Let me start by saying, I’m no expert. I’m actually new at this. But I’ve learned a few things that have helped me maintain order in our home, my shopping cart, and my brain while welcoming our first little one into our home.

The months leading up to our first little one’s arrival were filled with anticipation, excitement, and lots of nesting. I love to be prepared. So, all the gender neutral baby clothes were washed and folded multiple times. I rearranged the dresser drawers. We waited for Millie’s arrival to find out gender. One fun thing about that surprise is that it prevents well meaning friends and family from buying too many gender specific clothing items. I sorted onesies and outfits by size and season and any other way possible. Because it was fun for me! I realize this isn’t everyone’s jam- but I think I found a sense of calm and peace in preparing our space. If this isn’t how you’re wired, you might consider calling HYD because we have a number of experienced mamas on our team who LOVE doing this sort of thing.

Now that Millie is here - I admit going a little overboard when it comes to all the little girl things (I also blame my mom and friends for this- just kidding, thanks for all the sweet newborn items that we ooh’d and aah’d over for the first few weeks). Floral bubbles, dainty little onesies, hats and accessories - there really is no end to the cuteness.

But is it all necessary?
And how do I begin now to create good habits and boundaries regarding consumerism and spending money?
Can I sustainably create a collection of intentionally chosen and well cared for items?

A few things I’ve learned:

Remember, I’m only 3 months in so I am SURE I have a lot more to learn!

BORROW

I have loved getting to dress our little girl in clothing that friends of ours have used before. It feels special and meaningful to watch an outfit carry so many stories and adventures that we all share. There are lots of Facebook groups dedicated to being communally minded and sharing no longer needed items (ask us about these if you’re interested). Start a text with work friends, neighbors, or family members who have kiddos around the same age as your own. You can be a resource to each other instead of spending zillions of dollars at Target. I’ve found that I’ve been more mindful of caring well for borrowed items, in hopes of returning them as good as I received them.

Millie, my mom & I going through a box of hand-me-down little girl clothes from my cousins wife!

BUY USED

It may take a little more time, but the hunt can be fun. There are some great thrift stores, online marketplaces (Poshmark and Kidizen), and consignment shops (The Adorable Child and Once Upon a Child- West Knoxville location and Fountain City Location) overflowing with barely used baby & kid items. Make sure to check the condition of items as best you can before purchasing used. If your little one has sensitive skin or allergies, be sure to ask about what detergent has been used on clothing and whether or not the items are coming from a smoke-free and pet-free home. When shopping at a thrift store, be sure to check the diaper area & neck for stains and make sure buttons, zippers, or snaps work properly. I’m not suggesting to ONLY buy used baby clothing and accessories, but buying EVERYTHING new can be costly. So make a decision about a few special pieces that are important to buy new, and challenge yourself to find the rest previously loved. I’ve found that you can find used baby clothes in GREAT condition due to the nature of how quickly babies grow out of their clothes. Think ahead to what season/time of year your little one will likely be in the next size and search for those items ahead of time.

BE SELECTIVE

Have standards for what you decide to keep (as a keepsake or for future children) and what you purchase. If you find that a particular brand fits your little one best- stick with it. Pay attention to the fit and specific type of buttons, closures, or zippers you like. This makes the middle of the night diaper change just a little more bearable. Buy from stores and brands you can afford, and if there’s something pricy you are on the hunt for- search Poshmark or Kidizen instead of paying full price. You may find yourself attaching certain sentimental value to an outfit- consider printing a photo of your little one in that outfit if keeping it isn’t 100% necessary. Make a conscious decision about how much you will keep by using a designated amount of space or number of boxes/bins. Maybe 1 under the bed bin is the perfect storage piece for you. Maybe 2-3 diaper boxes is what you feel good about. Whatever your limit is - decide and stick to it. Your future self will thank you. Create parameters by using drawer organizers and hangers (we like these & these). If you run out of hangers, you may need to cycle a few clothing items out. If the drawers won’t shut, it’s time to evaluate what you have stuffed inside. We highly recommend file folding baby clothes (excluding nicer items that are hung up) to save space and make all pieces of clothing visible.

