Post 5 of 10: Baby Stuff

Our Toughest Things to Toss series continues with a Baby Stuff at number 5. We talked about some of the most challenging hurdles of letting go; books, photos, greeting cards and crafty items and now we’re moving into a doozie, why is Baby Stuff so challenging…well because it’s baby stuff. It takes us back to the sweet and innocent times and who doesn’t love that new baby smell. I remember it like it was yesterday even though I was sleep deprived and grumpy in the beginning. I loved that mix of lavender baby wash with milk on my sweet baby’s breath.

Often times with my clients the first dilemma is whether to keep baby stuff in anticipation of another bundle of joy coming along. It makes perfect sense to reuse as much as you can and a greater challenge presents itself if you’re unsure whether you’re going to have another. It seems to happen, much like the murphy’s law of purging, as soon as you toss it you need it.

My experience with clients is more around the challenge of letting go of things as baby grows and keeping the toys within reason. Remember, within reason means something different to everyone. Think about how overwhelmed you are with all the toys and stuff then imagine what it must be like for a little person to deal seeing it from their level. Really, the truth is the more simple the better. I have to be cliché but remember when we had one or two toys or pots and pans and we were required to really be creative and use our imagination (OK, I’m channeling Barney) but it’s true.

Keep it simple for yourself and your kids and the clean up and maintenance of the toy room or child’s room will leave you plenty of time to snuggle up to those sweet smellin’ babies of yours no matter their age and good snuggle can’t be beat!

Kelli Wilson is the author of The Clutter Breakthrough – Your Five-Step Solution to Freedom from Clutter Forever. She is a professional speaker and Clutter Breakthrough expert.