Image by Eastlaketimes via Flickr

I’ve stepped on them, kicked them, sat on them, been hit with them, and had to pick up their little pieces more times than I can count. Balls, trains, legos, blocks, little people … you name it – I have picked it up. My boys try to clean up when I tell them that it’s time to clean, but really I just don’t want have to clean up anymore.

I know this sounds lazy and probably like I am being a horrible mom.

But it all started because I was trying to be a good mom. Somewhere in my misdirected notion of perfect parenting, I thought getting tons of toys at yard sales and consignment sales was a great idea. If they were cheap, it was okay. And as a result, the toys have spilled out of the play room into the den, bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. Toys are everywhere!

My dad says that once upon a time my mom was so fed up with toys that she bagged everything up and threw it in the trash, and while I am not looking to throw their stuff away – I want less. I want to downsize. I even asked for no toys at a recent birthday party because I am DONE.

Rather than throw everything away, though, I had a great idea.

Sell most of it.

Over the past two weeks, I have gradually pulled toys out of the playroom and moved them upstairs. If something isn’t played with, it gets moved. As a result, I have a room full of toys that will be sold in an upcoming consignment sale. Don’t worry, if you came to my house, you wouldn’t notice that any toys were gone (that’s how many toys we had!). My goal – my hope – is to make $500.

No I’m not going to treat myself with a luxury day at the spa – though that’s pretty tempting. I am going to use the money to purchase a family iPad. Yes – ma’am … I said and iPad. Just imagine … rather than picking up a room full of toys, I will have one iPad to keep track of. There are dozens of apps designed for toddlers – educational apps, fun apps, and more.

So I never thought I would say this … but less really is more!

And this is one mom who will be much happier with less.

Related articles

• Why having less toys may bring more happiness to the family (lovingearthmama.com)
• Why I don’t buy all the toys: seven super reasons (lovingearthmama.com)
• Empty Your Closets, Fill Your Bank Account (mint.com)