Make Room for the Magic: 5 Things to Declutter with Your Kids Before Santa Comes

The holidays are full of joy — but let’s be honest, they’re also full of stuff. New toys, books, games, clothes… and if you’re already overwhelmed by the current state of your kids’ rooms, the idea of adding more can feel downright stressful. That’s why now is the perfect time to do a quick, kid-friendly declutter before Santa (or grandma) shows up with more. Here are 5 simple things to go through with your kids to make space, give back, and bring a little calm to the season.

Toys They’ve Outgrown or Outloved

Go through bins, baskets, and bottom-of-the-toy-box items together. Let your child help decide what they no longer play with. Make it fun:

• “Let’s find 5 toys to pass on to other kids this year.”

• “If Santa brought you something new, what would you swap it for?”

Pro tip: Explain that donating gently used toys makes space and helps other families have a special holiday too.

Books They’ve Moved On From

Board books, early readers, or books they’ve simply outgrown can be donated to schools, shelters, or little free libraries. Let your child keep their favorites, but remind them:“If we donate books we’re done with, other kids get to enjoy them just like you did.”

Clothes That Don’t Fit (or Never Get Worn)

Holiday clothes are coming — cozy pajamas, festive outfits, winter gear. Now’s the time to go through:

• Too-small clothes

• Items they refuse to wear

• Shoes that don’t fit

• Winter gear such as hats, gloves, and scarves

Create two piles: donate and pass-down. Make it visual — kids like seeing a bag of clothes leaving because it feels like they did something.

Games or Puzzles with Missing Pieces

That board game with half the cards? The puzzle missing the corner pieces? If you’ve been meaning to fix it for six months — let it go.

This is a great chance to remind kids that we care for our belongings — and when something is incomplete or broken, we can responsibly say goodbye.

Random Trinkets and “Junk Drawer Toys”

Happy Meal toys, broken crayons, slime that dried out, pieces to long-lost sets — we all have these hiding somewhere.

Challenge your kids: “Let’s fill this small bag with tiny things we no longer use.” Turn it into a race or game for younger ones.

Make decluttering part of your yearly holiday prep. You’re not being a grinch — you’re making space for what’s coming. This tradition teaches kids that clearing out can feel just as good as receiving. Plus, it helps them develop a sense of responsibility, generosity, and awareness.

Bonus tip: If your kids are resistant, create a "Maybe" box. Set it aside until after the holidays — if they don’t miss anything in there, donate it in January.

Want help getting organized before the holidays hit full force? I offer kid-friendly organizing sessions that include toys, books, closets, and shared spaces. Limited spots are left— reach out to book your session today! Fill out the contact form here to get started.