Unexpected Organizing Tips for Expecting and New Parents
First comes the baby announcement, then comes the shower registry, and now you have all this new baby STUFF. And while learning how to take care of a newborn can be overwhelming and exhausting, dealing with the stuff doesn’t have to be.
I am a professional organizer and mom located in Pittsburgh, PA. I love organizing nurseries more than the average person, but I am here to share some organizing tips and tricks that you probably won’t find on Pinterest. I want to debunk that image of a pretty nursery and talk to you about the realities of baby stuff. I could talk about this for days, so think of this as part 1 with plenty more to come!
Warning: I’m throwing some harsh truths at you.
Are you ready?
Let’s Go!
The Nursery
Your nursery does not need to be done before baby arrives! If you’re excited about it and have a vision, by all means, please do it! However, if this is adding stress, either put it on the backburner, or ask for help. As long as you know where to find their basic necessities and they have a safe space to sleep… you’re good to go.
You don’t have to fold baby (or kids) clothes. I know, this can be controversial. You see all the online tutorials for how to fold the cute little onesies… but guess what, when you’re staring down a basket or pile of laundry, simply throwing them into drawers make the entire laundry process much faster. It also helps reduce stress when your child goes through and throws everything on the floor!
Hang cute outfits, sets and coats. You don’t have to have a picture perfect closet, but you need to know where to find items. For sets I recommend using something simple like these curtain clips to put over the hanger!
Wash the next size up clothes and have them ready to go. When your baby has a growth spurt and suddenly, nothing fits them… the last thing you want to be doing is rummaging in a basement storage room, or worse, going out to buy new clothes. I recommend shopping for the next size and having them washed and ready for when that inevitable transition comes. Having them out also allows you to fill in the gaps for what items you might be lacking!
Label Label Label. Did you get that? And I’m not just talking about labeling bins. Label the drawers of the dresser too! Labels help new parents in so many ways. They can help you remove the thinking aspect when you’re tired in the middle of the night. They can also help other people help you! Clean laundry? Your mom can put it away without asking. Baby has a blowout? Your sister can go find a onesie to help you. Below you’ll find a link to 2 label makers. 1 is more simple and the other is my go-to for all organizing projects!
Hooks and doors are your friend. Feel like you’re lacking in space? Add a command hook or purchase a door organizer. So many items can be hung up and kept off the floor or put within reach with a simple solution!
Use a dresser as a changing table. Please don’t buy a separate changing table. I beg you. In the nursery, use the dresser. Elsewhere, have a small selection of diapers and wipes and either a changing pad or a blanket available for quick changes!
The Kitchen
Remember: most of it is temporary. Oftentimes when I’m organizing kitchens for new parents, they want to get all of the bottles, binkies, pump parts etc. off the counters. And let me tell you, they end up right back on that drying rack later that day. My best kitchen advice is that the surface clutter is temporary. Live through it.
Be realistic about your space. This means that if you have a small kitchen, you might not be able to have a bottle sterilizer, bottle maker, bottle warmer, baby food maker etc etc etc. Most of these items are luxury and are great to have… if you have the space. But I want you to be realistic about what counter space you’re willing to have covered. Or how much extra cabinet space you have for storing items.
Keep items where you use them OR where they end up. When it comes to babies, this specifically petains to things like teethers, binkies, burp cloths, bibs etc. I give you permission to store them either where you use them most (i.e. burp cloths near the high chair) or where they end up (i.e. teethers in the kitchen because they’re washed). Do not feel the need to keep everything in just one place either. You’ll find your rhythm where you naturally reach for things, and that is exactly where you should keep them.
Other Tips and Tricks
Prep your storage space ahead of time.
Have a “too small” bin in the nursery.
Systems need to ebb and flow.
Stop reading any and every “must have” list.
Now I could go on about all of this for hours. If you have any specific questions, shoot me an email or a DM!
Is there anything you disagree with? I’d love to hear that too.
Whatever you are stressed about, whatever overwhelms you about parenthood and organizing, just know… you’ve got this! And if you need help… I’m just a phone call away.
Talk soon!
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