I have two little ones 3 1/2 and almost 2. and am just starting to figure out some of the keys. Here are some tips based on things that have worked for me.

1. crap toys: fastfood, freebie toys. Keep a little container where these tend to live, once a week dump it. Don’t let these get a foothold.

2. thrift store. Find one or many, find out their policies for types of toys and when to donate. If you are like me and have lots of family, they all buy stuff for the little ones. If it has been around for 6 months, and it isn’t one of the absolutely favorite toys. It’s had a good run.

A good way to start selecting candidates is introduce a second toy box with a lid. After a few weeks the bottom of that one will be full of toys that haven’t been touched in months. Take em to the thrift store.

1. straighten up the play area, do it every night. It makes life feel better when the little one is sleeping. You can also sort of make a game of the clean up too. This helps you have a real idea how much stuff there is, what is getting played with and what isn’t. And when you put it away the height of the piles let you know that it is too much better than, there is stuff everywhere single pile in the room.

2. Be ruthless about what your life is now. If you think you are going to build that tiny little amp in an altoids tin, or some kind of little robot. Forget it. You will not get to it. Your fake hobbies (the ones you think you wish you had) are no longer a priority. You also can’t read everything. Don’t be afraid to part with books. Yes I said it books. If you look at it and don’t think I can’t wait to read this again. It needs to get sold or given away. Pronto, before the value is zero.

good luck.