After watching the kids a few days back pushing their way past (and grumbling about) all the Lego in the lounge to get to the new little table I picked up a few weeks back, I asked Nathan if he had any other ideas on what to do about the Lego situation (it's usually just folded into a large play mat and pushed into the side of the wall unless we (I) feel like picking it completely up). He immediately suggested using a large container from his bedroom that currently holds Marble Run pieces. He said he doesn't play with it anymore (or enough) and to get rid of that and put the Lego in the bin, which can then be stored in his bedroom. I then asked if they wanted to go through all their toys and do a bit of a clear out since it's been a while. Well, the kids whooped and jumped for glee at the thought of doing that and proceeded to ask me when I was ready to get started lol.
So, while it was the addition of the little table in the corner that has caused the change in our needs, I can also recognise that we actually are due to move with the times and that the kids just are that bit older now at 6 and almost 8.
Danielle's room in particular is a bit overwhelming with bags, little bits and pieces, beads, play money and the likes. And a lot of things that don't really get played with or used (but often loaded into the little bags). I know it's going to be me in that case who needs to let go and trust that she knows what she does and doesn't want. She also seems to have more clothes than Nathan (and more than she really needs) - not because I've bought them for her, just that she gets hand-me-downs, which I am grateful for, that I then put into circulation even if they're not required.
Four hours later I emerged from their rooms. There was far less to get rid of that I expected (and mostly donatable), and realised, that what we have has been in our house for so long because a lot of what we have is just so open-ended in use and suitable for ages 2-6+ (with new things coming in as they become age appropriate - they just don't seem to have grown out of a lot of their things). Nathan still plays with his wooden train track and wooden blocks (he got the train track at age 3 and the blocks for his 1st birthday)! Neither are used in the same way they were originally, but still serve many purposes.
Still, it feels good to have gone through it all and given the dust bunnies a good chase out. We also found a few MIA items, so all good.
While we don't live in a minimalist home (and I don't strive for one as I like all my familiar and favourite bits out there to enjoy), I do like for (most) things to have a home and to be returned back there every day. We don't live in an immaculate home by far though! I have had to really think our storage systems over the years since we live in a fairly small home by modern standards with a floor space of approx. 101 sq m (1087 sq ft) with only two small storage cupboards - located in the laundry (one of them contains a few shelves for linen above the hot water cylinder). I like our small home though, and the way it is laid out really makes it seem a decent size, and allows us to use every part efficiently (not much space lost on the hallway for example, and where the hallway starts, it's wide, so can easily take a large scotch chest, coat/shoe/bag storage, and tall bookshelf without looking crowded). I think I might do another post on some of my storage solutions that we've tried out over the years (I'm also a constant rearranger!).
Easter seems to have passed us by this year...we didn't do any specific crafting, and the kids just had some chocolate eggs that we'd saved from an egg hunt a few weeks back (they came home with so many that it just made sense to put some away!) LOL.
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