How to Set Up a Toy Rotation System + Declutter

Toy Mountain is every parent's worst nightmare, right? It just gets bigger and bigger. Every random holiday, birthday, or trip to Target adds another, and then BAM! We are losing our minds because the clutter is too much. Well, there is a solution. A toy rotation system! Or better yet, a massive declutter.

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While I teach decluttering as the main tactic when it comes to navigating your kids' toys, sometimes a system for rotating toys works better and what works for you is what will work best. This post will cover how to get started with a toy rotation and how to keep it up!

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What is Toy Rotation

Alright, let's cut through the clutter and get straight to it. A toy rotation system is a game-changer for any parent drowning in toy chaos. 

Instead of having every toy in the toy box screaming for attention all at once, you strategically rotate them. 

Essentially, you stash away some toys in clear plastic bins (any that you can easily see into) and bring out a fresh set every couple of months (or weeks). 

It's like Christmas morning all over again but without the overwhelm. 

Trust me, it's not just about tidying up; it's about promoting independent play and keeping those little minds engaged.

Why Do I Think Decluttering Toys is Better Than Toy Rotation

Let's get real for a moment. Toy rotation might sound like the holy grail of tidying up, but let's be honest: it's not for everyone. 

Sure, it's great if you've got the space, time, and patience to keep up with the rotation game. But here's the thing: if you're all about keeping things minimal and streamlined, decluttering might be your golden ticket. 

Research actually backs this up—having fewer toys can actually boost kids' development. 

Plus, decluttering isn't just about making your living room look Instagram-worthy; it's about reducing stress levels too. 

Studies show that clearing out the clutter can lead to overall feelings of calm and serenity. And let's face it, with all the other stuff on your plate, why add toy rotation to the mix? 

Decluttering means one less thing to worry about. So, if you're ready to simplify your life and your space, decluttering might just be the way to go. I walk you through exactly how to do a toy declutter in my Reclaim Childhood class!

Benefits of Toy Rotation vs. Benefits of Toy Decluttering

When it comes to the benefits of toy rotation, let's start with the fact that it offers more options for your kids to explore and play with. 

By rotating toys, you can introduce seasonal or themed toys that keep things fresh and exciting without overwhelming your space. 

Plus, it's a great alternative if you're not keen on minimizing your toy collection entirely. With toy rotation, you can still have variety without the clutter, and let's face it, having everything out at once can be a recipe for chaos.

On the flip side, decluttering brings its own set of perks to the table. 

First off, it reduces overwhelm by streamlining your space and making it easier to find what you need. Not to mention, it saves valuable space in your home, giving you more room to breathe. 

But it's not just about physical space—it also reduces materialism and teaches your kids the value of what they have. Let's not forget the joy of a more simplified life and space, where you can focus on the things that truly matter instead of constantly worrying about rotating toys. 

So, whether you're all about the rotation or ready to declutter and simplify, both options offer distinct benefits for creating a happier, more harmonious home.

Toy Rotation System

To get going with your toy rotation system you are first going to set up categories. Then you are going to dive straight into the system. I explain how in the following paragraphs and dive even deeper into how to stick to it and actually keep it rolling.

Before all of that, though, you have to declutter. Somewhat, at least. Get rid of any broken toys or ones that they don’t play with anymore at a minimum. I suggest getting rid of 80% of toys but that is also with the mindset of simply decluttering and not doing a rotation system.

For a rotation system, I would suggest only keeping toys your child has currently been playing with as well as bigger staples that encourage gross motor play like a pikler triangle and play couch.

Then decide on what the timeframe for that will be and divide toys into categories.

Toy Rotation Categories

There are a few ways to divide up the toys, but I think the best way is to break down each category of toy and include a few of each of that category in each rotation setup.

For example, each rotation pile would contain a few dolls, cars, action figures, etc. Here is a list of the best toys for young kids.

I suggest 10-15 toys maximum in each rotation group.

How to Set Up the Toy Rotation System

To actually implement the system, purchase bins for all but one of the rotation groups. Choose which ones you are storing away and which one group you are keeping out. Stick the others away out of sight.

From there, organize the current round of toys so that they are visible for the kid(s). Open cube storage is my favorite way to go about this!

After that is said and done, decide how often you plan to rotate toys. You could go with the flow, rotate weekly, or monthly. It is all up to you!

How to Stick to Toy Rotation System

The key to sticking with the rotation system is to have a system in mind and stick to it. Put on the calendar when you plan to rotate in the next round of toys. Make it known in your home. Warn your kids. You’d be surprised how often they’ll play with their toys when they know they won’t see them for a while!

When all is said and done, the toy rotation system has its place, however, I personally think that a major declutter will bring you much more joy. With a massive declutter, you won’t have to worry about keeping up with anything. Only further decluttering will be on your agenda, which would be on it anyway!

Remember, always encourage more play for your kids. It’ll do their brains good!

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