Keeping your belongings safe, solid and intact when you have small children running around is not always an easy task. Kids are so innovative when it comes to destroying expensive items that it’s hard to stay one step ahead of them. But there are a couple of things you can do to childproof your home and protect your furniture and electronics.

Whenever childproofing a room, there are two principles to keep in mind: “Cover it up” and “Keep it out.”

cover it up

When I say cover it, I mean protective covers, not decorative ones. Not that this means you have to sacrifice beauty, but sturdiness is the number one thing you’re looking for when it comes to protective furniture covers.

Some items to consider are dining room table pads, plastic sofa covers, and the like. Look for items made of a sturdy material that resists scratches and bumps. If you think a couple of millimeters on a table mat will suffice, think again. Kids come up with all sorts of “big ideas,” like drawing pictures on the dining room table with their forks and other brilliant schemes.

Make sure to go waterproof as well. Children are notorious for spilling everything everywhere. That’s why I told you that you should opt for a plastic sofa cover, instead of a fabric one. But don’t think that means you have to settle for that horrible clear plastic your grandmother had. You can find faux fur sofa covers that will keep liquids at bay and make your living room look modern and stylish at the same time.

keep it away

Think security when it comes to storage. Look for lockable cabinets and shelves that are out of your child’s arms reach. Bookstores are great, but shelves can get cluttered if they’re your only “dumping ground.”

Also, think about storage options for all those little electronics we all have floating around our homes today. Those are definitely important to keep them away from curious little fingers. Decorative storage options that are also easily accessible to adults are the perfect solution. Small baskets placed above the piano or sandwiched between picture frames on the mantelpiece are great for storage.

If despite your best efforts, your child continues to get into your fragile and valuable belongings, don’t despair. There are always more ways to childproof your home.