If there’s one thing you learn after you have your first baby, it’s that you don’t need half of the stuff you bought or that you received as gifts. It’s practically impossible to avoid because, well, baby stuff is just so darn cute. All your friends and family want to buy you things, give you advice on their favorite products and shower your baby with adorable gifts, clothes and nursery decor. It’s inevitable, but it can also be frustrating, especially if you are short on storage or just prefer a more simple look in your nursery. Here are a few great ways to organize your nursery so it’s not bursting at the seams.
How to Organize Your Nursery Before Baby Comes
Keep every receipt.
It’s hard for first-time moms to know what they want to keep before the baby comes. I will often have a design client who can’t decide between two sets of bedding or isn’t sure if they’ll need a wipes warmer. If possible, go ahead and buy the items from a store that has a good return policy, see what works and then return what doesn’t. Make sure to keep all your receipts and packaging until you know what you’re going to hold on to.
Store clothes and toys that are not age-appropriate.
You will receive a lot of gifts, toys and clothes that are not quite right for your baby just yet. Store these items in the closet or elsewhere in your home so they are out of the way until you need them. After your baby outgrows things, either donate them or store them.
Organize the clothes you do keep out.
For the baby clothes that you’ll need at hand for those first few months, get them organized ahead of time. Create designated bins or drawers for shoes, socks and accessories. For the dresser, get some drawer organizers and roll-fold your clothes so you can easily see them. Check out this post on our favorite changing table organization items.
Opt for multi-use or grow-with-me items.
A lot of baby items are available with multiple functions or have the ability to change with your child as he grows. If you can get one product that does two things instead of two separate products, you’ll save yourself money and storage space. This can even apply to nursery furniture, like a crib that converts into a full bed or a changing table that can be used as a regular dresser as well.
Get covered storage.
Even if your nursery design looks simple, the room will very quickly get filled up with toys, books, clothes, laundry, etc. Everything needs a place to go, and a great way to store all of those small items is with covered storage, like a hamper with a lid, baskets with tops or an ottoman with storage inside. That way, you can just throw everything in for quick cleanup, close the lid and you’re done!
Let the nursery design settle.
Try to get the nursery done before the baby is born so you have a few weeks to see how you feel about the design. Sit and relax in your glider and look around the space. If it feels too stuffy or overdecorated, you still have time to move things around.
The most important thing to keep in mind is that the nursery should make you feel good, even if that means that you don’t display every single gift you receive. Make sure you feel comfortable in the space, and all those good vibes will go straight to your baby!
