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Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Nursery Organization Tips


All month long, we're discussing ways to keep you son's room organized, whether he's an infant, first grader, or teenager. (Because goodness knows there are different challenges with each age!)
 
Today, let's concentrate on those baby boys. Now, it's been awhile since my son was an infant, since he was born in August of 2007. But one thing is ALWAYS true about babies & their nurseries....the most important thing they need is storage!! (How come such little people require SO much stuff?!)
Let's start off with some of my tips for organizing your Nursery Closet...
 
1. Buy a hanging organizer. Whether your nursery has a huge or itty bitty closet, you can't go wrong with one of these. They are especially great for storing linens: crib sheets, receiving blankets, burp cloths, bibs, quilts, pack-n-play sheets, changing pad covers, Boppy covers..... (Oh my goodness, I really have forgotten how much crap stuff you need for a baby!)
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 2. Use clothing dividers. Because everyone likes to buy a new baby clothes (whether it's on the registry or not), it's always smart to have some way to designate different sized clothing in your son's closet. There are a million cute ones you can buy off Etsy, or here are some DIY ones:
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 3. Utilize the back of the closet door. If space is a premium in your nursery closet, you definitely want to capitalize on any available option! Hooks, rail systems, and hanging canvas organizers are great options.
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 4. Think UP! It is key to have a double-hang section in the nursery closet, to utilize all that vertical space! Wal-Mart and Home Depot have very easy-to-install closet systems, if you are in need of one.
 
 
Also, many people shy away from using upper shelves, since they are out of reach (especially if you're a 5'3" shrimp like me)! But they are a great place to store out-of-season clothes, bulk diapers, or even your child's mementos. 
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 5. Use neutral colored bins & baskets. While pale blue is cute for an infant boy, by the time your son is 6, he may want a new color palette in his room :) Try to start with neutrals from the beginning....natural baskets, grays, whites.....because those can grow with your son (& his room) over the years.
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6. Put furniture inside the closet. (That is, if you have space for it!) Cube storage & plastic pull-out drawer systems are a great way to store things that don't need to be hung....linens, baby carriers, extra bottles, socks, or any miscellaneous items.
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7. Create "Too big" and "Too small" bins. I am a mom that loves to shop at consignment sales, as well as sell/consign my kids' clothes. Let me just tell you...these bins are a tremendous help with in those two areas! For example: when I buy something for the next season, it goes in the "Too Big" bin. And when I've decided those shorts are just toooo short, they go in the "Too Small" bin. The "Too Big" bin is also helpful when you get hand-me-downs from family & friends. (Not to mention, my kids have a grandmother than has a wee bit of a shopping addiction...)
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 That's it for my Nursery Closet tips.
Now let's move onto just a few more General Nursery Organizing Tips....
 
- Make sure to have dim lighting at your changing station, for those middle-of-the-night diaper changes. (Take it from an experienced mom....this is much better than turning on the very bright overhead light at 2 am!)
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- Try to purchase furniture that can grow with your child. For example, the toy bin below can first be used to hold clothing & blankets.....and then toys down the road when your son is older!
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- You can use the same idea with your son's changing table. Instead of buying a tradition changing table, just use a dresser! Of course, make sure to secure your baby to the changing pad, or instead, purchase a removable changing table topper (below, right) if possible.
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- You can never have too many drawer dividers. Enough said! 
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- Because we all know how squirmy & active babies can be, it's best to have everything you for a diaper change within arm's reach of the changing station. So you don't have to take your eyes (or hands!) off that wiggly baby boy for a second. Shelves, baskets, pegboard, and even hanging diaper organizers can hold all the essentials.

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- Find hidden storage spots! Every nursery has them....on the back of the closet door, under the crib & hiding behind the bedskirt, as well as on the back of the bedroom door.
 
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Hope I've answered all your nursery organizing questions and dilemmas! If not, please feel free to leave a comment. Or just tell me YOUR favorite organizing tip in the nursery.


My son's nursery, circa 2008
 
 


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