A Professional Organizers Approach to a Clutter Free Nursery
Setting up an organized nursery
With professional organizer, Lauren Hass of Clutter Kicker
Hey there, mamas-to-be. Congratulations! As a mom to three teenagers, I still fondly remember setting up my nursery for my oldest -- SO many cute clothes, SO many diapers, SO many blankets, SO many books...all in a one-bedroom apartment where our daughter inhabited a corner of our bedroom!
There is so much chaos in this stage of life, therefore it’s important to control as many aspects of these early weeks and months that you can. Your baby might wake up multiple times in the middle of the night to the point where you can’t think straight, but if you have to change a 2AM diaper (and probably a 3AM, 4AM, & 5AM), it’s reassuring to know everything is in the right place and easily accessible.
Let’s get your nursery organized into three primary zones!
Zone 1:
The changing table
The goal here is to have everything within arm’s reach -- drawers organized with dividers or bins, clothing file-folded vertically, and the most-used baby items taking up the best real estate (top drawer, shelf above or next to changing pad). If you’re short on space, utilize the vertical space above the table for bins and baskets, consider keeping backstock of items like diapers in a separate area, or have a basket with all diaper changing needs that you can bring over to the bed, the floor, or wherever you need to use those items.
The most-used items in the early stages are diaper changing supplies, onesies and creams/lotions. Keep those handy!
Bonus: Label drawers, bins and baskets so other families know where to find baby’s items when they pitch in to help. You’ll also be grateful for labels when you’re putting laundry away while sleep deprived!
How to file fold: Instead of piling clothing in a drawer, you’ll be able to use space more wisely and see everything for baby, by standing folded items up like soldiers. [insert photo]
Zone 2:
The bookshelves
First of all, know that books accumulate. Take it from me that there is no need for you to buy books or register for them; it’s a favorite gift. Working with zones, you’ll want your rocking chair (or wherever you plan to read to your baby) near your books along with a table for your water, and some appropriate lighting (ideally on a dimmer).
Books can be organized by target age, by color or simply by keeping favorites close by. Whether you choose a display shelf or sort books into bins, as baby gets older, you’ll want to rotate access so they don’t make a big mess, donate duplicates, and so that there aren’t so many to put away when they end up all over the place!
Bonus: If there’s a book you really don’t enjoy reading, feel free to donate it to someone who might. Just because it was a gift, doesn’t mean you need to keep it!
Zone 3:
The closet
Besides matching hangers, I recommend setting shelf and rod height as appropriate. An adjustable system, where you can move shelves as baby grows older and clothing gets bigger, is a bonus.
Organize clothing by arranging by size first. That way you’re not searching for the right size amidst clothing that is too big. Children grow quickly. When baby outgrows a certain size, have a bin at the ready so you can keep those clothes together for hand-me-downs or donations. And same with larger clothes – have the next size close by so you don’t forget what you have before it’s too small!
Bonus: Don’t forget about the space on the back of the closet door. An over-the-door shoe bag can store little bows, creams, socks, burp cloths, and baby shoes.
Just remember, babies come with A LOT of stuff. Besides enlisting the support of Prepping for Peanut to streamline your registry list, you can set yourself up for success and stay sane by keeping often-used items in a convenient location, purging as your baby grows, and rotating books and toys to keep clutter to a minimum.
About the author:
Lauren Hass is a Professional Organizer, Declutter Coach and Collectibles Advisor and serves on the Board of NAPO-CT (Connecticut chapter of the National Association of Organizing and Productivity Professionals). As a business-owner and mom of three, Lauren believes that staying organized and keeping your physical space decluttered and in order helps you to be more productive and helps your household run more smoothly. Lauren founded Clutter Kicker to help others achieve the organized space of their dreams, knowing that physical order leads to decreased stress and increased happiness!