your child may resent you for getting rid of toys she was not ready to part with yet.
Things You'll Need
- Old toys
- Cardboard boxes
References
- "Knack Organizing Your Home: Decluttering Solutions and Storage Ideas"; Emily Wilska; 2008
- "It's All Too Much Workbook: The Tools You Need to Conquer Clutter and Create the LIfe You Want"; Peter Walsh; 2009
