Every few months I clean out my kid’s cupboards and toy boxes.  There are two reasons for this. The first being that we have limited space since we co-habit with my parents and because they out grow a lot of the toys, so before they get totally trashed I try to salvage them and pass them along to friends or family.

This past weekend I decided it was time to do a clean out. Cameron’s room was looking rather tatty and there was lots of stuff that needed to be throw out. Boxes were emptied. Broken toys thrown away. Rusks found in the cupboard eaten (by my daughter). Old toys were re-discovered. Missing items were found.It was most productive. One black bag full of clothes and shoes was set aside for Johanna. A bag of papers was sent for recycling and a second black bag of broken bits and pieces thrown away.The room looked lovely when I was done.

Next on the list was Kiaras room. She thought it would be helpful to tip out every single box she has in her room. She has lots of boxes and lots of little things. I needed to have a glass of wine before I started. It was that daunting. But two hours later, every hair clip, My Little Pony, Barbie, dolls bottle and coloured pen had a home. Blankets were folded. Clothes packed away. Beds were made (yes there is more than one – she has doll beds). Miraculously we found the floor. I had broken out into a sweat – in mid winter. It was no mean feat cleaning my five year olds room.

I discovered a few things during this little cleansing.

We eat out at Spur too much. I threw out 10 Spur money boxes and they each still have 2 in their room with money in and I have one at work.

We have been to the Dr a lot more than I thought. Kiara had 12 plastic medicine measure spoons in amongst her stuff.

My daughter has enough dolls to start her own small country. Complete with furniture, cutlery, utensils and clothes. There shall be no hungry, unclothed kids living there.

We own a lot of blankets. Blankets from when my dad was a baby. Blankets from when I was a baby. When they were babies and now for her babies. There are a lot of blankets.

They each have a pair of sunglasses to match any outfit in any style. Seriously I found about 8 pairs of sunglasses in various colours.

 Posted by :Laura-kim from Harrassed Mom