It seems so crazy that we spend months planning the perfect Christmas for our kids, and it’s all over in a day!! But it is the most wonderful day of the year, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Just because it’s over, doesn’t mean things are back to normal though… where is all this stuff going to go?! Santa should send some elves on Christmas night to get things back to normal for mom and dad!! We can wish… here are some tips to help you keep your sanity after the holidays…
One in, one out. For every new item, choose one that you no longer need. If the kids get a new movie, see if you can find one that they have outgrown or don’t watch anymore. Give it to someone you know would love it, take it to Goodwill, or see if you can trade it in. If they can’t find a similar item to part with, encourage them to find SOMETHING they can let go.
All those empty boxes, what to do with them?! Don’t send them to the recycling!! They came filled with new items for your home, and if you are following the “one in, one out” rule, fill them with the items that need to go!! Make a goal of filling at least HALF of your empty boxes with items to sell or donate.
If you’re having trouble deciding to keep a toy or not, ask yourself “Can I remember the last time I saw my child playing with this?”, “If all of my child’s toys got lost, would he miss this one?” “Do we have something similar?” “Do I know a child or family who would get more enjoyment out of this toy than we do?”
Find a purposeful place for new items, sort their “area” as you go. When we come home on Christmas night, all the gifts go in one central area, like the loveseat or under the tree. One by one, each item should get a new “home”, so it is not forgotten or lost. My son got several new books for Christmas, but they aren’t going on the bookshelf until I sort through all the books he already has. Books are one of my exceptions to the “one in, one out” rule (a child can never have too many books!!) but there are definitely some that should be passed on to my 8 month old nephew!! Tell older kids they can’t take their new toys into their room until they “make room”.
Group and LABEL similar items. This probably already happens with a lot of toys, like Legos and books. Start with the toys that seem to be most difficult to keep organized. Killian is really into super hero’s, and he has a ton of masks and props that he likes to play with, but he was having trouble finding exactly what he was looking for. I put all of this super hero toys in the same Tuff Tote, so he can dump it out and find what he is looking for, and put it all back easily when he is finished. Kids are more likely to keep things organized when you make it easy for them, so label everything!! Take a picture, print an image you find online, or use a label maker.
Rotate toys. My son has way too many toys for one little boy, even after purging everything he has outgrown or doesn’t play with. When this happens, even the toys he loves can get forgotten at the bottom of the toy box!! A simple solution to this is to create a rotation of toys. I have heard of some moms having a different tote for each day of the week, and the kids get a new box every day to keep them occupied.
Set aside toys that you are unsure about getting rid of. When spring cleaning comes around you can think twice. More than likely, your first instinct was right, and you won’t feel guilty about sending them to Goodwill.
Create a “gift closet” for re-gifts. This doesn’t have to be an actual closet, but set aside a shelf somewhere of items that would be suitable to gift to someone else that you may already own, or just know you will never use. I actually don’t have a single thing to add this Christmas (my family was so thoughtful in their gift giving J) but I know there are things that are on the gift shelf that should probably just be donated, as I haven’t gifted them yet.
Designate a box for returns. Put it in your coat closet or near the front door so you can grab it when you are going out and about. Tape an envelope to it to keep receipts, or tape the receipts to each item if you can.
A little bit more about Ashton!!!
You can follow my blog at http://qcorganizeme.blogspot.com for more great organizational tips!!
Also, check out my Pinterest board for ideas on how to organize toys… the possibilities are endless!!
Let me know how these tips work for you!! Thank you so much to The Cherry On Top Boutique for asking me to contribute!!
