If you are bringing home a bundle of joy for the first time, there is undoubtedly a lot of preparation and planning involved.
However, many new parents are unprepared for the amount of space they really need to accommodate their babies. After all, you are likely to have a steady stream of visitors and a collection of clutter to quickly follow the arrival of your child.
If you are stuck in a cramped or smaller space, you may feel daunted or perhaps even embarrassed by your current lack of room. Maybe you are unsure of what to do now that you will soon have a new face around the house and think that misery and discomfort are your only options.
Thankfully, there is a good chance you can make it work, if you take the time to plan and get a bit creative. Keep the following four space-saving tips in the back of your mind as you prepare for a more comfortable life well after delivery day:
Start By Decluttering
“Out with the old, in with the new” should be your motto in the weeks preparing for your new child. If you have been hanging onto clutter, it is crucial that you get rid of anything and everything within your home that is taking up needless space. From big items in your living room to knick knacks taking under your bed, just about anything is fair game in pursuit of more room to breathe.
If you have trouble parting with items, try to keep the big picture of your new baby in mind. Perhaps one of the best pieces of advice is to take a room by room approach to getting rid of your stuff. For example, you need to understand how to declutter your closet efficiently and determine “wants” versus “needs”, rather than trying to get rid of everything you own.
Wise Up Your Wardrobe
Clothes are one of the biggest offenders of eating up essential space. For example, chests and dressers can take up precious real-estate, which could otherwise be reserved for hall closets and your attic. If possible, keep your heavy winter attire in the attic and only keep out clothing you wear on a regular basis, instead of taking up space with “one in a blue moon” outfits.
Similar rules apply to your baby’s wardrobe by the way: your child does not need a million new outfits, especially since they grow so quickly. Use common sense and rely on secondhand items when possible; likewise, be prepared to give them away if you do not plan on a second child anytime soon.
Reconsider The Essentials
Obviously, there is plenty to buy when your baby comes home, however, consider that not everything is a must have. For example, consider whether or not you really need the following:
- Changing tables: sometimes a counter-top or dresser coupled with a blanket can do just fine.
- Diaper-specific pails: do not be fooled into thinking that a Diaper Genie represents some sort of space-age technology when a traditional trash bin can do the same job.
- High chairs: while you may need one eventually, high-chairs are not exactly day one items for your baby
Consider Sharing A Room
While the jury is still out on the benefits and drawbacks of co-sleeping, do not feel compelled to have the perfect baby room set up for your due date. The fact remains that you can get away with a crib in your bedroom initially, although it may not be ideal for getting a good night’s sleep yourself. Regardless, it is always an option if you are in a particularly small space.
Do not stress out about bringing your baby home, just because you do not live in a mansion! Instead, focus on cleaning up the space you have and only investing in the essentials, as you look ahead toward your new life as a parent.
