A major segment of my Christmas Sanity Plan is to clean out my closets.

I know it seems like a weird thing for me to start a big organizing project when I am up to my eyeballs in wrapping paper and Christmas tree lights. But it’s actually a great time clean out the closets.

Hear me out on this one because I know it sounds like adding one more project before Christmas is crazy, but I promise it’s worth it. Once the last gifts are unwrapped you’re still one giant step away from regaining your sanity: finding a home for it all come Dec. 26.

So I recommend embarking on this one- or two-day mission a week or two before Santa makes his first delivery. (Decluttering always cuts down the time spent cleaning for holiday guests too.) Chances are you’ll find small hands that are willing to help if they think it may raise their ranking on “the nice list” in the days just before Christmas.

Here’s the game plan:
1. Sort it out. Take the time to sift through what toys your kids play with and what can be donated. Remove games that are missing major components or toys that are beyond repair. You’d be surprised how much kids’ interests change in a few months’ time span. They may be more willing to part with items than you imagine.
2. Sell it. Use craigslist.org or ebay.com to sell things that you can make a reasonable return on and others might want during the holidays. For example, video game components and games are big sellers as are doll houses and play kitchens. Teach your kids to use these sites as an incentive to move out the old in preparation for the new.
3. Donate items. In tough economic times, donation centers would love to have more donations of popular toys in good condition. This can be a great way to teach your children about charity and service as well. It always makes my kids feel better about giving up some of their treasures from years past if they know those items will be used by someone else who will appreciate them.
4. Look for openings. Once you’ve sorted out the old, you should find you’ve got a few openings for those that are new. After-Christmas cleanup will be a snap if you take a few minutes now to rally the troops and get your toy soldiers working like Santa’s elves.

Question: What do you do with toys and/or clothing that your kids grow out of?