Hello, my name is Pete Stone. Over the years, I have met a lot of interesting people and we have exchanged gifts. Many of these gifts are very unique and irreplaceable, with some being custom-made or created by the gift giver himself or herself. The problem is that I live in an apartment that is not very large. My only solution to this problem is to purchase storage space. There is an art to using a self-storage unit that I have discovered. With the right storage techniques, your belongings will last. Because I have learned so much, I have decided to create this blog to share my knowledge with anyone who needs it.
In the first year alone, a new baby cost a family just upwards of $10,000. With a considerable amount of this cost going towards clothing and other gear, once your baby has grown out of these objects – simply tossing them in the trash is out of the question. Whether storing these items away for a future sibling or as keepsakes, knowing how to store baby gear the right way is critical to keeping everything in good condition.
Clothing
During the first years, it seems like babies grow every few days or weeks, leaving you with a stack of clothes that were only worn once or not at all. When it comes to storing baby clothes, use discretion.
Unless you're having a child soon or have known someone having the same sex child as you, it's a good idea to give away those items that don't hold a sentimental value. For the clothes you plan to keep, wash them and separate them by size before placing them in storage containers that can then be taken to self storage units. For all others, wash them and donate them to a local charity.
Furniture
For storing away baby furniture, proper care should begin with disassembly. If you take down pieces such as a crib in hast, you can damage it or even lose some of its components. A crib in this shape is no longer safe for a baby and will need to be discarded.
In addition to careful disassembly, you will want to clean the furniture with a material approved disinfectant and allow it to thoroughly dry. You can then vacuum the mattress to remove any debris and wipe it down with a child-friendly cleaner. The mattress pad can simply be placed through a washing machine cycle.
Toys
Baby toys are at an increased risk for bacterial development, so the key thing to remember before storage is that they need to be clean. For smaller plastic toys, such as Legos, place the items inside a mesh wash bag and run them though a single dishwashing cycle.
For larger plastic toys, wipe them down with a bleach and water solution and use a hose to rinse them and for stuffed animals, a run through a delicate wash cycle is sufficient. Allow these items to rest for several days before placing them inside a container for storage. If they are not thoroughly dry, mold can easily develop, which is equally dangerous.
The more care you put into preparing these items for storage, the safer they will be for baby to come and the longer you can keep them as keepsakes, so to take your time.
Share19 June 2017
