If you’ve ever opened a cabinet and had an avalanche of board games fall on you… this one is for you.

Games, puzzles, activity kits, and random pieces have a way of quietly multiplying in our homes. We keep them because we spent money on them, because the kids might play them again, or because we feel bad getting rid of something that technically still “works.”

But today? We’re keeping it simple.

You do not need to organize the entire playroom or tackle every toy in the house.

Just find 5 things to declutter. Here we go!

1. Missing-Piece Puzzles

Let’s start with the obvious one.

If a puzzle has been missing pieces for years and nobody enjoys doing it anymore, this may be your permission slip to let it go.

I know it feels wasteful. But keeping something unusable just creates more visual clutter and decision fatigue.

For the puzzles you actually love and use, I’ve found that using a simple puzzle storage tray or puzzle organizer can help keep all the pieces contained (especially if you frequently leave puzzles out to continue working on).

2. Board Games Nobody Plays

We all have them. The game everyone loved five years ago. The “educational” game that never really took off.

The one shoved behind everything else because nobody ever chooses it.

If nobody is reaching for it, it may be time to donate it.

Quick tip: once you pare things down, try giving the games you keep a defined home, and that designated space is the limit of how much you keep. A simple and easy to use system is key to success.

3. Incomplete Games or Random Card Sets

Half a deck of cards. Missing dice. Broken game boxes. Mystery pieces nobody can identify.

Sometimes the easiest decision is admitting it’s no longer functional.

For small card games or games with lots of little pieces, I love using zippered mesh pouches. They take up way less space than bulky boxes and make it much easier to keep everything together.

4. Unused Activity Kits

Maybe it’s a craft kit, science project, or activity box you fully intended to do.

No guilt here.

If it’s been sitting untouched for months (or years), consider donating it while someone else would still enjoy it.

And if your kids love crafts but the supplies tend to end up everywhere, a simple craft organizer can help keep the things you actually use manageable.

5. Random Pieces Taking Up Space

You know the bin.

The basket of “I think this goes to something?”

If nobody can identify it and it hasn’t been needed in forever, it’s probably safe to let it go.

One thing that helps prevent this from happening again? A quick label. Even a basic label can make cleanup easier for kids (and honestly for us moms too).

Remember: We’re Not Doing Everything Today

This is your reminder that you do not have to finish the whole space.

You don’t need to organize the entire cabinet.

You don’t need a perfect system.

You’re just looking for 5 things.

Small progress still counts.

And sometimes removing just a few things makes the whole area feel lighter.