Bringing new life into this world can be overwhelming for MANY reasons. So many things are changing, ending, beginning.

There are tons of preparations, tasks and projects to complete - BUT one of the most exciting ones is setting up the nursery for your new little bundle of joy! Do NOT let this become an overwhelming or stressful project. It should be fun picking out a theme, their colors, and furniture or art pieces. This special, once in a lifetime experience shouldn’t be a source of anxiety added to your plate.

If you’re starting to feel a little overwhelmed, don’t worry! We’re here to help you get set it all up - literally and figuratively! We’ve collected 5 tips to help you get your nursery set up and organized to make it easier than ever to transition into the next (and a little bit more chaotic) chapter of parenthood!

1. Decide on + set up ZONES

One key to setting up your nursery space is setting up zones for your baby’s items. This likely includes an area for clothes as well as changing supplies, linens, accessories, toys, and even quick-grab items. Zones will help you know where to look for any given item without having to know exactly where it is.

Another thing to keep in mind when setting up zones is to keep their locations convenient. For example, keeping changing supplies nearest to the changing table is best while linens such as crib sheets and blankets can be farther away since they don’t need to be as easily accessible as changing supplies.

2. Set up a system for SIZES

Since your little bundle of joy will be growing faster than you can even believe, it is in your best interest to set up a system for “to grow into” sizes and have them readily available. Keep a row of the next size up in a lower drawer or bin so that when you realize that the clothes are getting just a little too tight, you don’t have to struggle to find the next size you need.

We encourage you to also have bins or baskets for sizes that are too small and have an idea about long-term storage/destinations for these items. If you plan to have more children, holding onto these clothes and toys can save you a lot of money so keeping them is helpful! We suggest taking them to a second home, storage unit, or other backstock storage area to save what valuable nursery space. Every 3-6 months, relocate too small items to their next location or simply dontate/pass along the items to free up space for the items you are actively using.

3. Find space for BACKSTOCK

One thing you will learn quickly is how much STUFF babies need. Especially if you live in NYC, you probably don’t have enough space in a dresser or single closet for all your baby’s needs. Finding a space to house backstock wipes, diapers, formula, and all the other things a baby will use a lot of will ensure you always have what you need, without an overflowing drawer.

4. Set up a system for TOYS

Yet another thing babies accumulate a lot of is TOYS. We find that to ease a tornado of toys, some parents like to rotate toys for their child to play with. We find the best way to do this is to create a zone for the toys that are actively being used and then have other storage for toys that will by cycled through. For example, an open fabric bin or a cubby system for most-used toys keeps them VERY accessible. Other toys that are waiting to be pulled out can be put into a closed bin or in a closet, ready to be swapped out when the time comes!

5. Utilize organizing PRODUCTS

While it is by no means necessary to purchase bins, baskets, and other products, we recommend purchasing a few items that will truly help keep your nursery space organized and peaceful. Simple drawer dividers, hanging rod dividers, and fabric bins or cubbies can help keep all the small clothes, bibs, blankets, and toys contained and tidy.

We also highly recommend an over-the-door Elfa system if you’re short on space. Vertical storage is so often under-utilized and can be customized to your needs. For example, we used an Elfa over-the-door system in Robin Arzón’s recent project and we were able to nearly double her nursery storage space.

We hope that these 5 tips help you feel ready to set up your nursery space AND even more excited to bring home your little boy or girl! If you are excited about these ideas but still feeling a bit overwhelmed at everything have to do to prepare for this next chapter? We’re here for you!

Here at Swoon Spaces, we do ALL the work for you. Our clients don’t have to lift a finger: we handle all the planning, organizing, shopping, and setup. Of course, if our clients want to be a part of the process, we welcome that. However, working with our team can allow you to focus on other things like designing your nursery or finishing off work before maternity leave. Leave it to us to create systems that will work for you now AND last long-term!

Want Swoon Spaces to help get your nursery ready for your new little one? Schedule your free consultation now!