Here's a simple one — for every new toy or thing they get, ask them to pick something to donate or pass on. Sounds small, but it makes them think about what’s important to them, not just what they "should" have. It’s all about getting them into the habit of being mindful of what they bring into their lives, instead of letting clutter just pile up.

Personal experience: Recently, we were at a mall when our 6-year-old son said he would like to purchase hot wheels toy. We were fine with it and took him to the shop. Acting smart in an innocent way, he picked up the pack of 5 hot wheels car. I smiled and said – fine you can get it. But after reaching home, you must discard 5 toys of yours. To my surprise, he agreed. We bought those cars and went for our lunch.

When we reached home back, as soon as my son entered home, he went to his cupboard and after few mins, came with 5 toys. I was amazed. Honestly, I had even forgotten what I had asked him. But he not only remembered but also got the toys which he has not been playing with long. The next day, we donated them.  And now, he got the rule. It was surprisingly easy.

Keep a box at home where kids can place toys, clothes, or books they no longer use. Set a monthly declutter day to donate these items together. Make it a habit. Kids should feel that letting go is just as normal as getting new things. It’s a little reminder that you can still do good with what you don’t need.

Personal experience: We do this on a regular basis with our kids. And now our kids know that whatever they are not using, they themselves come and tell us to donate. A habit, they have developed.

Store some toys away and rotate them monthly. Fewer toys out at a time encourages more focused play. It’s not just a way to declutter — it makes their playtime richer, and they don’t get distracted by the endless pile of stuff.

Personal experience: I remember there was a time when I used to play “Guess in 10” every day with our kids. I took 2 games from their cupboard and kept them in front – both were related to guess in 10. And within a month, our kids learnt the flags of 30 countries, capital of few and famous places or food of many of those countries. Baseline: for a month, we eliminated all the toys and were focusing on 1 thing – making them learn about countries through games. Focused play.