Stopping Bits And Bobs Going Under The Couch Etc.

[fionas]

Just about every item of furniture in our living room has a gap underneath it - large enough for kiddy stuff to get pushed underneath but small enough for it to be a bugger getting it out again. There's about a 10cm gap underneath our couch, entertainment unit and kitchen benches and I'm sick of getting on my hands and knees to get stuff out.

Has anyone seen anything whizzy to solve the problem or have you rigged up anything yourself?

[rufalina]

I haven't got a solution either... It is a huge PITA... I try to get DH help me every couple of week to fish out toys etc... Sorry....

[Snowy Love]

I have a stick for getting stuff out - there's a showroom (my guess at the collective noun) of toy cars under the couch most of the time and I just sweep them out every week or two. We have couch covers which keep some stuff from going under when they're not on properly, but it would be better if there was a way of stopping toys from hiding there in the first place.

[AnyDream]

I have a short hooked cane (it's a bellydancing prop LOL) that I keep handy for such occasions. I can't stand the whole on the knees thing either. Often I delegate to DD1 who doesn't mind doing the job for me because finding things is always half-way entertaining LOL.

[LimeSlice]

you should be able to get a rubber strip from Clark Rubber that will go under the couch across the front and you can tape it or just lean it against the back of the couch feet, so it is a little under the couch and not so obvious...iykwim...
ETA: You would also be able to get them to cut you a dense foam length to sit under there as well

lol - thats all I've got!

[Visitor8]

The solution here is once a week I pull the couches out and sweep and mop behind them lol

10cm is quite big, what about some door snakes stuffed under there?

[CrazyLady]

what about wedge pool noodles under the couch? think that's what they're called. i can imagine they'd do the job and nice and stiff so less likely to be bumped under

[Phteven]

Just let it all build up until there is no more room

[rufalina]

Brontide!!!!

[Bathsheba]

PML Bron!

Oh I am forever on my knees... or I bribe the kids to get them out for me. It's 14yo DDs job to tidy up the lounge as soon as the 2 boys have gone to bed... she often retrieves it all... but she doesn't always put the stuff away in the right place.

Jokes aside, I actually have found that if you just let it go for a few months it is a hell of a lot more interesting to clean it all up. And the kids think it's like Christmas after not knowing where certain toys have been all that time! But this is just the tired SAHM who has to deal with a thyroid issue trying to make the best of a frustrating situation!

[rufalina]

I have been missing a lid from a shape sorter, and I really hope it is under my couch, but I have not been game to go looking for it, as if it is not there I have lost it totally... and it is a really great sorter...

[Bathsheba]

I hope it's there too Ruf... but maybe check under your fridge too... had a bit of a flash of something when I read your post... something about your kitchen.

I love finding stuff that has been lost... it makes it worth it LOL

[Ninah]

Lol we have three playful cats and a lot of things vanish under our couches!! So far yet I've been unable to find a solution - but I do like the idea of the snakes across the gaps!! I may try that

[rufalina]

Bath - found a ball behind the fridge... thanks!