Cuteness Overload: Organizing Baby Clothes

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.

Photo from Ella the Midwife blog.

• 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

---

MORE BLOGS TO ENJOY

5 Ways to Make Moving Less Stressful

Most people prefer comfort and routine. We build our lives around convenience and always strive to find the easy way out of demanding situations. Nonetheless, life often has a way of challenging us with overwhelming tasks, and moving is among the most common ones. While, in most cases, there is no avoiding it, there are ways to make moving less nerve-wracking. Packing your entire life and relocating to an environment where everything is unfamiliar can take a tremendous toll on your emotional well-being. Because of that, it is not something you should take lightly. These 5 ways to make moving less stressful can help you keep your sanity through the process and maybe even find some joy in it.

Make moving less stressful by planning

The key to tackling any major task is thorough planning. Although this step is often unjustly neglected, its benefits are undeniable. Even if planning is not your forte, know that winging a complex project is seldom a good idea. Putting everything on paper can help you visualize and conquer the most dreadful and headache-inducing issues. Whether you decide to write down some basic steps on a post-it note or do an entire inventory of your home, remember the more organized you are, the smoother the transition will be.

Dedicating each day to packing a different room or doing a few smaller tasks is a smart way to start. Putting together a to-do list will ensure you don't forget anything along the way. Additionally, checking off the tasks you've finished will give you a sense of achievement and a burst of encouragement that will help you power through. Oh, and make sure to gather all the moving supplies before you start doing anything - this alone should dial down the stress significantly.

Get some help

When trying to make moving less stressful, one thing many people decide to do is hire professional help. These days you can find anything from packing assistants to professional organizers and movers. Whether you're too busy to deal with the moving process on your own or preoccupied with kids and pets, hiring professional assistance will surely take an enormous load off your back.

However, since moving is by itself already a bank-breaking experience, it's understandable if you can't or don't want to splurge on added luxuries such as professional movers. Still, don't despair. The next best option is your friends and family! You might have to bribe them with cookies or dinner, but your move is guaranteed to be less stressful and more entertaining. Just make sure not to get distracted by reminiscing about the happy memories you've collected in your old place.

Pack mindfully

One of the biggest reasons why people consider moving stressful is the fact that they have to deal with a lot of things. Just think about it - you have to pack, protect, transport, unpack, sort, clean, it's no wonder you're overwhelmed! There is, however, a simple solution to this predicament. Downsizing your possessions while packing will immensely alleviate your headaches. Going through the trouble of packing things you don't use or need is pointless and potentially expensive.

If you're struggling to find the courage to get rid of some of your belongings, remember that doing so will save you time, energy, and resources. And if that isn't enough, know that your donations will help those in need, and you'll use fewer supplies which will make your move greener, so you can relocate and be kind to the environment at the same time. You'd be surprised how much single-use trash one move can create, so working toward a green relocation is something to be proud of. You might even earn a few bucks if you decide to sell some of your belongings. It's a win-win situation either way!

Keep it clean 

Another way to make moving less stressful is to stay on top of cleaning. Not many things are as frustrating as thinking you've finished all the work, only to realize you have yet to clean the entire house. If you leave cleaning for the last minute, you risk doing more work as days of accumulated dust, dirt, and trash are much harder to deal with, especially when you're already exhausted. Instead, try to clean as you go. If needed, wash things before packing and clean any mess you make right away. Once you're finished with a room, make sure to vacuum, mop, and do anything else necessary. Not only will this speed up the packing process, but your move-in will flow much smoother as well. Remember that a few smaller tasks are always less of a burden than one huge task. Your future self will be thankful!

Be kind to yourself 

Moving is a process you probably want to be over with as soon as possible. It's understandable considering lots of nuisances and hard work you have to deal with while knowing there's a new house waiting to become a home on the other side. However, this is not the time to neglect your health, as this can only make the process longer and more strenuous. No matter how much work there is still to be done, always make time for good sleep, healthy food, and plenty of self-care.
Since cooking is likely not something you will want to do every day, consider meal planning. This will ensure you have access to balanced meals without going through the hassle of thinking about what to eat and how to make it. Reward yourself when you finish stressful tasks by recharging your batteries. Whether it's a walk in the park, a movie with your loved ones, or a delectable dessert you've been craving, these small pleasures will keep the stress at bay and help you keep going.

