The Ups and Downs of Getting Rid of Baby Gear

We don't have a basement, which means storage is a bit limited around here. I'll be the first to admit that I have a little bit of an issue parting with my kids' baby items, and even though I'm 99.9 percent sure I don't want any more kids, it's the 0.01 percent that keeps me loading up towers of plastic bins in our garage. My husband has offered up that I have his blessing to buy anything we should need if we ever decide to have another child, so long as I get rid of some of the stuff that is of no use to us right now. I have agreed, but let me tell you, it is not easy. I'm finding out firsthand that the sentimental attachment moms have to their babies' things is no joke, and neither is parting with them. Source: Shutterstock

At first you're sick and tired of looking at the state of this room.

At first you're sick and tired of looking at the state of this room.

And cringe at how spoiled your kids are. Source: Instagram user beverly_kc

You're also sick of paying for this storage unit.

You're also sick of paying for this storage unit.

Well, really, your husband is. Source: Instagram user moluvluvmoluv

You've already had the "we're not having any more kids" talk with your husband.

You've already had the "we're not having any more kids" talk with your husband.

So the time has come to let some things go. Source: Flickr user Frédéric de Villamil

You start slow by getting rid of the junk — and it's pretty painless.

You start slow by getting rid of the junk — and it's pretty painless.

And it actually feels really good. Source: Flickr user EvelynGiggles

And because it felt so good, you decide to get rid of a few more items.

And because it felt so good, you decide to get rid of a few more items.

You get your kid in on the fun because teaching her how to part with things is a good way to ensure she doesn't end up on an episode of Hoarders. Source: Flickr user Bart Everson

Which is when your child finds something she hasn't played with in months but absolutely will not part with it.

Which is when your child finds something she hasn't played with in months but absolutely will not part with it.

It's now her old, new favorite toy. Source: Flickr user Bradley Gordon

And then your husband finds something too.

And then your husband finds something too.

He's equally as horrified as your daughter was at your sudden icy heart. Source: Flickr user David Goehring

Now that you're used to the idea, you decide you can bear to part with some baby clothes.

Now that you're used to the idea, you decide you can bear to part with some baby clothes.

After all, baby clothes are easy to rebuy, you know, if one should have a reason to need more baby clothes one day . . . Source: Instagram user joycedabuetifbb

Until you get to something that really tugs at your heartstrings.

Until you get to something that really tugs at your heartstrings.

Aw, this was your favorite thing that she wore. Source: Flickr user Shimelle Laine

Because she wore it in your favorite picture of her.

Because she wore it in your favorite picture of her.

So you set it aside — maybe you'll frame the onesie next to the photo? Michaels is having some sort of deal on custom framing, right? Source: Flickr user Bethany

And suddenly you're officially angry at your husband (who's not even there).

And suddenly you're officially angry at your husband (who's not even there).

For no real reason other than the fact that he won't let you have unlimited amounts of babies and keep every item they ever came into contact with. Men! Source: Flickr user fredrikrynde

So you start adding a few more things to the "keep" pile.

So you start adding a few more things to the "keep" pile.

Which somehow grows much bigger than the "toss" pile. Whatever, the storage unit is not that expensive. Source: Flickr user Family O'Abé

Then you decide it's best to keep mostly all of the baby clothes and move on to toddler clothes.

Then you decide it's best to keep mostly all of the baby clothes and move on to toddler clothes.

And, with the exception of a few items, toddler clothes turn out to be way easier to get rid of! Good riddance, Disney paraphernalia and pants with holes in them! Your "toss" pile is making some serious headway. Source: Flickr user US CPSC

Except that's when you come across something passed down a few generations.

Except that's when you come across something passed down a few generations.

Which you accidentally almost tossed and feel terrible about. No way you are parting with that one old baby shoe that belonged to your grandfather (or something). Nope, not a chance. Source: Flickr user rabiem22

Also, you'll be keeping pricier items that you'll "try" to sell.

Also, you'll be keeping pricier items that you'll "try" to sell.

Or hold onto to give to your favorite friends who might have babies in the future . . . or, you know, to save money if you should ever have a reason to need them again. Source: Flickr user yosshi

And you also keep some things that your kids will surely want to pass along to their kids.

And you also keep some things that your kids will surely want to pass along to their kids.

Obviously your daughter is going to want to teach her kids how to ride a bike on the same bike you taught her, so yeah, this one is a keeper. Source: Flickr user Lars Plougmann

Which is about when you start sobbing and call the whole thing off.

Which is about when you start sobbing and call the whole thing off.

Everyone is right, it goes by way too fast! Source: Flickr user Evil Erin