Storing Kids’ Items as They Grow

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November 21st, 2024

Parenthood comes with a never-ending cycle of things: cribs, strollers, toys, clothes, school projects, sports equipment, and eventually, those all-important dorm room essentials. As your children grow, so does the mountain of items that they outgrow or no longer need. But what should you do with all these belongings? Self-storage offers a simple solution to keep your home organized and clutter-free while holding onto items you may need again or want to keep for sentimental reasons.Here’s how to make the most of self-storage as your kids grow from babies to college students.

1. Baby Gear: Cribs, Strollers, and High Chairs

The early years come with a lot of big, bulky items that are only used for a short period. Once your child outgrows them, these items can take up precious space in your home. If you’re planning to expand your family or want to save these items for future use, consider placing them in a storage unit.Storage Tip: Clean and thoroughly dry baby gear before storing it to prevent mold or odors. Disassemble items like cribs and label all parts for easy reassembly.

2. Toddler Toys and Clothes

As your child grows, they’ll quickly outgrow toys and clothes. If you want to keep certain items for younger siblings or as keepsakes, self-storage can be a great way to hold onto them without cluttering your living space.Organization Hack: Use clear plastic bins to store clothes by size and label them accordingly. For toys, consider donating items that are in good condition but no longer loved before storing the rest.

3. Elementary School Projects and Sports Equipment

Once your kids are in school, you’ll likely accumulate art projects, science fair displays, and sports gear. While some items are easy to part with, others may hold sentimental value or need to be stored for the next season.Pro Tip: Create a keepsake bin for art projects and awards that are especially meaningful. For sports gear, use sturdy, labeled bins and store seasonal items together to make them easy to find when needed.

4. Teen Years: Musical Instruments, Hobby Supplies, and Memorabilia

The teenage years come with a new wave of items: musical instruments, hobby gear, sports memorabilia, and keepsakes from school dances or achievements. If your teen moves on from a hobby or sport, consider placing these items in storage to free up space.Storage Idea: Store hobby supplies and memorabilia in stackable bins. Be sure to use climate-controlled storage for musical instruments to prevent damage from extreme temperatures.

5. College Essentials and Dorm Room Gear

When it’s time for your child to head off to college, they’ll need a different set of items, from bedding and mini-fridges to desk lamps and storage containers. During summer breaks or when they move back home, self-storage can make it easy to keep these belongings safe and ready for the next semester.Efficiency Tip: Store dorm room essentials in a way that makes them easy to grab and go, like keeping items in large bins labeled by category. This makes packing for the next school year a breeze.

Why Self-Storage Makes Sense for Growing Families

Using self-storage as your children grow helps you maintain a clutter-free and organized home. Plus, it allows you to hold onto important items without feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff you need to manage. Whether you’re saving baby gear for a future sibling, holding onto sports equipment for the next season, or keeping college dorm items safe during the summer, self-storage offers a practical and stress-free solution.Ready to make space for your growing family? At Lockaway Self Storage, we’re here to help with flexible storage options designed to meet your needs at every stage of parenthood. Contact us today to find the perfect unit for your family’s ever-changing storage needs!