While there is no guarantee that you will be able to avoid stress entirely, applying these ways to make moving less stressful can't hurt. Pressure and anxiety are a big part of our life, and it's crucial to try to minimize them when possible. Just remember no situation is permanent and that good things are waiting for you once the stress passes.

---

Interested in some hands on help purging, packing, and prepping for your move?
We always begin with an extended move management consult.

5 Tips For Moving Plants to Your New Tennessee Home

Beginners Guide to Houseplants by Fed and Fit.

Transplanting yourself and your family to a new home is hard enough. Add plants to the mix, and it gets a little more challenging. But you don’t need to abandon your plants when it’s time to move. 

Here are five tips to help you move those plants to your new Tennessee home: 

1.  Check State Laws and Regulations

The plants you grew in Colorado or Missouri may not fare well in Tennessee. They may also carry pests that could be harmful to soybeans, cotton, wheat, and Tennessee's other major crops. 

The Department of Agriculture has a list of regulations covering which plants you may bring into the state. Indoor plants are generally okay, as long as you have repotted them in fresh, sterile soil. 

Some plants could be confiscated if there’s a chance they carry any of the following pests:

• Brown garden snails

• Boll weevils

• Emerald ash borers

• Fire ants

• Pine shoot beetles

Banned Plants

Several plants are banned because they’re invasive to Tennessee’s ecosystem and are known to carry harmful pests. Banned plants include:

• Tropical spiderwort 

• Autumn olive shrub

• Thorny olive shrub

• Bloodgrass

• Chinese privet shrub

• Honeysuckle 

• Purple loosestrife

• Multiflora rose

• Tropical soda apple

2.  Prep Your Plants for the Move

Pruning is an excellent way to keep your plants healthy. Remove any dead leaves, weeds, bugs, and other hindrances, so your plants are fully prepped before the move. Don’t drown your plants, but gradually add a little more water than normal, so they’ll retain it during the uprooting process. 

The next step is to pack your heavy pots and transplant your botanicals in plastic containers. You’re already going to be doing some heavy lifting, so why not make it easier on yourself? Replace old soil with fresh, sterile soil and water thoroughly. Gently press around the soil to get rid of possible air pockets. Perform a final watering to ensure the plant doesn't lose any moisture due to evaporation.

Packing plants by Northstar Moving.

 3.  Transport Your Plants With Care

Moving by car? Never put your plants in the trunk. This could prevent them from getting the proper airflow and all that rocking could damage them during the ride. 

Load your plants last so they can be tended to first once you arrive at your new home. Pack tools such as a misting spray for hydration. If you are staying in a hotel, bring your plants inside with you -- leaving them in your vehicle overnight in extreme temperatures could kill them.

Traveling by plane? TSA guidelines allow you to bring plants as a carry-on or a checked item, as long as they fit under the seat or the overhead bin. Your plants will need to go on the conveyor belt and through the X-ray machine.

4. Home Sweet Home

When you arrive at your new home, prioritize your plants and tend to them immediately. Remove any dead appendages. New environments can be stressful, so if you see some wilting that occurred during the move, don’t panic! This is normal and means your plants need some extra TLC during this period of adjustment. 

The fun part comes next: Figure out where you want to place your plants, so your new home reflects your personality. 

If you are replacing or adding to your plants in your new home, you have plenty of native Tennessee plants to choose from, including wild geraniums and Virginia bluebells. These flowering plants will be easier to care for since they’re used to the climate and growing conditions. 

Settling into your new home often means redecorating or purchasing some new greenery as indoor plants or for your yard. This is a great excuse to visit your local nurseries and expand your gardening family. 

5.  If You Have to Say Goodbye…

Can’t take your beloved plants with you? Gift them to your family, friends, or neighbors. If you’re feeling generous, donate them to your community. Are you in a community of plant lovers? Organizing a plant swap could be a neat way to say goodbye to an old friend and make room for a new one. And don’t worry - there are so many lovely plant shops in Knoxville - you’l find some new plant babies soon!

Plants at 214 Magnolia by Suzy Collins Photography.

Need more help?

We can simplify the moving process.

Call us at Help You Dwell at  (865) 245-9080 or email info@helpyoudwell.com !

