My wife and I are proud parents for the second time!
Elizabeth Simone Harris was born on December 23rd.
We like to write about what we know, or at least that’s what we’re supposed to be best at writing.
Just in time for my blog post, there was a great article in the NYTimes.
I’m trying to help you help yourself, so sometimes the $150/hr consultant makes sense- sometimes not!
With that on my mind, I asked my organizational expert, Maeve Richmond, to give some tips you can apply on your own.
Making Room for Baby: Organization Tips for New Parents
By Professional Organizer & Small Space Solutions Expert, Maeve Richmond
And Baby Makes Three…
Whether nesting or a recent new parent, here are a few easy
Organization Projects you can take on to welcome baby:
Kitchen Prep: Your kitchen is a hub of new-baby activity so sterilize one cabinet shelf or drawer for bottle storage, and
eventually spoons, bibs and bowls. Also, eliminate countertop clutter – you’ll need the space as you balance baby feedings and
adult meals.
Pre-Wash: Baby clothes, sheets and blankets can be filled with chemicals. Be certain to pre-wash anything that touches baby’s
skin, with a safe detergent like Dreft.
First Aid Kit: Keen an infant nail clipper, cotton balls, thermometer, nasal aspirator and infant Tylenol within reach. A plastic tub on top of the refrigerator is an ideal go-to spot.
Age & Stage Clothing Bins
Excess baby clothing piles up fast. Incorporate into your infant’s room Age & Stage Clothing bins and store them
under the crib or on closet shelf up and away.
Sort clothing not in use by age, by season or by size. When bins overflow Do The Math. Calculate how many 6-month onesies your child can wear then eliminate (keeping surplus for a week). Note: If you are expecting another baby, make a tub for outgrown sizes.
Invest in The Best
Now’s the time to invest in a closet system that does the sorting for you, with space for shelves, hanging rods and slide-out
drawers or bins. They are easy to install and there are a variety of price levels from California Closets to DIY shelving from The
Container Store, Home Depot or Target.
These units are flexible and easy to change over time. With a few
adjustments a system styled for an infant’s room can turn into a child or teenagers closet and eventually, home office shelving.
You can even disassemble these systems and take them with you if a move. One up-front investment can last a lifetime.