Controlling Kids Clutter For Viewings
April 27, 2016
Keeping kids clutter under control can seem like a never ending task. Over time well meaning gifts, hand-me-downs and little keepsakes start to pile up and take over. I recommend regular ‘culling’ sessions to stay on top of things. You could even make this into a game , explaining that donating to charity is a good deed and that passing on unwanted toys and games is a kind thing to do and it means there’s going to be room for new stuff in the future! Enthuse the purging process with positivity and it may be easier to undertake than you think. Below is a list of my top ten tips for creative storage and tidying up for kids:
- Throw away toys/games which having missing parts and don’t work fully.
- Try to resist buying bulky items which are going to be hard to house and eventually get rid of.
- Get rid of any duplicates.
- Try and go for quality over quantity when it comes to buying toys. The Pound Shop is tempting but it’s all going to end up in landfill so try to stay away.
- Keep an on-going charity box in the bedroom or hallway, and regularly donate. Keep to the ‘one in one out’ rule with new toys or clothes. This starts a good habit for the future.
- Colour code storage boxes, a different colour for each child. This stops items going missing and children can learn to tidy up their own belongings. Zara Home always has a great selection of charming boxes in their kids home department.
- Be vigilant and get rid of unsentimental items or be creative with how you store them. Try scanning kids paintings and drawings into your computer. These can then be made into photo books, try Photobox for inexpensive ideas on how to make photo books and wall canvases.
- Make your own bespoke artwork with a child’s picture, get it framed in a gilt or elaborate frame to make a statement piece. You have more than likely once said of modern art ‘my kids can do better than that’! Well they can!
- Try putting small sentimental items, such as first shoes or favourite little toys into a shadow box and display them on the wall. Ikea do a lot of good quality deep frames which are idea for this.
- Don’t allow kids to eat anywhere other than the table, this will cut down your cleaning time considerably, otherwise chasing crumbs and greasy finger marks is going to be an endless task.
- Finally undertake a ten minute tidy at the end of each day. If you have storage sorted then popping things back into their homes should not be too much of a strain.
For more design and storage ideas see my website
http://www.clairebloom.com or email me at claire@clairebloom.com
You May Also Enjoy
Alterations can change a property’s rebuild cost
‘Don’t get caught short’ warning to homeowners from valuations experts – alterations can change a property’s rebuild cost Properties change over time. Homeowners may add an extension, upgrade a kitchen or bathroom, alter the layout, or even change how the building is used, but when do those changes mean it’s time for a new rebuild…
Read More 
HMO conversions hit investors for £82,000 on average
The average cost of converting a property into a house in multiple occupation (HMO) is estimated at more than £82,000 across England, according to new research by residential property management specialist, Rushbrook, although investors looking to avoid the conversion process have more than 2,500 existing licensed HMOs available to purchase. Rushbrook analysed HMO property listings across…
Read More 
Selling a HAUNTED house?
Property lawyer reveals whether you have to tell buyers about ghosts HOMEOWNERS selling a property with a spooky reputation have been warned that its haunted history could come back to bite them if a nervous buyer starts asking questions. From unexplained footsteps and doors opening by themselves to tales of former residents refusing to…
Read More 
Renters call for greater transparency in HMOs
National findings released as 1 in 5 tenants report feeling unsafe at some point during their tenancy because of a housemate Rising housing costs pushing more people towards shared accommodation 42% of tenants received no information about their housemates before moving in 60% wish they had known more about who they would be living with…
Read More 
Housing Insight Report: August 2026
August’s figures reveal a housing market where activity continues, but buyers are taking a more cautious approach, making realistic pricing and negotiation increasingly important. Meanwhile, growing tenant demand and limited rental supply continue to create challenges across the lettings market, highlighting the different pressures facing buyers, sellers, landlords and renters. Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark,…
Read More 
How to spot and prevent damp and mould in your home
As temperatures fall and homes become more susceptible to condensation and moisture, Propertymark is urging tenants and homeowners to be aware of the signs of damp and mould and take action early to protect their homes and their health. Two-year-old Awaab Ishak died from a severe respiratory infection after being exposed to damp and mould…
Read More