Let’s get your extended consult on the calendar.

Thanks to our guest contributor Linda. Linda Zhang has moved across the country six times in the past 20 years. When she isn’t redoing one of the rooms in her own house, she is writing about home decor and other real estate issues.

HYD Team Home Tours: Allison + Liz

One of our favorite things to share on the blog are home tours. We decided to do a little virtual “home tour” with our own team members. So, enjoy these two!

---

Allison’s home.

Allison

How long have you lived in your home?
- 18 years

What does "home" mean to you?
- Coziness, comfort, and a place to reflect the personality of the owner

How would you describe your style of decorating?
- Combo of 50s-60s vintage, comfortable basics, and slightly trendy colors and decor

Did your style happen organically or was it a process of figuring out what style means to you? Has your style changed over time? Do you have any favorite stores or shops for furniture or home decor?
- It has been a process, and I am always changing things. I have a "style" now, but it has progressed over the years. Redecorating and rearranging breathes new life into a room for me, so rooms get makeovers every few years. No favorite shops other than Home Goods/Marshalls, Bargain Hunt, and Target. I always say that I don't find my furniture, my furniture finds me. Lol

Allison’s kitchen.

When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
- I hope people feel that my home style reflects me. I like for people to ask me questions about things I have, since there are stories behind many of my items. I love to have items that have significance - like it belonged to a family member, or I got it from the estate sale I hosted for a friend, or my husband and I found it on a trip, etc. I also hope they feel like it's a comfortable home. They can touch things, they can sit down wherever. They can go look in my fridge or pantry without asking.

Do you have a style or home philosophy?
- Keeping "white space" in every area. I feel like there always needs to be some empty spots for things to go - empty space in my pantry, closets, on my countertops, etc. I never want anything to be completely full because it's too visually busy for me.

Do you have a favorite room in your home? A favorite piece of art or piece of furniture?
- Favorite room would be my living room, as it has a ton of natural light, and most of the other rooms in my house are darker. Favorite furniture is the master bedroom furniture - it came from an estate sale of an older lady I'd known since I was little. I had always HATED the furniture in our bedroom that belonged to my husband in college. When we stumbled across this furniture, it changed my life!! I love it every time I look at it.

What do you love most about your home?
- Our new outdoor living space, and our neighborhood, as we have a close-knit group of friends.

Allison’s home.

How would you describe your relationship to your belongings?
- Very little is permanent in this house, other than very special things (like furniture that has "found me"). I know I like to redecorate, so I prefer to buy cheaper trendier decor because I know it won't be around forever. My mantra is that if I haven't used it in a few years, and I can replace it for less than $30, it's going. In the event I ever need it again, I can either borrow it, or repurchase it. If I repurchase it, it will probably be a better version of the one I had before!

What do you love about working with HYD clients?
- I love making a difference for people. I love seeing that look of "YES!!" on their faces. That look of relief that says "thank you so much for doing what I hadn’t done on my own!”

READ MORE ABOUT ALLISON HERE.

---

Liz

How long have you lived in your home?
- 13 years

What does "home" mean to you?
- Home is where I feel completely comfortable and where I am surrounded by the people who love me unconditionally.

How would you describe your style of decorating?
- I would say my style is transitional, with a hodge-podge and kid-friendly flare. ☺ I tend to gravitate toward comfort and function over style. If I could completely redecorate my home starting from scratch, I would definitely incorporate more bohemian decor. I love the warmth, color and eclectic vibe of this style.

Did your style happen organically or was it a process of figuring out what style means to you? Has your style changed over time? Do you have any favorite stores or shops for furniture or home decor?
- My style has definitely changed and evolved over time. I used to think that everything needed to match and coordinate perfectly, but now I find my eye gravitates towards a mix of styles, colors, and textures.
I love browsing Home Goods, World Market, and just recently discovered Nadeau.

When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
- Comfortable, warm and relaxed

Liz’s living room.

Do you have a style or home philosophy?
- Since I’ve worked for HYD, I have definitely become more of a minimalist in my home philosophy. Less stuff and less clutter gives me room to breathe and enjoy my home even more.

How is your home an extension of yourself or of your family?
- I love a framed photo and my home is full of them showcasing so many of my favorite family memories. My various arts and crafts from over the years can also be seen displayed around our home.

