Get more use out of a convertible crib
Our daughter used her crib for less than two years. It started to lose its usefulness when she began to climb out of it. We also decided to move her into a “big girl’s bed” when we moved into our new home. If we had gone with a convertible crib, we could have easily doubled the time she used her crib. Convertible cribs, for those who don’t know, are cribs that convert into smaller beds. This makes the transition to a regular bed a bit easier for some children, and definitely easier for parents.
The crib pictured is the Davinci Emily Convertible Crib. The large rail on the back of the crib can eventually be used for a headboard for a full-size bed, as shown. The day bed conversion rail kit, full size headboard and footboard are included with this and most convertible cribs. There are many different makes and models of convertible cribs, so make sure you shop around. Also, don’t be afraid to look for cribs on craigslist or garage sales–these are options that can save you a lot of money.
Preparing for house guests
I live in a two bedroom home, and my husband and I use our second bedroom as a home office/television/media room. The room is pretty tiny and there isn’t even enough space in it left to fit a blow-up mattress. So, whenever we have house guests, they are relegated to our living room and its foldout couch.
We have enough storage space in our bedroom closet to store the extra pillows, sheets (it’s a different size than our bed), and blankets for the foldout couch. We decided, though, to store these items all together to make assembly and storage simple and uncluttered.
We use two XL Ziploc Big Bags (one for the pillows and one for the bedding) for storing these items. One of the XXL Ziploc Big Bags might hold all of the materials in just one bag, but these weren’t available when we went shopping.
Additionally, we have a clear plastic box in our guest bathroom with items people commonly forget while traveling. It’s labeled “For our Guests” and takes up relatively little space beneath the vanity. Most of the items in the box are travel size and came free from the dentist or were hotel samples we collected on vacations.
Keeping supplies for house guests contained makes life uncluttered for you and leaves your guests feeling like you’re a considerate host. Additionally, it makes accommodating unexpected guests simple because you’re always prepared for them … well, at least prepared for their sleeping arrangements!
