It’s Kid’s Stuff

Or adult kid’s stuff.  Or your old kid stuff.  Or your husband’s stuff, which, technically, is a big ki…oh, never mind.  Anyhow, whether it accumulated in the distant past or recently, it’s a present problem.  Toys, sports equipment, trophies, jerseys, books, crafts, and childish decor ~ we don’t have to save it all.

First, find a box or bin, flat enough to store under a bed or to easily place on a storage shelf.  This will be the kept memorabilia.  Each member of the family is entitled to have one. The crocheted baby blanket, the blue ribbon from the fair, the handprint ornament or achievement award may all have their place.  What makes them special is that there is only one of them. Looking through the box will bring only fond feelings rather than emotional overwhelm. 

Second, it’s time to distribute.  There may be sentimental items that you would like to stay in the family; for instance, potholders your grandma made that you could pass along to a cousin.  Feel free to separate sets; if your whole family enjoyed many holiday feasts on special dishes, give a place setting to each family member, or the creamer and sugar to someone who enjoys tea.  You might save the serving dish to display or continue using, while the salad bowl could go to a niece.  

Next, go to the grocery store and get an egg box for every child. I mention these specifically because they are a nice size for handling and roomy enough to hold quite a bit.  Ask your kids if they think there are any toys they are through playing with.  It might be surprising what they choose to let go of on their own.  It might be something you just bought them or that they received on their last birthday.  That’s ok; give them permission to let it go.  They had the surprise of opening it and even trying it.  They are learning to place their own value on stuff, realizing that they don’t have to keep things forever. 

After you take these boxes to the car, for donation or consignment store drop-off, it’s your turn to decide.  Are there homeschool items or educational toys you know you’re through with?  Are there toys you know have too many pieces to pick up and keep organized?  Maybe your kids would rather play outside or work alongside you than manage an excessive amount of small things.  

There might be things you can pack away while they are at school; if they don’t ask for them for a week or two, it’s probably safe to sell, donate, or give to a younger child.  Sometimes familiar toys become overlooked objects because there are so many, not because they are meaningful.  They might not even miss them.  

You may have saved toys from your childhood.  Maybe you’re saving them for your own children or grandchildren, or even if you hack little visitors.  Keep one container or box, if you think they will be used. If there are antiques, consider selling them online. You’d be surprised at what people pay for vintage toys.  Of course, you want to simplify and have a peaceful home, so check before you sell someone else’s treasure.

Reducing household inventory is a constant purging, with serious review about every six months.  I used to have a rummage sale every year with my niece; some years even two, one in the Spring and one in the Fall.  Kids enjoy the selling process, and saving for something they really want, like a new bike, a week at camp, or  tennis lessons.

Open-ended play toys are best – things like Legos, magnetic tiles, Plus-Plus pieces,  pretend play dolls, food and kitchen items.  There should be easy-pick up storage containers for each set.  Show kids where they go and teach them to keep a tidy room by picking up before supper every night.  Children thrive in a clutter-free room and plenty of open space to play.  Big kids do, too, as far as that goes.

Health Tip

Walk 10 minutes after every meal.  Just a stroll will do. This gentle movement will aid digestion and blood sugar control, not to mention long-term weight management.