Do you have a favorite room in your home? A favorite piece of art or piece of furniture?
- I have two favorite rooms. The living room is where my family spends the most time together and the bonus room is where I get lost in my love of crafting.

What do you love most about your home?
- I love the open floor plan and the coziness it brings. I l also love our big backyard which feels like an extension of our home.

How would you describe your relationship to your belongings?
- Unless the belonging has strong sentimental value, I don’t get too attached to my possessions. When purging my belongings, my biggest hurdle is letting go of how much I paid for the item, even though I no longer have any attachment to the item itself. I find this takes practice- the more I do it, the better I am at letting go.

What do you love about working with HYD clients?
- I love helping HYD clients feel a sense of accomplishment, whether that’s in organizing a small area or tackling a big move. It’s easy to get stuck inside our homes and not know where to begin making changes. Each time I go into a client’s home, I hope I can provide encouragement and a gentle push in the right direction.

---

We’ve said it before, but we’ll shout it from the rooftops- we have the most incredible team. It’s what makes Help You Dwell the dynamic, thriving, and unique service provider we are.

Thanks for sharing your homes & hearts with us Allison & Liz.

---

Looking for more lovely home tours?

Spring Cleaning Tips

It’s that time of year… Spring cleaning! We’ve put together a list of areas to focus. Whether you can dedicate an entire weekend or short periods of time on this, it’ll be worth it.

Make a plan

Illustration by @sannyvanloon.

We always start here whether we’re organizing, packing, or cleaning. Just because it’s housework, doesn’t mean it can’t be fun (or at least mildly enjoyable) - make a playlist, open the windows, listen to your favorite podcast, and take breaks. Wearing a mask and gloves will provide extra protection from cleaning chemicals or any allergens you might be exposed to. Incorporating a long term solution like air purifiers in your home can increase your air quality. Keeping a handheld broom & dust pan set in your kitchen is handy for quick clean up.

Toss it

Let go of outdated or no longer fresh cleaning supplies. Recycle empty (and washed out) bottles and containers. Here’s a quick resource on how to dispose of potentially hazardous household chemicals in Knoxville.

Restock

Replenish cleaning supplies with quality products. Consider swapping an older vaccuum for a HEPA vaccuum, like this one. This handy tool will help you tackle blinds in half the time. Amazon customers are raving about this powerhouse pumice cleaning stone. Stick to similar scents to avoid sensory overload from multiple products (we’re all for the Mrs. Meyers seasonal scented cleaning supplies). These microfiber cleaning cloths are our go-to. Try all natural or eco-friendly cleaning products. Here are a few we recommend: Wooden cleaning brush set, Biodegradable cleaning wipes, Dryer sheets, Dish soap, Dish detergent pods, and Laundry detergent.

Just so ya know: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning when you click the link to purchase a product on this page, HYD receives a commission for sharing this with you without any additional cost to you.

Don’t forget

Tend to the areas and items that only need rare attention that you don’t routinely clean monthly or weekly! Here’s a list of places you may want to consider:

• Ceiling fans (to avoid a dust storm, place a pillowcase over a fan blade then pull towards you to collect dust)

• Switch plates (Magic Erasers can work wonders here)

• Air filters & vents (don’t forget to write the date on the new filter when you replace it & put a note in your phone calendar for the next replacement date)

• Dryer return

• Luggage

• Trash cans & recycle bins (if they are commonly stinky, toss a couple dryer sheets in the bottom to help absorb odor)

• Oven

• Toaster (bye bye crumb collection)

• Microwave (Tip from Good Housekeeping: Fill a bowl with 1 cup of water and a chopped-up lemon, lime, or orange or several tablespoons of vinegar and stick it inside. Turn the appliance on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy, then let it cool for 5 minutes before opening the door. Remove and wipe the inside and outside with a sponge.)

• Refrigerator & freezer (once completed, this is one of the most satisfying transformations)

• Curtains (and fabric shower curtains - toss in the dryer on air-only cycle for a quick refresh)

• Patio furniture (get it ready for it’s prime season!)

• Medicine cabinet & first aid supplies

• Pet beds

---

What other areas do you focus on for your own spring cleaning?
It’s a great time to do a quick purge in your closets as the seasons change, too!