Among the many considerations involved in setting up a nursery, maximizing storage space is a top priority. Between the necessities, like bottles, pacifiers, blankets, diapers, wipes and creams, and the fun, like toys, playmats, stuffed animals and books, there is a lot that you have to fit in a small amount of space. Organization is going to be your friend.
Storage does not have to be a boring necessity. Below are some options that I love that help keep you organized but are also good to look at and can fit with the decor you have chosen for your nursery.
Baskets, Baskets, Baskets
Baskets are so incredibly pretty -- from woven wicker baskets, to rope baskets ro fabric baskets. Some even come in the shape of animals! They are good to look at and come in a variety of shapes and colors, so they are versatile. Here are just some of the many ways I love to use them:
- Toy Hamper - a nice, large basket is just the thing to toss all of those toys into at the end of the day
- Clothes Hamper - a tall basket with a lid (and a set of handles) is not just pretty, it can be incredibly functional
- Diaper Organizer - a short storage basket, like the Levtex Baby Nico Storage Baskets, fit perfectly on a changing table shelf. Stack your diapers in them. The low edge keeps the diapers organized and makes it easy to grab when you need them.
- Clothes Organizers - baby clothes are small and open shelves can be hard to organize, stacking onesies in a shallow basket can be really helpful.
Shelving Instead of a Bookcase
If you are tight on space, a bookcase can take up a lot of room but you are going to definitely want some shelves to keep those books on. Not to mention how helpful shelves can be for so many other things!Utilizing wall space is a great way to free up space in the room while still having on display all of the books you read your little one.
The great thing about wall shelves is that there are so many decorative options, from very simple contemporary wood shelves to painted shelves to shaped shelves. Depending on the theme or vibe of your nursery, find a wall mounted shelf unit that works with your look and feel.
Hamper
A hamper serves as a designated space for dirty laundry, containing it in one central location. By having a dedicated spot for soiled clothes, you can prevent them from scattering around the nursery, keeping the room tidy and minimizing the time spent searching for misplaced items.
We already explored using a basket as a clothes hamper but you can also keep your hamper on theme with the rest of the room! For example, the Levtex Baby Trail Mix Hamper is appliquéd and embroidered and blends in effortlessly with the rest of the Trail Mix Collection, so it still looks like it belongs in the room while playing an important functional role. This is a great option, especially if you do not have a place to hide your hamper.
Over-the-door Organizer
This is another great way to free up floor space. The back of your bedroom door or closet door is an often overlooked but really useful space to store things. With an over-the-door organizer, you can keep frequently used items at your fingertips. Whether it's diapers, wipes, lotions, or small toys, having them conveniently stored in an organizer ensures quick and easy access during diaper changes or playtime. This accessibility not only saves time but also helps maintain a smooth flow in your daily nursery routine.
If the organizer is going to be visible in the room, I like the idea of this being decorative -- like a series of hanging baskets.
Drawer Dividers
Drawer dividers are the best tool for organizing your baby drawers. Like I said before, baby clothes are small and separating your drawers into usable sections can really make your feel like you have hugely expanded your usable space. You can create separate sections for different types of clothing, such as onesies, socks, pajamas, or accessories like bibs, hats, or mittens. This makes it easier to find what you need quickly, especially during busy moments like diaper changes or dressing the baby.
It may take a little time to set up your nursery and organize it but, believe me, you will get all of that time back and more from the time you save later on, all time you get to spend just enjoying your bundle of joy!
FAQ
Q: What are some creative storage ideas for nursery books and reading materials?
A: Install a low, child-friendly bookshelf in the nursery. Organize the books by size, type, or theme. Attach fabric or canvas pockets to the walls at your child's height. These pockets can hold individual books or small collections, making them easily reachable for your little one. Hang a wall-mounted book rack that allows you to display books with their covers facing forward. This not only provides easy access but also adds a decorative element to the nursery.
Q: Are there any tips for organizing and storing baby blankets and bedding in a nursery?
A: Assign specific drawers or bins for storing different types of blankets and bedding. Instead of folding blankets, roll them up tightly. This method not only saves space but also allows you to see all the blankets at a glance. If you have limited storage space or need to store seasonal blankets, consider using vacuum seal bags. These bags compress the blankets and bedding, minimizing their size and protecting them from dust and pests.
Q: How can you optimize closet space for nursery storage?
A: Utilize door space! The back of the closet door provides valuable storage space. Install hooks or over-the-door organizers to hang items like hats, bags, or even shoes.
Written by Joanne Levin
