Streamline the Diaper Bag

Two things about me: I like to get out the door without too much fuss and I like to travel light. When T was first born, neither of those things felt very doable. But, what started as a Mary Poppins’s-sized infant diaper bag has streamlined down to a small toddler backpack.

Learn how at Brunch With My Baby!

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Man, kids have a lot of stuff!

I have never liked having a lot of “stuff.”  Don’t misunderstand me –  I like plenty of things – things that are useful and/or bring me joy, and things that have a designated place to live.  But things that fall outside of those parameters have always been ripe for the donation bin.

When I started my baby registry, I knew that things were going to have to change.

Over the past 17 months, I’ve had to expand my definitions of usefulness (let’s face it, there are lots of very useful kid products these days), joy (it may not bring me joy, but it brings the biggest smile to my daughter’s face…so, fine, it’s bringing me joy), and designated place to live (these places used to have stricter boundaries…now it’s more of a general corner or  an overflowing basket at the end of the couch).

But when it comes to her clothing, I refuse to compromise my definitions.  Sure, we only have a designated space of 6 dresser drawers, she has grown into and out of at least 5 sizes of clothing to this point, and there’s a stock of gifts where people “sized up” just waiting for wear.  But, I’m happy to report that I have taken control of the clothing, and with a little vigilance, I can keep it that way.

Here’s how:

Step 1:  Empty the contents of the dresser and as you’re doing so, sort it into clothing categories that make sense for you.  Weed out all the items of clothing that no longer fit. With kids, this is obviously an ongoing process – keep an open bin somewhere nearby to quickly toss things that don’t fit as you realize it.  When I try to get a shirt on Tess and it won’t go over her head, it goes directly into that bin.

Step 2:  Go through all those clothes you’ve been storing for “when it will fit.” Pull out the ones that fit now, and add it to those category piles you just set up.

Step 3:  Group the categories into drawers that make sense to you. Here’s what ours look like:

 

Step 4:  Make sure you know what’s there:

Step 5:  Pack up what doesn’t fit for donation or storage.

Getting Organized for a New Addition

Preparing for a new baby can be very exciting – but it can also feel overwhelming. Hormones and anxieties aside, it’s hard to wrap your head around the growing to-do list and the seemingly endless amount of stuff you need for your baby-to-be. And how on earth is it all going to fit in your apartment?! Don’t beat yourself up if you’re feeling overwhelmed – even Professional Organizers can feel this way 😉

Never fear! Using your nesting instincts and these tips, you’ll be ready (and organized!) for the baby.

For tips on how to get ready for baby, read my article at Big City Moms!