Written by Lucy at It's Lucy
Hi everyone! My name is Lucy – I’m a British lifestyle blogger based over in Liverpool. I’m wife, pet owner & Mum to Alexander, who is 2.5 years of whirling chaos . I’m here to talk Decluttering, cleaning, and Organizing. Less mess, equals less stress in my eyes and I believe it can have a number of positives on day to day life.
Here are just 5 benefits 😊
When you live in a flat / terrace property like me with no garage/utility/playroom storage is just SO important. You have really got to maximise the space you’ve got!
TOYS
A question I often get asked on Social Media is ‘as a house proud mum, where do you keep your toys?’....The toys are in fact spread across the house and over two floors. We have lots in Alexander’s nursery/playroom, the bathroom and the lounge.
Toys - Lounge
This Pinterest inspired lounge was meant to be the Adult’s living room not the playroom but it honestly just works! We are lucky in that It’s quite a decent sized floor space with high ceilings so even when whole boxes of toys are emptied it doesn’t feel claustrophobic? We opted for my Aunt’s hand me down nest of tables as opposed to a coffee table in the centre = more play space. We have a Persian style rug with a play mat on, the dolls house & alcove units either side of the fireplace bursting with toys. One of the best decisions we made in is having these units built in by a local joiner. However even storage needs storage! We use these to store everything from crayons to figures! I also try to maintain a tidy up rule whereby only one box is allowed out at any given time. So once the stickle bricks are tidied up and neatly stored away the Play Doh can come out! Simples! 😊
Toys - Bedroom
Clear, sturdy stackable toy boxes work for us & I store these on top of the wardrobe so that A) There is no easy access for an unruly toddler at bedtime B) they can withstand the weight of heavy duty toys such as cars and Duplo c) They with withstand the constant movement/handling as Lego seems to be a firm favourite at the moment. We had similar if not the same ADDIS boxes growing up & I remember taking them to university Some 10 -15 years later. I’m all for pretty decoration but it’s about finding the balance and products lasting the test of time. I’ve linked the ones we use here.
GENERAL STORAGE
I’ve also started using to store seasonal Clothes & any bargains in an under bed storage system. It stores away nicely to avoid wardrobe overflow & the dreaded Monica closet!
Now before Alex was even born, in my nesting state I organised the top drawer of his nursery chest of drawers & it’s been fantastic. However the storage I was using just didn’t stand the test of time ( and calpol drops, ointment leaks, sticky fingers) - you need something sturdy and practical. I switched to these and haven’t looked back.
TODDLER SNACKS
Moving onto the kitchen, Alexander has his own cupboard and fridge shelf where I keep all of his food. We use these medium trays . Super handy when Mum is over to baby sit too – she can see everything clearly and allows me to see exactly what we’ve got in!
Going back and forward to Wales means we need good Tupperware to transport Alex’s favourite cereals (anyone else have a fussy eater?). This new drinking cup is perfect for no spills yet looks a bit more grown up rather than the character ones you see around. If it gets them drinking more water its a big thumbs up from me. Perfect for use in the house or on the go!
Now given that we’re only human, we have to accept that mess and clutter will happen, especially with toddlers & pets in tow! But I’m now safe in the knowledge that at the end of the day, whether it be the or sea of toys on the lounge floor or a ransacked fridge it doesn’t quite bother me the same as I know come the end of the day, they all have somewhere to live! 😊
Written, styled & photographed by @__itslucy__ www.itslucy.blog
Until next time, L X