Hey mama, getting ready for your baby’s arrival is such an exciting time, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming.
Don’t worry! I’m here to help you declutter your home without losing your mind. Let’s get started with some simple steps to make your space calm, organized, and ready for your new bundle of joy.
Why Declutter Before Baby Arrives?
Decluttering before your baby arrives is a game-changer. It helps create a safer environment for your little explorer by removing potential hazards.
An organized home reduces stress, allowing you to feel more relaxed and ready to embrace those precious baby snuggles. Babies come with a surprising amount of stuff, so you’ll need to make room for all those adorable little items.
A tidy home also streamlines your daily routines, helping you find what you need quickly and easily, which is essential during those first few months. Plus, a clutter-free space promotes a calm atmosphere, making it easier for both you and your baby to relax.
Preparing for visitors becomes a breeze too, as you won’t have to scramble to tidy up last minute.
Most importantly, you’ll spend less time managing clutter and more time bonding with your baby.
Steps to Decluttering When You’re Really Pregnant
1. Start Early
First, start early. Tackling tasks gradually from the get-go can prevent overwhelm later on.
2. Make a Plan
Make a plan that breaks down your project into small, manageable tasks. Focus on one area or room at a time and create a simple schedule.
3. Prioritize Safety
Safety should be a top priority. Avoid heavy lifting or climbing and don’t hesitate to ask for help with physically demanding tasks—no superhero acts needed.
4. Sort Into Categories
When it comes to sorting, the “Keep, Donate, Toss” method is your friend. Have clearly labeled bins or bags for each category to stay organized.
5. Start with High-Traffic Areas
Begin in areas you use the most, like the living room, kitchen, and bedroom.
Clearing these spaces first gives you immediate benefits and a sense of accomplishment.
6. Declutter Baby-Specific Areas
Focus on spaces where the baby will spend the most time, like the nursery, bathroom, and play areas.
Make these zones especially safe and clutter-free.
7. Take Breaks
Listen to your body and take regular breaks.
Stay hydrated and rest to avoid overexertion.
8. Use Storage Solutions
Invest in storage bins, baskets, and organizers to keep items neat and accessible.
Labeling these can make finding things easier later on.
9. Ask for Help
Decluttering isn’t a solo mission—ask for assistance from family, friends, or even professional organizers.
10. Stay Flexible
Be prepared to adjust your plan as needed. Pregnancy can be unpredictable, so stay flexible and don’t stress over a strict timeline.
Tips to Make Decluttering Easier on Yourself
Setting realistic goals is key. Aim for progress, not perfection, and celebrate small wins along the way to keep motivated.
Creating a comfortable environment can make the process more enjoyable. Play your favorite music or a podcast, and ensure your workspace is well-lit and cozy.
Technology can also be a great ally. Consider using apps or online services to sell or donate items. Take advantage of organizations that offer free pick-up services for donations.
Staying motivated can sometimes be a challenge. Keep your baby’s arrival in mind as your driving force. Visualize the calm and organized home you’re creating.
Focus on essentials by concentrating on decluttering items you know you won’t need or use. This makes decisions easier and the process quicker.
Preparing for Baby
Setting up the nursery can be one of the most exciting parts of preparing for your baby. Make it functional and cozy with only the essentials.
Ensure your home is safe by securing furniture, covering outlets, and more. Create functional spaces for diaper changes, feeding, and sleeping, making your daily routines smoother and more enjoyable.
Involving the Family
Decluttering is a team effort. Get everyone involved, from your partner to older kids, to make the process quicker and more fun.
Delegate specific tasks to each family member based on their strengths. This lightens your load and helps everyone feel invested in creating a welcoming space for the new baby.
Sustainable Decluttering
As you declutter, consider eco-friendly ways to dispose of unwanted items or give them a new life. Research local charities and organizations that accept gently used items.
Explore options for recycling and upcycling. This helps the environment and benefits those in need.
Maintaining the Declutter
Once your home is decluttered, incorporate simple daily habits to keep it that way. Regularly assess and declutter areas to prevent clutter from building up again.
Small, consistent efforts can make a big difference in maintaining an organized space.
Ready, Set, Declutter!
Now that you have a clear plan and some helpful tips, you’re ready to start decluttering your home. Remember, this is all about creating a welcoming, safe, and organized space for your baby and making your life a bit easier in those precious early months.
Take it one step at a time, ask for help when you need it, and celebrate your progress along the way. You’ve got this!
Need Extra Help? Don’t We All!
Are you getting close to your due date and feeling overwhelmed by all the clutter in your home? I totally get it—I’ve been there too!
Addressing the mess in my house really helped me keep things under control. But honestly, I didn’t know where to start with organizing everything. That’s when I found The Organized Home Course by Hilary from Pulling Curls, and it’s been a game-changer.
