When you have a baby, it can feel like their belongings are taking over your home, especially if you’re short on space. Whether you’re in a cozy Portland, OR home, a compact Brooklyn, NY apartment, or a rental in Austin, TX, these nursery organization ideas prove that you don’t need a lot of space to keep things neat and functional.
Real parents, organizers, and experts have shared space-saving nursery organization ideas to help you create a clutter-free nursery that you’ll love.
Table of contents
1. Choose multifunctional baby gear
To save space in a small home, opt for items that can serve multiple purposes. Rachel Neill, a mom of six from Madison, WI, suggests investing in versatile pieces that grow with your child. She recommends multifunctional gear like a play couch that can double as a play mat, obstacle course, or kids’ table. Lisa, a lifestyle blogger, also advocates for multi-purpose furniture like a Murphy Bed Bookcase for storage and functionality.
These nursery organization ideas focus on items that multitask beautifully and make life easier for parents.
>>Read: How to Create and Organize a Nursery
2. Maximize vertical and hidden storage
In a small space, think vertically and utilize hidden storage. Professional organizer Jaclyn King recommends creative storage solutions like under-crib bins for bedding and ledge shelves for books. Don’t forget the back of doors for customizable caddies and baskets. Elle Penaranda also suggests using over-the-door shoe organizers for baby essentials to save space and keep everything within reach.
These methods not only look tidy but also create a sense of space and organization in a small nursery.
Mobile baby stations are essential in a small home as they provide flexibility and convenience. DIY blogger Emma recommends a portable baby supplies station with essentials stocked on a rolling cart. Mackenzie McAteer suggests using a portable diaper caddy to create a dedicated area for baby essentials that can move from room to room.
4. Make it easy with baskets and bins
Simplify organization with baskets and bins that can fit in drawers, on shelves, and on the changing table. Mom coach Christi Howard recommends using baskets for vertical space utilization and easy portability. Kara from La Quinta, CA, shares her no-frills approach to organizing a kid’s room with simple storage methods to keep everything within reach and off the floor.
Add clear labels to containers for quick access during late-night diaper changes. These small apartment hacks for new parents help reduce frantic searches and encourage regular decluttering.
5. Establish baby zones to reduce chaos
Assign specific zones for different baby activities like changing, feeding, sleeping, and playing to reduce clutter and create organization. Keep toys in bins and rotate them to maintain a clean and purposeful space. Regular cleaning resets and storage solutions can help keep your nursery calm and clutter-free.
6. Rotate toys to keep clutter (and kids) in check
Instead of overwhelming your baby with too many toys, rotate a small collection to keep playtime exciting and minimize clutter. Jessica Speer suggests keeping a box filled with board books and toys on the floor and swapping them out every few days for a fun and engaging playtime experience.
Final thoughts: smart nursery organization ideas
These nursery organization ideas offer practical solutions from experienced parents. Whether you have a small corner or a compact nursery, you can make the most of your space with thoughtful adjustments. Utilize versatile gear, maximize vertical and hidden storage, create mobile stations, and simplify organization with baskets and bins. Remember to rotate toys, establish baby zones, and keep clutter in check. Building a functional and organized nursery doesn’t require perfection; give yourself grace as you create a peaceful space for your baby and yourself.