Cribs. Rattles. Changing tables. Bibs. High chairs. Onesies. Strollers. Receiving blankets. Mobiles. Diapers. Diapers. Diapers. Babies come with lots of paraphernalia. Where will it all fit?
You can’t totally prepare for having children… some things just come as a surprise. But one big step is making room for all the equipment, outfits and accessories you’ll need — or want. Go through your house and toss items that just take up space. Don’t be too efficient, though, or you might make donations you’ll later regret.
Move Out Multiples
Over the years, you’ve probably accumulated several versions of the same thing: pots, knives, books, towels, decorations, clothes, electronics. Go through your collections and dispose of the ones you don’t used. You won’t miss them, but you will appreciate the extra space.
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If you’ve had “projects” sitting around for ages but just haven’t gotten around to them, face facts. With a new kid on the block, you won’t be touching them. Furniture that requires refinishing, old craft activities, an engine that needs rebuilding… take a look around to see what’s been ignored. You certainly won’t have more time when the kid arrives.
Cleanse the Closets
What clothes are you holding onto that you never wear anymore? Maybe the size, style or aesthetic is wrong now. Sort and toss. Thinking your closet won’t be impacted by a new addition? How could you possibly use it for kids’ stuff? You’d be surprised. Children expand geometrically, so any extra space comes in handy.
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Remove Remnants
What parts of your past are you still hanging onto? Old exercise equipment? Stacks and stacks of comic books? College papers? An aged tent or sleeping bag? A childhood collection that’s boxed away in the attic? These things aren’t you anymore. When you become a parent, they’ll be even less you. Make room for the new you that needs running shoes for pushing a jogging stroller, bicycles for the entire family or a rocking chair for feeding time.
Give Away Gifts
Sometimes friends and family go crazy providing gifts for an expected arrival. This is a tremendous benefit. It’s also a bit of a pain if you get well-meaning presents you know you’ll never use. Maybe they don’t fit your décor, lifestyle or parenting plans. Whatever the case, someone else would surely be appreciative. Write a pleasant thank-you; then donate the unneeded items.
Don’t Forsake Furniture
As you’re getting rid of the old and unused, you might be tempted to replace a worn-out couch, easy chair or dining room table. Try to resist. You’re planning on brining a mess-making factory into your house. Stop and think: what will happen when you combine a young child and new furniture? Exactly. Wait a few years until spills, crayon marks, scissor slashes and glue globules are less likely.
Hold Onto Heirlooms
Old doesn’t mean outdated. If you have special items that have been passed down for generations, by all means, find space for them. They may — or may not — have monetary worth, but their sentimental value is priceless. An heirloom connects to the past, providing insight into family history.
You probably won’t have room for every ancestral antique. What should you keep? Save meaningful items that are small or fit into your everyday lives, such as:
- Toys: As long as it’s safe, a veteran plaything, such as a doll or rocking horse, makes a nice change from modern pastimes.
- Jewelry: A ring or necklace doesn’t take up much space and may come with a sweet, funny or exciting story.
- Letters or diaries: These are one-of-a-kind documents that retell the history of your family and the larger world.
- Furnishings: Clocks, tables, chairs and chests play dual roles: perform necessary functions and remind you of the past.
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Don’t Part With Pets
Many prospective parents worry how their old “babies” — their pets — will get along with their new babies. Though adjustments will be needed, parents are probably overly concerned.
- Growing up around pets can help prevent allergies and asthma.
- Pets are far less likely to have negative reactions to a new member of the household if they’ve been prepared.
- Parents can ward off jealousy by giving their pet attention after the baby arrives.
- Pets can be great companions for babies, as long as interactions are safe. Don’t leave them unattended together. Even if a pet isn’t aggressive or jealous, its size or enthusiasm might be dangerous.
Fit in Favorites
Don’t be too hasty when clearing out dead weight. Even if something takes up space and isn’t terribly practical, don’t toss if it puts a smile on your face. Though children bring joy, they’re also a lot of work. There will be tough times. Something that relaxes you, makes you happy or gives you a laugh can be invaluable.
You don’t have to sweep the house clean all at once. Doing a little bit at a time makes the job less overwhelming, which means you might do a more thorough and thoughtful job. Slowly and steadily progress through your possessions until you’re done. Then all you need is the kid.
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Kacey is a lifestyle blogger for The Drifter Collective, an eclectic lifestyle blog that expresses various forms of style through the influence of culture and the world around us. Kacey graduated with a degree in Communications while working for a lifestyle magazine. She has been able to fully embrace herself with the knowledge of nature, the power of exploring other locations, cultures, and styles, while communicating these endeavors through her passion for writing and expression. Her love for the world around her is portrayed through her visually pleasing, culturally embracing and inspiring posts. You can find her on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.
The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blog contributor’s. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Writers may have conflicts of interest, and their opinions are their own.
