Spring cleaning in any house with kids is a big project to take on. Beyond cleaning your entire home, this is the perfect time to go through all of you kids' stuff, toys clothes, and other miscellaneous items in their room or play area.

While you are switching over their wardrobe, you can choose what you want to keep, pass on to family and friends, donate, and what is ready for the trash. I like to do the same thing with all of our toys as well. I like to go through the clothes early in the day after breakfast to get it over with early. It is helpful to me if the kids are around when I do this so I can have them try things on if need be. As far as the toys go, I like to do this during nap time or when the kids are not around. They may see you getting rid of, or packing up a toy they never play with, but decide they cannot let it go. If you do this when they are not around, chances are they will not even notice, because they never played with those toys anywho. Though if your children are old enough, I recommend you let them help you with this.

Whether it is the clothes, the toys or other items in their room, make three different piles:

1. Keep

The items in this pile are those that your child/children still plays with regularly. In the interest of spring cleaning, you'll want to clean/disinfect these toys, but leave them out for play. For clothing these are items that even with the changing season they will still be able to wear. 

2. Save

These items just don't get the love they deserve. Maybe they've been outgrown or maybe your kid(s) just never took an interest in them; but you have family or friends you would like to pass them on to someday. There is no reason to leave these out taking up valuable space in your home, pack them away in storage. Clothing items in this category are usually just those that have been out grown. 

3. Toss

Any toy that makes its way into this pile should be donated or thrown out. How do you know the difference? If a toy is in good shape, but no longer gets played with in your home (and you have no one to save it for) donate it! Don't throw away a perfectly good toy; there is a child out there that would love to have it. If a toy is broken or otherwise unusable, throw it away. Clothing in this category much like toys is usually outgrown without someone to save it for or pass it on to. As with toys throw away ripped or stained items, donate anything that is still wearable!