Toypocalypse: How to Declutter When You Have Kids

Tired of living in a sea of Legos? Check out these hilarious (and helpful) tips to declutter your home when your kids seem to multiply toys like rabbits.

If you have kids, you know what it feels like to live in a never-ending toy store. You step on a Lego at 3 a.m. and suddenly regret every toy you’ve ever bought. The toy pile grows faster than you can clean, and it feels like you’re fighting a losing battle. But don’t worry—your home can be decluttered without losing your sanity (or your collection of tiny plastic figurines). Here are some laugh-out-loud strategies for managing the toypocalypse.

1. Embrace the Toy Chaos (At Least for a Little While)

Let’s be real: The toy mess isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. But that’s OK! Some days, you’ll just have to embrace the chaos and call it “creative play.” If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Maybe the living room looks like a disaster zone, but that’s where your kid’s imagination is running wild, right? So instead of stressing, throw on some comfy clothes and enjoy the mess. Just be sure to draw the line at infinite toy piles that start to take over the entire house.

2. Invest in Toy Storage that Won’t Cause a Nervous Breakdown

You can’t go wrong with toy storage bins—but let’s face it, you’ve bought 17 different kinds of bins and baskets and you still find yourself stepping on Barbie shoes at 2 a.m. The trick is finding something that’s both functional and kid-friendly. Try large bins they can open themselves, with labels (because kids love “finding” things in bins they can’t open). Bonus points for something that doesn’t make you want to scream every time you look at it.

3. Rotate the Toys (Because They Don't Need Them All)

Have you noticed your kids only seem to play with three toys out of their entire collection? The trick to avoiding the toy-pocalypse is rotation. Pull out a few toys each week, and store the rest in bins. That way, it’s like a surprise every time they get a new set of toys to play with. Not only does it reduce clutter, but it keeps things fresh and exciting without having to buy new stuff constantly.

4. The "One In, One Out" Rule

Every toy that comes in must mean a toy goes out. This rule works wonders—unless your kids have a deep emotional connection to every single piece of plastic they own. If that’s the case, try hiding the new toys for a few weeks and “reintroducing” them later. This way, you can slowly weed out toys that never seem to get played with.

5. Get the Kids Involved (Yes, Really)

I know, I know. You’re thinking: “There’s no way my kids are going to help clean up.” But trust me—get them involved early, and they might just surprise you. Make it a game! Who can put the most Legos in the bin? You’d be amazed at how much can get done when you turn cleanup into a race. Plus, it teaches them responsibility, which is a win for both you and them.

6. Send Toys to Their New Home

If you’re looking to thin out the toy collection, donating is an excellent way to declutter without guilt. Ask your kids if there are any toys they’re willing to part with, and explain how their old toys can make another kid’s day. Bonus: it’s one less toy for you to step on.

The toypocalypse may never fully end, but with these tips, you can regain some control over your living room (and your sanity). Remember, it’s OK if things get messy sometimes. You’re not alone in this—every parent has been there. So, the next time you trip over a toy, just take a deep breath, laugh it off, and remember: at least you’re not the only one in the battle. Plus, who needs a perfectly clean house when there’s a family full of laughter and toys to keep you company?