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Top tips to sort out old toys and games

Over the years the tides of kids toys and games will have slowly accrued to breaking point!- look at the bottom of an old toy box and there will be an array of broken parts and old long-forgotten toys. It may seem a daunting task but once done we promise you will have that feel good factor!

The main problem you will have to tackle is your childs sentimentality over their old toys even if they have not played with them for years. To avoid tears get them involved -this is a great opportunity for you to encourage giving to others and sharing. Get them to wash and tidy their old toys ready to pass onto charities for children that don't have many toys.

Let them feel in control and ask them to chose all their favourite and most played toys to keep. If this ends up being all their toys give them limits i.e they have to fit in the toy box. Ask them to make a pile of any toys and games that they have not played with for a while. Explain to them that you won't throw them away straight away but if they do not play with them over the next few weeks that it is time for them to let them go to other children who will play with them. This gives them a sense of control and allows you to ascertain what to keep and what to get rid of. It may even encourage them to start playing with old toys all over again.

Then take the unwanted toys to a local charity shop or jumble sale- knowing that they are not being wasted and just thrown in the bin but are going on to better homes will help you be more ruthless.

How best to use toy storage to store toys and games

Avoid large storage spaces as the toys at the bottom become unaccessible to the child. Smaller open containers or boxes allow both visibility of the toys, toy sorting and easy accessibility.

Provide a permanent surface for large bulky items that are played often - it is often a tidier option to leave them out than risk breakages and lost parts by having to keep dismantling and storing away at the end of the day. The Urchin Low Play Table is perfect for this!

Storage with handles or wheels will encourage them to both tidy up and take their toys back to their bedroom or playroom afterwards- brilliant!

Chose a range of storage- stands add both style and functionality to the room and also offer great versatlie storage.

Other Clutter

Keep seasonal clothes or bedding in a blanket box or in underbed storage out of the way. This will free up space in the everyday chest of drawers or wardrobe – it forms a good seat for all the inevitable soft toys at the foot of the bed.

Tidy and display cards, photos and their artwork on the wall using a hanging display or pocket display - less of a mess than just propped up on surfaces.

Hang up as much stuff as possible on hooks; bags, necklaces, games kits, clothes can all be lifted off the floor etc. You just can't have too many hooks! Try our best selling Dotty Coathanger.

Happy sorting – you know you need to do it and you will be amazed how much space you will create.