According to the National Center for Health Statistics and the US Social Security Administration, mid-September is the most birthday-packed time of the year. If you’re currently pregnant or are close with someone who is, you’ll know that there’s usually quite a bit of organization that needs to take place before the little one arrives. Below are 5 tips on how to make the process smooth (just like a baby’s bottom… :)
1. Declutter (always #1): Your life is about to get a lot more hectic. Use this time to purge and ask yourself questions like – am I really going to use this fondue set? What about this pull-up bar? Get as much out as possible so you don’t have to think about it when your baby arrives.
2. Consolidate: If you live in a small space and you’re trying to figure out where to fit all of your new baby’s things, consolidate your own personal items to make space. They’re not going to be grabbing for their t-shirts right out of the womb so you can put their stuff where it is convenient for you. Clear a drawer in your dresser, create a bit of space in the closet and clear off a shelf in the bathroom.
3. Focus on the Kitchen: Baby bottles, pacifiers, etc. take up space. If you clear a drawer and a shelf (or even half a shelf if that’s all you can), you’re going to create space, which will be needed later. The easiest way to do that is to move things up. Again ask yourself rational questions – now that you have a new baby, will you be hosting constant dinner parties? If not, move the majority of your wine glasses and serving trays up. When you have a screaming baby and all they want is food, the last thing you’re going to want to think about is grabbing all the pieces of the bottle so that you can warm it. Make your life as easy as possible by making baby supplies the most accessible they can be. I like this Boon Grass, Stem & Twig Drying Rack – Boon Grass, Stem & Twig Drying Rack for the countertop.
4. Factor In Excess Storage: Most likely you will buy diapers and wipes in bulk because you will go through them so quickly. Do yourself a favour and create a designated space where those items will live. And make it accessible because again, screaming baby needing a diaper means you want to be able to get to it now. If you don’t have the space, think about a storage bench like this Poppin Box Bench, which doubles as extra seating and later as a toy receptacle.
5. Strategize: I can’t say this enough! Do your research on which items are going to be best for your space and your life. The good news is, many have gone before you and baby product research is a huge industry! I’m a fan of items that grow with your child, like this Tripp Trapp Chair from Stokke, which can be used for years just by switching out parts.
When it comes to organizing for baby, frontloading is your best option – do the work before they arrive so that when they get here and you’re a sleep deprived (joyous) mess, you have access to everything you need!
Try my tips and tricks above and let me know how it goes! You can email me at toritheorganizer@gmail.com and follow me on Instagram @toritheorganizer.