Once the decision's been made, and you've decided it's time to get rid of a specific toy, put it into one of the following piles.
- Toss It: If it's dirty beyond cleaning or broken beyond repair, it should go in the garbage.
- Pass It Along: In decent condition, but your kids have outgrown it (and you know you're not having any more)? Donate it, or offer it up to a friend with younger children who might be able to give it a second life.
- Store It: If you have a younger child (or are planning on more) who might grow into loving a specific toy down the road, give it a thorough cleaning, store it, and make sure that it's clearly labeled. A box of "Miscellaneous" in the attic will probably never get a second look, but one labeled "Toddler Toys" will be a welcome discovery when that phase rolls around again.