Hilary’s course is perfect if you’re like me and need simple, practical tips to finally get organized. She teaches you how to find stuff easily, save time, and just feel more relaxed at home. Because let’s face it, we all deserve a calm space, especially with a little one on the way.
If you’re tired of scrambling before guests arrive or constantly searching for things, this course is for you. Check it out. Hilary’s tips will help you tackle clutter and enjoy your home more—trust me, it’s worth it!
100 Items to Toss Before Baby is Born
- Old magazines
- Expired medications
- Unused kitchen gadgets
- Broken electronics
- Old clothes
- Duplicate items
- Outdated paperwork
- Old makeup
- Unread books
- Worn-out shoes
- Excess towels
- Unused furniture
- Old toys
- Expired food
- Outdated cleaning supplies
- Excess blankets
- Old craft supplies
- Unused sports equipment
- Excess hangers
- Unmatched socks
- Outdated decor
- Extra coffee mugs
- Old cell phones
- Broken jewelry
- Unused bags
- Old receipts
- Worn-out bedding
- Unused baby gear
- Extra vases
- Outdated electronics
- Extra pillows
- Duplicate kitchen utensils
- Old planners
- Expired coupons
- Unused office supplies
- Old party supplies
- Extra picture frames
- Unused holiday decorations
- Outdated manuals
- Unused bath products
- Worn-out rugs
- Extra water bottles
- Unused curtains
- Old CDs and DVDs
- Extra storage containers
- Unused exercise equipment
- Outdated calendars
- Old hair accessories
- Broken umbrellas
- Unused light bulbs
- Old batteries
- Duplicate tools
- Unused garden supplies
- Worn-out kitchen towels
- Extra candles
- Unused pet supplies
- Outdated stationery
- Broken toys
- Extra keys
- Old remotes
- Unused travel-sized toiletries
- Outdated maps
- Broken Christmas lights
- Extra dishware
- Unused car accessories
- Old sunglasses
- Worn-out hats
- Extra belts
- Outdated recipes
- Unused nail polish
- Broken clocks
- Old greeting cards
- Duplicate chargers
- Unused baby bottles
- Worn-out bags
- Extra flashlights
- Unused sewing supplies
- Broken picture frames
- Extra pens and pencils
- Outdated travel guides
- Broken appliances
- Extra storage bins
- Unused baby blankets
- Old perfume bottles
- Duplicate measuring cups
- Worn-out placemats
- Extra notebooks
- Unused baby toys
- Old business cards
- Duplicate scissors
- Unused camping gear
- Broken gardening tools
- Unused wall art
- Broken holiday decorations
- Extra dishware
- Outdated recipes
- Unused wall art
- Broken furniture
- Worn-out shoes
- Extra picture frames
Bonus Tips for Decluttering While Pregnant
Create a Decluttering Kit
Prepare a kit with essential tools like trash bags, boxes for donations, cleaning supplies, and labels. Having everything ready makes the process smoother and more efficient.
Decluttering Hot Spots
Identify common clutter areas such as kitchen counters, bathroom cabinets, and entryways. These spots tend to accumulate items quickly and addressing them can have an immediate impact on your home’s tidiness.
Digital Decluttering
Don’t forget to tidy up your digital space. Organize important documents, photos, and emails. This will help reduce stress and ensure you can easily find important information when needed.
Emergency Declutter Plan
Have a quick declutter plan for unexpected visitors. Designate a basket or bin for items that need to be stashed away quickly, then return to sorting them later when you have more time.
Emotional Attachment Tips
It can be hard to let go of items with sentimental value. Try taking photos of special items before donating them, so you can keep the memory without the physical clutter.
Focus on One Room at a Time
Trying to tackle the whole house at once can be overwhelming. Break it down by focusing on one room at a time. This approach makes the process feel more manageable and less daunting.
Reward Yourself
Set small rewards for completing each decluttering task. It could be something as simple as a relaxing bath, a favorite treat, or watching an episode of your favorite show.
Declutter with a Friend
Invite a friend over to help. They can provide a fresh perspective, and the company can make the process more enjoyable. You can even turn it into a decluttering swap where you help each other out.
Repurpose and Reuse
Before throwing items away, think about how they might be repurposed or reused. This can be a fun way to get creative and reduce waste.
Keep the Momentum Going
Set a timer for short bursts of decluttering even after the baby arrives. Fifteen minutes here and there can help maintain the tidy environment you’ve worked hard to create.
- Hardcover Book
- Condo, Messie (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- Audible Audiobook
- Dana K. White (Author) – Dana K. White (Narrator)
- English (Publication Language)
- This #1 New York Times best-selling guide to decluttering your home from Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo takes readers step-by-step through her revolutionary KonMari Method for simplifying, organizing, and storing.
- Despite constant efforts to declutter your home, do papers still accumulate like snowdrifts and clothes pile up like a tangled mess of noodles?
- Hardcover Book
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- English (Publication Language)