Families across Oakham and Rutland are being encouraged to take another look at the children's clothes, toys and books they already own, as a free seven-day challenge aims to help reduce waste and make space before Christmas.

Called Outgrown, Not Wasted, the initiative helps parents sort through belongings their children have grown out of, while making practical decisions about which items could still be useful.

Rather than attempting a major household clear-out in one weekend, the challenge divides the task into seven manageable days.

Families begin with clothing before moving on to toys, books, baby equipment, shoes and accessories, and larger belongings. The final day focuses on deciding what to do with everything they have collected.

For each item, parents can choose one of five outcomes: keep it, pass it on to another family, donate it, recycle it responsibly or sell it.

The initiative was created by Karolina Gudes, a mum of two from Broughton in North Wales and founder of Kidora, a UK family platform.

It grew from her experience of finding perfectly usable children's belongings stored away as her children grew, often waiting for someone to decide what to do with them.

Karolina said: "As a mum of two, I know how quickly perfectly good children's things can pile up. A short task each day feels much more achievable than trying to clear the whole house at once."

Rutland already has a strong tradition of giving preloved clothing another life.

Local fundraising group For Rutland, which supports Citizens Advice Rutland, collects good-quality preloved clothes throughout the year for its Good and New Clothes Sale.

The event has previously included children's clothing alongside adult clothing and accessories, demonstrating how items that are no longer needed by one household can continue to be useful.

For Rutland operates independently of Outgrown, Not Wasted. Families interested in donating should check the group's current requirements and arrange suitable collection or drop-off.

For local parents, the seven-day challenge could begin with a simple task such as sorting winter coats that no longer fit, checking whether school clothes can be passed on, or finding books that are ready for another child to enjoy.

With Christmas approaching, reviewing toys and games before buying more may also help families rediscover forgotten favourites.

Children can take part by choosing belongings they want to keep and identifying suitable items they would be happy to share.

The campaign encourages responsible reuse. Parents should check baby equipment for damage, missing parts, product recalls and relevant safety guidance before donating, selling or passing it on. Some products should not be reused.

Kidora operates a UK parent-to-parent marketplace for preloved baby and children's items, supporting local collection and nationwide delivery. However, selling is only one option within the challenge.

Families do not need to register with Kidora, buy anything or pay to participate.

A free printable seven-day checklist is available, alongside posters and ready-made resources for schools, nurseries, PTAs and community organisations.

The challenge can begin whenever convenient and be completed at each family's own pace.