That first onesie you brought them home in, and the very first pair of shoes they ever wore! Baby items you have collected from your child’s journey in the world so far are indeed precious. Unfortunately, as much as we’d like to, we cannot keep every single toy, picture, or piece of clothing from when our kids were little. Thankfully, there are some strategies for preserving these precious memories without allowing your home to become overrun with baby clutter. Read on to find out what they are.
Make a Memory Box of Baby Items
One of the most sensible methods of storing precious items from your baby’s life is to create a memory box. This is a beautiful box that you can save the most important, unique, and memorable items in.
In fact, there are several advantages to this tactic. The first being that it makes you choose only a finite amount of stuff. Something that means you will pick only the most essential items to keep.
Additionally, because you only have a single box to manage, you can store it wherever you please. It won’t get stuffed in the attic behind all of your other clutter. This means you can access and review the contents whenever you like. It’s an excellent solution for those that want such precious memories close at hand.
Donate Baby Items
Another great thing about streamlining what to keep, is that it means you can get rid of all the rest of the items with a clear conscience. Of course, one of the best ways to dispose of the toys, games, and clothes you no longer need is to donate them to a worthy cause.
In fact, you will find that many thrift stores accept donations of baby items gladly. You can also see if a local women’s shelter needs the items too. Alternatively, maybe you know another mother-to-be that could benefit from your stash.
There are countless amounts of people and places that would love any donations you have.
Sell Them
Of course, you don’t have to give away all of the old baby items if you don’t want to. Another option, is to sell what you no longer need. You could use the extra money for things for your family now.
However, it is worth knowing that selling old baby items, especially online, can take a little longer. After all, you have to photograph them, create a listing, then wait for them to sell. With that in mind, you may wish to rent some storage after your initial declutter. Then you can have all the items out of the house, yet still easy enough to get to once they are sold. This is perfect for more substantial pieces like cribs, and pushchairs.
Create Art
Finally, before you say goodbye to all your old baby items, be sure to check and see if there is anything that could be transformed into art or decor. In fact, there are several ways of doing this from using soft toys to do chalk paintings, to covering smaller items in silver or gold paint to create ornaments. Thus creating things that will both fit in with your current home decor, as well as act as a reminder of the precious memories of when your baby was small.
I am going to be turning a few of my Son’s old baby and toddler clothes, along with a few nursing blankets into a handmade quilt. I have never done a project like this before so wish me luck!
If you have any tips, let me know! Thanks everyone; I’ll let you know how it goes!