Another thought - I really should get all my thoughts together before posting lol - is: Don't feel like you have to do it all at once. Do one box at a time. Or just half an hour a day until it's done. Whatever works for you. Where to start - at the first box you see.
The rotation box that Tanstar mentioned is a great idea too. I do that for my DS. He rediscovers toys that he was previously bored with and they last a lot longer.
Rowellen - Thanks so much for all of your suggestions! I think you're right, I need to pace myself. I tend to get overwhelmed by everything and find it hard to break it down to manageable "pieces".
Onyx - I'm loving your tub for each child suggestion! I'm not sure how they'd go choosing only certain toys to keep, but it's worth a shot. I have to learn to let go a bit I think, I tend to need to feel in control of things like that and I end up telling them what they'd want haha! Oh, and my MIL is a shocker for giving way too many toys. Last Christmas she gave us two of everything so the "boys won't fight over them". It was crazy! I really would love to make a rule of no toys for Christmas, but I know she'd buy them anyway...
Tanstar - Thanks for the reassurance. I agree, kids don't need all that much. Outside, give them some fresh air and a stick and they'll play happily for hours . Our most played with toys are definitely blocks, a train set, a tea set and a little stroller. I wish I had it in me to just get rid of everything else! That book sounds like something I need to read, I really struggle with clutter from time to time. I find it so hard to give things up!
Thank you ALL so much for your replies and helping me to make sense of the situation! I know it sounds crazy, but I have been feeling panicky and tense all day about it. My brain doesn't cope too well with things like this. I had trouble finding words for DS1 earlier I was in such a panicked state! You have all helped make me feel calmer and able to tackle this toy situation!
I was going to suggest the tub for each child aswell, they can pick their favorite things and then tell them things NOT in that tub will be going to kids who need them.
You can take them to the op shop or sell them on e-bay or through friends on FB etc.
I've also started mentioning to people that we are NOT doing many toys for our girls, if they ask and it's something educational that will last then thats fine but we don't want the little itsy bits that will get used once and never again.
The best advice if someone asks what to get your LO's don't say oh whatever.. don't be afraid to say you know what i'd love some BOOKS or PENCILS etc etc.
I'm so glad its not just me, I swear our toys multiply overnight!
Thanks for this thread Trish, heaps of good ideas here. I've started culling our toys and I've recently bought some tubs so I can rotate too. I've filled up one garbage bag this week and I'm planning on more before the weekend. My motto has become 'if in doubt, chuck it' (or donate it if its in good condition!)
I remember one day getting fed up with toys and got tough when the kids were in bed. I was like you felt bad about getting rid gifts etc but in the end I thought no I HAVE to do this. I got everything together made a throw out pile, a donate pile and keep pile.
Anything broken or pieces missing gone, crappy little cheap toys gone, I did keep a few sentimental stuff put them away.
Told the kids next day that there are children who don't have any toys at all and therefore we're sharing ours.
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. Our most played with toys are definitely blocks, a train set, a tea set and a little stroller. I wish I had it in me to just get rid of everything else! That book sounds like something I need to read, I really struggle with clutter from time to time. I find it so hard to give things up!
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