Ensuring your home is child-safe can feel like tackling a tricky jigsaw puzzle, especially when your lease restricts permanent changes.
All parents want their little ones to explore and thrive without constantly worrying about sharp edges, easily accessible cabinets, or dangerous nooks and crannies. So, how can you childproof your space without risking fines?
Fortunately, there are plenty of affordable, damage-free solutions that keep your youngster safe while protecting your security deposit. Here’s how to strike the right balance between child safety and rental restrictions.
Addressing Sharp Corners and Edges
Children just starting to crawl or walk are usually prone to bumping into the sharp edges of furniture or counters. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive solutions. The answer lies in using soft, adhesive corner protectors.
Easily taken off later without leaving any trace behind, these silicone or foam protectors attach firmly to furniture corners without the need for adhesive or drilling.
Edge bumpers can be used in the same manner for bigger surfaces like counters or coffee tables. These nifty items will provide you with some peace of mind and ensure any fall won’t result in bruising or tears.
Keeping Cabinets and Drawers Secure
Storage units frequently hold objects that are best kept out of the reach of curious kids. These can range from sharp knives to harsh chemical cleaners.
To secure these spaces without drilling, invest in adhesive cabinet locks. Pressing a button or sliding a latch easily opens these locks, which are fastened with strong glue.
Once taken off, any leftover sticky residue can be swiftly cleaned with a hairdryer and some rubbing alcohol to guarantee the drawers look as they did before.
Magnetic locks are also another useful choice since they let you safely store dangerous objects. You can access cabinets or drawers using an external magnetic key, which helps prevent pinched fingers and damaged finishes.
Installing Temporary Baby Gates
This is a must-have childproofing product if your flat has several levels or areas you want to keep off limits. Pressure-mounted baby gates are ideal for rental homes. They rely on high tension between walls or doorways to stay in place, reducing the need for wall mounts.
They are strong enough to keep your youngster safe while preventing damage to walls or doorframes, thanks to their cushioned edges.
When the time comes to take down the gate, the pressure mounts will leave the walls unharmed. A fast wipedown will leave the area looking pristine, simplifying the lease cleaning process.
Childproofing Electrical Outlets
Kids are naturally curious, so AC sockets can quickly draw their attention. Affordable and efficient, outlet covers slide to close when the sockets aren’t in use, stopping any mishaps from occurring.
Removing these coverings is just as easy as installing them as well. Thus, you won’t have to worry about permanently damaging the outlets.
Box covers provide added security for power strips located on the floor or in easily accessible areas. By enclosing the strip, they prevent children from disconnecting or dragging the wires.
Both are temporary fixes that provide great safety without leaving markings or necessitating any particular cleaning techniques.
Blocking off High-Risk Areas
Leaving young children unattended in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms can spell disaster. Fortunately, doorknob covers provide a simple solution to restrict access.
You won’t have to worry about breaking the handle or lock because they can be easily popped on and off when needed.
Foam door stoppers are also an excellent way to keep doors open without worrying about them slamming. Positioned on the top edge of a door, they help prevent accidental pinches and slams.
Anchoring Furniture
Keeping your home child-safe depends on securing heavy furniture like TVs, dressers, and bookcases to prevent tipping. Anti-tip straps are an easy fix that doesn’t involve drilling into walls or using screws.
These items can be removed when it is time to move out, leaving walls and surfaces unharmed. They also feature an adhesive layer that is strong enough to secure heavy furniture in place.
Not only do they help you stabilise upholstery, but these detachable objects are also easy to take off when it’s time for lease cleaning.
Childproofing Windows and Blinds
For small children, especially in high-rise rentals or multi-story buildings, windows and blinds can pose significant dangers.
Wrapping the curtain cords safely keeps them out of reach and minimises hazards. Thus, cord wind-ups are recommended since they’re easy to install and remove without any need to modify the blinds.
Similarly, many renters turn to pressure-mounted window guards. They can be installed without screws or mounts, therefore creating a barrier that protects kids from leaning out of windows.
Ensuring Bathroom Safety
From open toilets to slippery floors, lavatories include many possible hazards. To stop inquisitive hands from reaching inside the bowls, consider using toilet seat locks to secure the lids.
Many adhesive choices stick to the toilet lid, and when your lease expires, they can be easily pulled off without damaging the bathroom.
Moreover, non-slip bath mats are a great option for further safety. They stick to the floor via suction, therefore offering stability during bath time.
Preparing for Lease Cleaning
Ensuring the property looks as it used to when you first moved in can be difficult, especially if you have makeshift childproofing solutions in place. However, don’t worry. It’s easier than it sounds.
Expert cleaning firms recommend softening sticky materials using a mild heat source, such as a hairdryer.
Any remaining residue will be eliminated with a simple wipe-down using a mild cleanser or rubbing alcohol. This will guarantee that every corner and cabinet looks exactly as it did before.
Remove each childproofing item and check the surface for any markings. Then, gently clean as needed with a gentle product. These simple steps will make the home ready for the final inspection, ensuring that you get your full deposit back.
Conclusion
When you’re juggling safety concerns and landlord constraints, childproofing your apartment can seem difficult. Yet, it is quite feasible with a few clever, temporary modifications.
By implementing these easy fixes, you can turn your house into a safe haven where you can focus on your family rather than possible threats.
This will ensure that you prioritise both your kid’s safety and your responsibilities as a tenant, leaving the property spotless when it’s time to relocate.
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