Photo by Karl Solano: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-a-wooden-bookshelf-2883049/

Raising children can be challenging, especially in these tough economic times. If you’ve recently moved into a townhome and you have small children you may be wondering how to make the most out of the space you have. Following are five tips you can use to maximize your space while raising children in a townhome.

Keep Your Space Organized

Any experienced parent will tell you that kids come with clutter. From baby gear to toys and everything in between, children take up a lot of space. If your townhome is small you’ll need to make the most of what space you do have. Clear out any unnecessary clutter at least once a month and keep your child’s toys organized in stackable bins or totes. If your child has a lot of stuffed animals you can purchase a hangable net to store them in and keep them off of your floor. If you need more space you can purchase bed risers to create more room for storage under their bed. Encourage your child to take pride in their bedroom and task them with the responsibility of keeping it clean and tidy. This will not only maximize the space in your townhome, but it will also teach them valuable life skills.

Encourage Quieter Play

While townhomes are a great option for young families to live in, there can be an issue with loud, rambunctious play and the shared wall between your unit and the one next to you. While it is impossible to keep children quiet all the time, it’s important to try to limit loud, boisterous games, especially later on in the evening and at night. Consider making sensory bins that your young child can explore and play in or have them engage in more creative activities like coloring and playing with blocks. Not only are these quieter forms of entertainment that your child can enjoy during the evening hours, but they are also effective ways of teaching them fine motor skills.

Don’t Buy More Than Necessary

If your space is limited you are already aware of how cluttered your home can quickly become. What you might not realize is that your shopping habits have a direct impact on the amount of clutter you have lying around. When you go shopping make sure you make a list and stick to it. Don’t buy items just because they’re on sale or a good deal. You don’t need a dozen bath towels or five different sippy cups taking up space in your cupboards and linen closets. By sticking to your list and resisting the temptation to buy things just because they’re on sale, you’ll free up some much-needed space and save money too.

Choose the Right Townhome Community

If you’re getting ready to move into a townhome be sure to do your research and choose the right community for your family. You may want to look into options that feature a gated community and close access to local community amenities and entertainment. If you have small pets you’ll also want to make sure you choose a townhome that is pet-friendly. For example, Kinwood Union City is a stylish, family-friendly townhome community that features a wide variety of amenities including a swimming pool, clubhouse, dog park, and a coffee bar. By making sure your townhome community has everything you need ahead of your relocation, you’ll enjoy a smoother transition when you do eventually move into your new home.

Get Outside and Explore the Community

If you’ve downsized quite a bit in order to move into your new townhome your children might not have all the items and toys that they used to own. Make their experience of living in a townhome exciting and get outside with them to explore the great outdoors. You could take them to a local park or down to the community area for an enjoyable afternoon of swimming and outdoor play. Encourage them to get outside and make use of your porch or backyard area if you have one.

While raising children in a townhome can be challenging it can also be an enjoyable experience. By making the most use of your space and using these five tips you can create a wonderful space to raise your young family.