Try This November Toy Decluttering Trick With Kids Now

A space with dark blue walls, a white staircase, and dark wood flooring, with a children's playroom area to the left with toys and a low, dark-wood desk on a white rug. To the right is an upholstered bench with mismatched cushions, and a large artwork of a red rhino standing on a blue ball above. The staircase is seen in the background. — (Image credit: Future / Mark Bolton Photography)

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How to Do It
Why It Works
What to Shop
Meet the Expert

While an influx of toys and gifts at Christmas time is a joy for any child, for parents, it can be more of a nightmare, particularly if you simply don't have to storage space to keep them all.

That's why we recommend decluttering before the holidays, with this simple toy-rotation trick that we promise actually works with kids. Doing it by 25 November will also allow the right amount of time to complete the rotation before Christmas lands, so it's perfect for the weekend.

What Is the Toy Rotation Trick?

Any parent will know how tricky it can be to get their children to part with their old toys to make space for the shiny new toys they've received for Christmas. That's why we recommend using this decluttering method now, to clear space ahead of time with minimal fuss.

Max Wilson, co-founder of Pocket Storage, explains, 'The secret to a stress-free Christmas morning is making space now. The biggest mistake is waiting until January. By implementing a strategic toy rotation in November, you instantly clear physical space, curb impulse buying, and make room for the new gifts without feeling overwhelmed,' which is why you should always declutter toys before Christmas, where possible.

'Toy rotation involves packing away a portion of your child’s toys and only leaving out a smaller, curated selection,' continues Max. 'After a few weeks, you swap the stored toys back in, making them feel new and exciting all over again. Not only does this reduce clutter, but it also boosts creativity and independent play.

'It’s not about throwing toys out – it’s about giving your kids a manageable, focused selection that keeps them engaged. And by doing it in November, you also create much-needed space ahead of Christmas and birthdays.'

In turn, this will also make organizing toys far easier.

How to Try a Toy Rotation

Playroom with a patterned rug, rocking horse in front of a large window, striped beanbag, and artworks of horses. — It's easy to implement a toy rotation in your own home.

Max shares his five-step pre-holiday declutter plan, which work to make it easier to organize toys in a small living room, and avoid any playroom organizing mistakes:

Start small: Max advises that it's best to begin with just one box or area. 'Focus on toys your child has outgrown or hasn't played with in a while,' he says.
Involve the kids: Encouraging your family to declutter can be tricky, which is why Max recommends framing it as 'making room for Santa,' or creating a special toy library they can swap from later. 'Go through toys and create three piles: Keep (daily favorites), Donate (items they have outgrown or no longer play with), and Store (toys that are in good condition but haven't been touched in three months),' he says, which can be corraled in a storage basket, such as the Homezone Natural Handwoven Seagrass Basket available at Walmart. 'Set a firm limit on how many toys go into that 'Keep' pile,' he adds.
Store smart: 'Toys in the ‘Store’ pile should be boxed up and moved out of the main play area to a closet, under a bed, or to external storage,' says Max. Using storage boxes, like this one from STERILITE available at Amazon, is great for this. 'This technique is key,' continues Max. 'When the kids are bored with their new Christmas gifts, rotate the stored toys back in. They feel brand new again, which buys you more time before they demand new toys. Always use labelled, airtight boxes and keep them out of sight,' in your attic storage ideas or on your garage shelving ideas, for example.
The inventory check for gifts: Before you shop for Christmas, advises Max, review your 'Keep' and 'Store' piles. 'This inventory check is vital for budget control; it prevents you from buying duplicates and ensures you only buy new items that genuinely fill a gap or passion,' he explains. 'It makes your holiday shopping intentional, not impulsive.' If you donate or sell any decluttered items, you'll also be making someone else's Christmas special, or you may find that you're able to make some extra cash ahead of the most expensive time of the year.
Declutter as you go: As we've already touched on, 'Take the opportunity to donate or recycle broken or unloved toys as part of the process,' adds Max.

Why the Toy Rotation Trick Works

A neat and tidy space at the top of a black staircase with white banisters with organized kids books on shelves, and in a white wooden crate on the floor alongside a storage basket filled with floors and printed with whales. The floor is dark grey carpet, and the walls are pale grey. — Toy rotation 'makes your home feel lighter, more organised, and easier to enjoy during the busiest time of year,' according to Max.

As Max explains, 'Toy rotation helps reduce sensory overload, improves focus, and promotes more creative play. It also makes your home feel lighter, more organised, and easier to enjoy during the busiest time of year.

'Clutter adds stress, especially around the holidays, but with just a few simple steps, you can create a calmer home, more intentional play, and a lot more breathing room for the joy ahead.'

Then, after the big day, you can invest in some of the best toy storage to beat Christmas chaos, such as the Humble Crew Primary Toy Storage Organizer available at Walmart or Homfa Kids Toy Organization Cubby Bookcase, also available at Walmart.

What to Shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Pack of four

IRIS USA Plastic Storage Box with Lid and Latches

These sturdy, durable storage boxes are ideal for keeping toys in storage free of moisture, pests and dust.

BPA and phthalate-free

Sterilite Under Bed Storage Bins With Lids

If you're short on storage space, stashing toys under your bed is a great way to make the most of any hidden storage ideas. Our Head of Solved also uses these for out-of-season clothes in her daughter's bedroom.

Three color options

Your Zone Kids Sliding Bin Organizer

These drawers feature four sliding drawers with plenty of storage capacity for toys.

Safety-hinged lid

Melissa & Doug Toy Chest

Avoid any trapped fingers with this number one bestselling toy chest, which opens and closes smoothly.

100% cotton

Stuffed Animal Storage Hammock

This toy hammock cleverly makes use of unused space and is a cute accessory in any kid's playroom or bedroom. It's available in an impressive 13 colors, including rainbow.

Zippered closure

SAM AND MABEL Toy Storage Basket and Play Mat

This innovative toy storage basket and play mat combo allows you to clean up in seconds, with a large detachable play mat and stackable design.

Meet the Expert

Max Wilson

Pocket Storage is a self-storage service founded by organizational expert Max and his childhood best friend.

While this toy rotation trick works with children, sometimes, unfortunately, you may have to declutter toys when your children aren't on board.

TOPICS

Ottilie joined Homes & Gardens in 2024 as the News Writer on Solved, after finishing a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. Now, as the Sleep Editor, she spends her days hunting deals and producing content on all things sleep – from mattresses and sheets to protectors and pillows, all of which she tests in her own home. She also has particular expertise in home fragrance, covering everything from candles to reed diffusers.

Previously, she has written for Livingetc and Motorsport Magazine, and also has a Master's degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture.