Organized Storage: A Baby Nursery Essential

Posted by jsimpson at 10:00 am

Jan 062012

Storage of clothing, diapers, and other baby items are always listed on a nursery essentials checklist, but “organized” is not usually mentioned.

Why is organized storage a baby nursery essential? Because babies are “stuff” magnets and rapidly outgrow all those adorable outfits, toys, and gear thoughtful friends and family shower on newborns, even getting some items for when they get a littler bigger.

Without organization, clutter becomes the norm, making things difficult to find. If you are a first time parent, take a little advice from one who knows. Organization will save your sanity on difficult days!

Think Ahead

Thinking out storage needs before baby arrives helps enormously (when you can still use two hands and are not sleep-deprived!). Plan for growth, leaving some drawers, shelves, and closet space empty. If you have room, use two dressers….one for now and one for larger size clothing.

Decide if you plan on keeping outgrown items or are giving them away. If you’re keeping stuff, find a place to store it and get storage bins prepared. Have empty plastic bins labeled 0-3, 3-6, 6-9 months, etc. ready on the shelf.

Where to store

Where do you stash, stack, and store all that stuff? An organized closet system with adjustable poles, drawers, shelves, bins, and baskets is a good start. Closet systems can hold a myriad of baby accessories but think past the closet when looking for storage space. Under the crib, over the door, on the wall, over the window, and from the ceiling are all spaces available for use.

Selecting Storage Containers…..the FUN Part!

Choose furniture pieces for functionality as well as décor. Armoires scaled down to child-size are beautiful and kids’ clothes fit easily. Bookcases hold a variety of keepsakes, toys, and books as well as baskets that keep daily essentials close at hand.

Design room for kids with Daybed trundle

Daybed trundle in nursery stores big items or the next size clothing.

Design room for kids with Under crib storage

Notice the storage as part of the crib. Genius!

In addition to dresser drawers and changing tables for small items, storage ottomans and benches can store larger items like blankets and linens. Expanding nurseries need spots to tuck items. Wicker baskets, hatboxes, and stackable containers like vintage suitcases are versatile, add charm to décor, and serve a useful purpose.

Design room for kids with Storage ottoman

Double-duty ottoman, for storage and propping your feet.

Design room for kids with Built-in bookcase with drawers

Built-in shelves and drawers can be used for any age child and work well in a nursery.

Pegged racks, coat trees, and decorative rods can be used for clothing displays or to keep extra clothing in reach for emergency changes. Add shelves to the walls or hang baskets from the ceiling. Be creative and look at containers with a new purpose in mind. They don’t have to be designed specifically for storage to be useful.

If chosen thoughtfully, storage can accentuate your design and keep baby’s stuff organized.