How to Handle Too Many Hand Me Down Baby Items

While hand me downs are always greatly appreciated they can sometimes become overwhelming when you realize you can't use everything given to you. Don't despair there are options for dealing with the boxes and boxes of clothes sitting around taking up space.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Don't try to keep everything. You may think "I might need it someday" but if you already have several similar items it is not likely you will use it and it will just take up space. Make a pile of what you need and do not need.

2. Box the items you want to keep according to size and age. Using empty diaper boxes is a great way to store them in an organized way because all the boxes will be the same and won't be awkward to store. Store them in an area where they will not be infested with bugs or mice. Attics, basements and garages are not good storages places for baby items.

3. If you know someone who is having a baby or has a child who may be able to use the extra items you don't need, give them a call and ask if they would like to look through them.

4. Anything that is left over you can try to sell on eBay, Craigslist or in a garage sale. If you don't want to mess with selling it yourself then you can donate the items to a charity or women's shelter.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have things that you know your baby will not be the appropriate size for during that season you probably will not use it.
• Don't throw things away someone else may be able to use. Give them to a charity like Goodwill or DAV.
• Always wash items that have been handed down to you in case they have been stored for a long period of time or have been stored in an attic, garage or basement.
• Take apart and clean all baby seats, strollers and other baby equipment if it has been stored somewhere bugs could have gotten to them. Spiders and other bugs can crawl into unseen places and might harm the baby.

[StacyP]

on 11/11/2008 Good article! I get so many hand-me-down clothes for my kids. I appreciate the thought ... but sometimes the clothes just aren't practical. Then it's time to give them away.

[maryellen1001]

on 11/10/2008 Great ideas!

[rumblebug]

on 11/10/2008 As soon as I read the title I knew this article had to be read! I was inundated with hand-me-downs both boys and girls - and I only have a daughter! If I don't have a little boy with this pregnancy I'll have a lot of sorting and selling to do. Great article and tips - I needed them!

[HardworkinJudy]

on 11/9/2008 Excellent tips. Someone is always having a baby.

[Gardengates]

on 11/9/2008 This should work for babies and all us bigger folks, too!