From Cribs to College: How to Store Your Kids’ Things Through Every Age


Admin
June 27th, 2025


kids of different ages
As families grow, so do kids—and so does the mountain of stuff they leave behind. From tiny newborn onesies to college-year textbooks, knowing what to do with old baby stuff, storing toys, school projects and sentimental items is key. At Premier Storage in Rolla, MO, we help parents safeguard memories, free up space, and transition smoothly through each stage—without clutter.

0–2 Years: Taming the Baby Stuff Overflow

Newborn gear—crib sheets, swaddles, rattles—gets outgrown fast. A smart first step: Sort and DonateGently-used items like sleepers and bibs can bring joy to another newborn. Donate to local thrift stores—Charity shops in Rolla welcome baby clothing donations year-round. Rotate and StoreKeep one or two outfits in current dresser drawers; store the rest in labeled plastic bins (e.g. “0–3m” or “3–6m”). Offload Excess GearLarger items like a second crib or convertible car seat? Move them to a climate-controlled Rolla storage unit so they’re available for future siblings—without taking up room at home.

2–8 Years: Organizing Toys & Crafts

Now comes the age of legos, art supplies, and school projects galore. For storing toys, follow these pro tips: Sort by CategoryOrganize everything into clear categories—two bins for stuffed animals, one for blocks, another for outdoor toys. According to organizing experts, sorting “by like” saves time and makes cleanup a breeze. Use Smart Storage SolutionsClear plastic bins under the bed help keep puzzles or favorite toys visible .
  • Shelving at child height with open bins encourages independence
  • Rolling baskets or storage ottomans double as seating and toy storage.
Rotate to RefreshKeep only 6–10 toys accessible, and store the rest. Rotate every week or month—a proven way to renew interest, reduce clutter, and re-engage imagination.

8–14 Years: Handling Outgrown Clothes & Memories

As children grow, wardrobes and memories pile up. Tackle this stage with these solutions: Audit and DonateSeasonally, check through clothes. Anything still in good condition? Donate to local Rolla charities. For worn-out pieces, recycle—don’t just toss. Store Year-Round & Sentimental ItemsLabel bins with sizes or seasons ("Size 7/8 – Fall") for kid hand-me-down tracking. Save sentimental pieces (like first soccer jersey or old school projects) in clear, stackable bins—elevate them on pallets to avoid moisture damage additudemag.com Create a “Memory Box”Limit keepsakes—certificates, photos, hand-drawn art—to a single container per child. Experts recommend treating this like a curated collection, not a dumping ground .

14+ Years: Preparing for College & Beyond

From high school trophies to dorm-room décor, kids’ things come full circle. Here's how to prepare: Curate & DigitizeChoose favorite mementos and toss or donate the rest. Digitize flat memorabilia like report cards, awards, or art projects. Long-Term StorageCollege-bound students can rent a secure Premier Storage unit to house belongings—and retrieve them easily on breaks.

Answering Common Questions

What to do with old baby stuff before the next child?Sort, donate gently used items, and store the rest in labeled bins or a storage unit until needed again. How do I keep toys from taking over the house?Use categories, clear bins, child-accessible shelving, and rotate toys—keep it fresh and manageable acornministorage.com How to store sentimental items without clutter?Limit keepsakes to a memory box per child and digitize what you can. Use climate‑controlled bins on raised pallets

Why Choose Premier Storage in Rolla, MO?

Located right here in Rolla, we offer expert help and a wide range of Rolla storage units—from small to large, all climate-controlled. Whether you're organizing a nursery or preparing for college, Premier Storage makes space for life’s transitions.
  • Convenient access near Forum Drive and Lions Club Drive.
  • Secure, clean units ideal for clothing, toys, gear, and keepsakes.
  • Flexible rental terms to match your family’s changing needs.
Seasonal Tip: Spring Cleaning StrategyEvery spring, dedicate an afternoon to clear out outgrown items. Label, sort, donate, and safely store the rest. Your family will be ready for summer adventures—with room to breathe at home.

In Summary

Growing kids can mean growing clutter—but it doesn't have to be that way. With thoughtful sorting, smart storage solutions, and Premier Storage’s secure, local units, you can create a space-efficient, sentimental, and stress-free home life from cribs to college. Thinking about storing toys, clothes, or keepsakes in a climate-controlled Rolla unit? Contact Premier Storage today to learn how you can free up space, preserve memories, and stay organized—season after season.

Categories
RECENT POSTS