It’s amazing how much stuff those little ones have. Between the multiple outfits required each day, the toys they love but are growing out of and the ones they aren’t quite into yet, a small home soon overflows with kids’ things. Add to that the required equipment (high chairs, boosters, car seats, strollers, walkers, swings, and a plethora of others) required by modern living, you’re hard-pressed to find room for the family sofa.
For some, just finding space is enough. But for others, swapping out their carefully curated home design for playroom staples causes underlying stress, so here are both decorative and straightforward solutions you can use.
Portable storage ideas
If you live in an apartment or rental home, you likely don’t want to spend money on cabinets or other types of built-ins. And, if you’re planning on moving into a new home soon, you need them to be as portable as possible. Consider using large laundry baskets to hold stuffed animals and other large playthings. Find smaller plastic buckets at the dollar store to keep blocks and other building toys. Stacking bins with lids work well for smaller objects or those with many pieces. You often find these at discount stores for less, although you can get matching pieces (bins, baskets, etc.) from larger stores, and even decorative ones from specialty organization stores.
Stack your storage in a corner, behind the sofa, or in a closet and pull it out one at a time for your child’s pleasure. If you stack toy bins on shelves, make sure to keep them out of your child’s reach so that they cannot pull down the container and end up with a lump on the head.
Cube storage solutions
Most post-college adults probably still have their Ikea cubes or similar ones from Target. Cube storage has undeniable appeal since you can go for plain foldable cubby bins or fancy baskets. Oblong cube storage (two by four, three by five) works two ways, vertically or horizontally. Most cube storage solutions originally came with wall mounts. If you did not keep the wall mount (what college student does?), you could order a replacement from the manufacturer. When placing children’s toys in cubbies, the shelving must be securely attached to the wall to avoid tip-overs that could result in serious injury to your child.
To make your cubbies decorative, paint the outside of the boxes to match your décor or purchase containers in complementary styles, textures, and hues.
If you’re brave, you can find online instructions to paint your cube shelving to match your décor. To add portability, consider attaching locking wheels to the bottom of the unit.
Built-in storage options
If your budget allows for it, built-in storage supplies ongoing organizational space to your home. Lower cabinets in the family room offer a place for games and toys, and later, when the kids are grown and gone, a place to store all your crafting supplies.
No matter which storage solution you choose, take care to secure it from little hands, or little climbers. To find a home with more place space, talk to your real estate agent today.
Headline: Tina Broyles: Your Expert Real Estate Agent for Fremont, San Jose, and the Bay Area | eXp Realty
Bio:
As a dedicated real estate professional and a long-time resident of the California Bay Area, I have been proudly serving the real estate community since 1987. My mission is to provide my clients with unparalleled professionalism, in-depth market knowledge, and a caring approach that has resulted in a business built almost entirely on referrals.
Your Trusted Real Estate Advisor in the Bay Area
I specialize in the vibrant and diverse real estate markets of Fremont, Campbell, San Jose, Saratoga, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Morgan Hill, Santa Clara, Mountain View, and Milpitas, CA. With over three decades of experience, I have a deep understanding of these communities and can provide you with the insights you need to make informed decisions.
One of the most consistent compliments I receive from clients is about my responsiveness to their needs. Your goals are my top priority, and I am committed to being there for you every step of the way. I am honored to have been voted "Best of Milpitas" every year from 2000 to 2020, a testament to my dedication to my clients and my community.
About My Business: eXp Realty
As part of the innovative eXp Realty team, I bring a diverse set of skills and a commitment to excellence to every transaction. We leverage cutting-edge technology that is "beyond expectation" to provide you with a seamless and efficient real estate experience. My team and I offer the perfect balance of experience and professionalism to help you achieve your real estate dreams in the Bay Area.
Community Involvement
I believe in giving back to the community that has given me so much. I am a happily married mother of two and a proud grandmother to two beautiful granddaughters, Audrina and Chesney. In my free time, I enjoy golfing, exercising, and my weekly Bible study. I am also passionate about serving the homeless community in Milpitas and supporting our local businesses.
I would be honored to get to know you and your family and put my extensive real estate experience to work for you.
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