Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
Having started a family, you might quickly come to realise just how scarce and precious a commodity space is. Growing children might demand a growing selection of toys, clothes, and memorabilia – and staying sane often means coming up with a strategy to deal with all of this stuff.
Why Kids’ Stuff Seems to Multiply Overnight
First, it’s worth thinking about the reasons why families tend to attract so much stuff. Young children really do need a lot of stuff. Nappies, beds, clothes, books and toys might all be classed as essential items, and whilst they are to a certain degree, having hundreds of toys or fifty pairs of pyjamas isn’t.
There’s good evidence to show that clutter leads to poor mental well-being, disrupted productivity, and other definite downsides. Staying on the right side of these problems is often a matter of knowing how to get rid of the items you don’t need and where to put the items that you do.
The Rise of Minimalist Parenting
One strategy is to embrace minimalist parenting. This basically means focusing on what is truly important and making the most of what you have, including toys. Ultimately, you don’t want to, or need to, fill your home with the most recent toys or gadgets. The fewer options kids have in terms of toys, the more innovative they will become. This doesn’t mean get rid of all their toys, but instead, keep the ones they actually play with, bin or donate the rest, and don’t feel pressured to buy the newly released gadget advertised.
Decluttering Clothes and Toys Without the Guilt
There’s a fairly considerable obstacle that needs to be overcome over the course of any declutter, and that’s guilt. It can be difficult to take an item of clothing that your child has spent time in and give it away or recycle it, as you might have special memories attached to it. The same applies to their artworks – even if they’ve created dozens of them.
Having a specific place to stash the really special stuff can often make it easier to part with the stuff that isn’t quite as special. Create a memory box for each child and fill it with memorable items linked to moments you wish to remember. This could include their first outfit, first drawing, handmade cards. If you’re based in the northwest, then self-storage units in Manchester might be worth looking at, especially when collections grow.
Cost of Living Pressures at the Moment
It’s also worth thinking about the financial pressures that many families in the UK find themselves dealing with. As the cost-of-living crisis continues, some families are struggling more than others and holding out on making upgrades.
This is where the second-hand market can be invaluable. If you are needing things like a new dining table or sofa, keep an eye on local listings as lots of different households are listed at fair prices. Additionally, you could sell things you no longer need or want, including toys, clothes, and furniture.
Disclosure – this is a collaborative post.