Very early days of collecting baby clothes for baby Martin. I highly recommend these drawer organizers!

IN AND OUT

Keep your empty diaper boxes. Use one empty one to fill as your little one grows out of things (that are either taken to a friend with little ones younger than yours, thrift store, or consignment shop). And fill another with items you’ve found, bought, or been loaned to use in the next size up. Be sure to label these to avoid confusion. I recommend keeping them in the bottom of baby’s closet (or maybe in your laundry room or garage if you don’t have space in your baby’s room) for ease of finding what you need and making quick action on what you are letting go of or packing away to store. If you prefer clear storage bins- we recommend these. Whichever box or bin you are decide to use, be sure to clearly label them. Utilizing these hanging clothes size tags can make it simple to see what clothes are too small and what section of clothing will your little one be wearing next.

A FEW PRODUCTS WE RECOMMEND

Velvet Hangers

Hanging Clothes Dividers

Plastic Hangers

Sterilite Totes

*The product links in this post are affiliate links, simply meaning we may receive a small commission from your purchase. Thanks for trusting us!

What are your best baby organizing tips?
We’d love to hear any success stories or tips we can share with our followers.

If you have a friend or family member who does not LOVE organizing or who simply doesn’t have the time to nest the way they would like to- reach out to us! Our team of hardworking and compassionate women is ready to help. We can help create a plan, sort through clothing, and implement new systems for sustaining organization.

Call 865.245.9080 or Email info@helpyoudwell.com

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Taryn with Kate, Will, and Eli Ruth // 2008

I became a mom with very few plans in place for how I’d spend time with my child or children, how I envisioned my home being set up for little ones, or how many kids I wanted to have. I’d always hoped to be a mom. I just didn’t really have specific ideas of exactly how that might go down. Almost 17 years into motherhood, and 3 amazing kids later, I am both thankful for that somewhat clueless beginning and at the same time, a bit regretful that I wasn’t more intentional.

I’ve found that not having concrete expectations of how motherhood would go was a gift in that it allowed for a whole lotta grace. Not so much pressure on them or on me to be someone I had dreamed up in my head. I think I have been able to pay closer attention to each one of my kids and their unique personalities, ways of relating, and specific needs better since I didn’t have rigid expectations of what I wanted parenting and my kids to look like.

Being somewhat clueless also paved the way for new relationships and a sweet reliance on family. I am fortunate to have started motherhood off with some incredible new mamas who I’ve shared this crazy adventure with and who are still some of my dearest friends. We learned so much from one another. I am also a very blessed gal to have a mom and mother-in-law who have shown me what great love and sacrifice for your kids looks like. All good gifts in the midst of my cluelessness.

However, there is one area that I do wish I had been more thoughtful about at an earlier stage — how to create spaces in my home, and spaces in our days, for my kids. I had to make a lot of mistakes in this area before realizing there’s a better way. Of course hindsight is 20/20, but if I had taken a bit more time to think through what items &/or areas in my home that would encourage my kids to learn, explore, and love well, I would’ve saved myself lots of hours of singing (and doing) the “clean-up, clean-up, everybody everywhere” song and dance, procrastination, guilt, and frustration.

On May 2 at The Back Porch Mercantile, this is the exact topic we will be teaching on.

How do we get a baby’s room ready with all the needs but not the excess?
What’s the best way to create a play area for toddler’s that allows them to explore but doesn’t turn my house into a plastic toy jungle?
Do I keep all my preschooler’s handprint art and the other 724 pieces of art they’ve created?
Toys through the years and how to store them in a way that your kids can actually clean them up.
How do we do birthdays and holidays well without filling up on too many gifts?
What to do with all my elementary-age child’s school work?
How do teach my kids to organize?

I have learned lots raising this boy and my two girls. I’m still learning. And whether you’re a new mom or a few years in, my hope for you is that through some intentional, thoughtful planning, you can create the best space for your kids and for you to be the best mom you can be.

Image: Paige Severance (and her cutie twins!)