Bringing a new baby home is a monumental life change, filled with moments of wonder, but often mixed with exhaustion, uncertainty, and a bit of chaos. Amidst the new routines, sleepless nights, and all the well-meaning gifts piling up, creating a calm and organised environment might feel daunting. But know this: there’s no perfect way to do this, and every small step counts. Take a deep breath—you’re not alone, and there are ways to gently bring order to your space, making life a bit easier one drawer, one shelf, or one room at a time.
Navigating New Baby Belongings
Babies seem to come with an endless list of necessities, from clothing and blankets to bottles and toys, which quickly take up space in even the most well-organised homes. As you’re adjusting, focus on keeping only the essentials close at hand—those things you’ll reach for frequently. Items like nappies, wipes, and changes of clothes should be accessible and easy to find, especially for those late-night needs. Consider designating a small basket, drawer, or shelf for these items, which will help keep you from scrambling through piles at critical moments.
Creating Zones in Your Home
A helpful approach to organising baby items is by setting up zones in the main areas of your home. For example, having a ‘feeding station’ in the kitchen with bottles, formula, or breastfeeding essentials makes mealtime prep smoother. Similarly, creating a changing station with nappies, creams, and wipes near where you’ll use them most often can simplify routine care. Even a small basket or a drawer in each area can work wonders and save you from multiple trips up and down the stairs.
Managing the Overflow: Gifts and Essentials
Between friends, family, and baby showers, gifts for the new baby can accumulate quickly, and while they’re given with love, they may not always fit with what you actually need. Set aside a time to review items you’re receiving, and don’t be afraid to donate or store away extras until they’re needed. Having a ‘gift review’ basket where new items can go, ready for you to sort through when you have a moment, can help you feel in control without adding to the overwhelm.
Streamlining the Nursery for Simplicity
If you have a dedicated space for your baby, try to keep the nursery as simple as possible, especially in the early months. Consider minimising what’s on shelves, and aim to organise clothes by size, so you’re only dealing with what fits right now. Creating small bins for different items, like bibs, socks, or hats, helps keep tiny things organised and easy to grab. Label each bin or drawer so that anyone helping out can easily find or put things away, keeping the space calm and reducing clutter.
Taking Advantage of Vertical Space
When space is limited, use vertical storage solutions wherever possible. Floating shelves, wall hooks, and hanging organisers can keep essentials off surfaces and make better use of the room’s height. For instance, a wall-mounted organiser can hold nappies, creams, and other small items, freeing up your main changing area. Hooks near the door or changing table can be ideal for hanging baby bags, blankets, or frequently used items. Maximising vertical space helps you stay organised without overcrowding your surfaces.
Establishing a Routine That Works for You
Every family finds its rhythm differently, so give yourself grace as you adapt to the flow that suits you. Try implementing a nightly ‘reset’ to tidy up key areas, putting essentials back in place and preparing for the day ahead. This can be a quick five-minute task or a longer, more mindful tidy-up depending on your energy level. The important thing is that it creates a small window of calm and sets you up for a smoother day.
Asking for Help and Finding Support
Remember that there’s no shame in seeking a little extra help. If clutter and organisation are starting to feel like a heavy weight, consider reaching out to a professional organiser. They can offer objective advice, create systems that work specifically for your family, and alleviate the pressure of figuring it all out on your own. Sometimes, just having someone there to guide you and offer ideas can make a world of difference.
Letting Go of Perfection
Finally, it’s important to remember that your home doesn’t need to be perfectly tidy, especially during these early days. Prioritise the basics, embrace flexibility, and remember that organisation is there to support you, not to add pressure. By focusing on these small, achievable steps, you can create a space that’s peaceful, functional, and ready for all the special moments yet to come.
Ready to Bring a Bit of Calm to Your Chaos?
Organising can be a wonderful gift to yourself during this transition, and it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you’d like some support in creating an organised, functional space for your growing family, feel free to get in touch for a free 30-minute consultation. Together, we can find ways to make your home work for you during this beautiful, challenging season of life.
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