Having a child can change your whole life because it turns your routine upside-down and it gives you a brand-new perspective on things. But at one point you may look around and realise that your house looks more like a kindergarten or a playground rather than a home. Yes, babies may be very small in size but they somehow have the amazing ability to take over an entire house. You may need to declutter your property from some of the baby stuff in it if:
- You constantly struggle to find your own items;
- There is not enough room for… anything in your home;
- You feel embarrassed inviting people over because it’s always messy;
Still, it is hard to view your child’s toys and old clothes as junk. So, if you are the sentimental, sensitive type, get ready because this process may not be easy for you. Just make sure to remind yourself that this is a necessary step.
Up your storage game
If you hate the thought of throwing away, giving away or selling some of your kids’ stuff (even the ones they no longer need or use), consider investing in furniture pieces that come with extra storage space. Don’t limit this strategy only to the nursery or the children’s room. Fill up the entire house with storage-friendly furniture, especially in the common areas such as the living room and the kitchen where kids often tend to leave their toys. If you don’t know what do to with your old furniture pieces, consider using risk-free furniture removal services in London. If they are in a good condition, you may even sell them to a neighbour or to someone online.
Introduce some order
Now that you have more storage options in your home, you need to come up with a smart system for it. Don’t just toss items in there randomly. Instead, use one drawer for all the artsy-craftsy stuff and another for things like smaller toys. That will help you maintain the newly-established order in your house.
Create a play area in the house
If you don’t want have toys in every room of the house, set up a special play area. Let your children know that their games and toys won’t be allowed in any other part of the home. Even if the play area gets cluttered and messy, you will still be able to invite people over and avoid Lego-foot traps in the morning.
Don’t keep it if you don’t need it
Finally, if there are toys that your kids are not using or clothes which they have outgrown – get rid of them. Either give them to a friend, donate them or sell them. Just don’t keep them because they will only add up to the clutter.
What if you want to have another baby?
If you are hoping to have another child in the future, you can still declutter clothes that are too gender-specific. Also, you don’t need to keep all the toys that your kids have. Once the new baby comes, people will shower you with new gifts among which there will surely be plenty of toys. Bulky items such as walkers and baby swings also need to go. They take too much space and you only get to use them for a few weeks.