Your baby's nursery can be one of the most challenging rooms in your home to organize properly. With so many needs and the added stress of welcoming a new baby into your life, it can be difficult to zero in on a solution that works for your baby's closet and implement it in a timely manner.
Organizing your nursery and having peace of mind regarding the layout and organization of baby clothes and other necessities is very important, especially with all of your added stress as new parents.
In this post, we will outline several baby closet ideas for when you are trying to organize your nursery. With plenty of creative options for any size closet, there will be at least one idea that will work for you.
Importance of Maintaining a Tidy Nursery Closet
Organizing a nursery closet is an essential part of having a well-organized nursery. Sorting and containing baby essentials in the closet keeps your baby's clothes within reach and out of sight and makes it easier to find what you need quickly. An organized nursery closet will also have everything you need to care for your baby within reach, organized, and labeled. The last thing you want to do is scramble to find what you need when your little one is crying.
Creating an orderly baby nursery closet helps create an environment that promotes calmness and relaxation for both parents and babies alike. A neat, clutter-free space sends positive messages that encourage healthy habits for your little one later in life. Whether you have a small nursery closet or lots of closet space, creating a functional nursery closet that works for your family is still possible.
Nursery Closet Organization Tips
There are countless storage solutions for baby nursery closets. Some are elaborate and can be pricey and some involve a run to the dollar store. This list is a compilation of the best nursery closet organization ideas we have seen and have personally used at least a dozen.
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Install A Closet Organizer
One of the best ways to maximize space in a small closet for baby's things is to install a closet system. Closet organizers come in various shapes and sizes and can be customized to fit your specific space and needs. When choosing a closet organizer, consider the following factors:
- Number of shelves needed
- Number of dresser drawers needed
- Type of material of the closet system
- Are the components adjustable? Can they be used in different ways?
Closet systems can be expensive, so make sure the one you install is one that your child will be able to use once they have grown into the next sizes. You don't want to spend a lot of time and money on a system that won't work for you into the toddler years. We love the Little Seeds Grow with me Closet because it is high quality and comes in various configurations.
Use Baskets and Bins
Another great nursery storage solution is to use baskets and bins. You may have several unused baskets around your home that can be repurposed. Baskets and storage bins are versatile and can be used for any baby stuff. A small bin can be used to store sanitized pacifiers, grooming essentials or other little things. Baskets and bins can be placed on shelves, in the changing station, or even hung on walls to take advantage of vertical space in baby's room.
Use clear storage bins or plastic bins for items that you want to see and access quickly and use different sizes of fabric baskets for items such as baby blankets, burp cloths, and extra diapers.
Create a Purge Schedule
Babies grow quickly and to maximize as much space as you can, create a schedule for getting rid of anything your baby has outgrown. One of the best ways to create more space in a small closet is to ensure the current size of clothing and the next size of clothing are the only items in the closet. If you have clothes you no longer wear or toys your children have outgrown, consider donating them or selling them at a garage sale. Keep a bin in the nursery closet for items to be donated.
Related Post: 15 Garage Sale Tips Guaranteed to Declutter Your Home
Use Vertical Space
Another great way to create a functional nursery closet is to use vertical space. Vertical space is often underutilized, but it can be a great place to store anything that needs to be within reach. Closet doors provide copious amounts of storage space with the right product additions.
Add an over-the-door organizer or a few wire baskets to store small items. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much of a difference door storage can make.
Hang Clothes
If you're short on drawer space, consider using nursery closet space to hang clothes instead of folding them. This will free up some much-needed drawer and shelf space in your closet. Baby clothes may seem too tiny to hang but use these tiny baby hangers. Those cute outfits look so precious hanging in the closet.
Add Built-In Storage
If you want to create a nursery closet that will last for years, consider installing a permanent closet built-in system. Determine how many shelves, drawers, and hanging rods you would like and transform your baby nursery closet into an organizational dream. Built-in closet systems are available for tiny closets all the way to large walk-in closets and are designed to maximize any space.
Create a Rolling Baby Station
Stock a baby cart complete with diapers, wipes, blankets, burp cloths, and pacifiers. Ensure all your necessities are within reach, and store the cart in the nursery closet at night. In the morning, restock it and roll it wherever it is needed.
Related: 14 Best 3-Tier Rolling Carts for Storage and Organization
Labels Are Your Best Friend
Holding a fussy baby in one arm while figuring out which basket contains the baby's tylenol is no fun. Labeling everything in your nursery closet will help you stay organized and ensure every item has its proper place. You can label shelves, drawers, baskets, and even individual items. Not only will this help you stay organized, but it will also help others caring for your baby know where everything is.
Rotate Out Seasonal Items
Seasonal items, such as winter clothes or summer toys, can take up valuable space in your nursery closet. Instead of storing these items in your nursery closet, consider storing them in another location, such as the attic or basement. This will free up some much-needed space in your nursery closet for everyday items.
Use the Bottom of the Closet
Don't forget to use the often wasted space at the bottom of the closet. Add a chest of drawers to the closet if you would like additional drawer space. Another great storage option is adding an oversized fabric basket.
What To Place On The Top Shelf
The top shelf of a baby nursery closet should consist of:
- Items that need to be out of reach of little hands
- Seasonal items like heavy winter blankets or holiday clothes
- Baby items that are used once in a while
Use shelf dividers or large bins to neatly store these items on the top shelf.
Install Wall Rails
If your nursery closet needs more hanging space, install a second hanging rod below the existing one or add wall-mounted rails.
Add A Small Shelving Unit
To add shelving to your nursery closet, add a free-standing shelving unit or install floating shelves on the closet walls. Add bins and shelf dividers to organize the shelves and ensure they don't become cluttered.
Create A Keepsake Box
The nursery closet is a great place to store your baby keepsake box. Use a large bin to create a DIY keepsake box or use a pre-assembled keepsake box. Either option will safely store your precious objects and memories. Safely store the keepsake box on the top shelf of the nursery closet.
Install A Motion Light In The Closet
Many closets do not have lighting, and if they do, it is poor lighting. Install motion sensor LED lighting in your nursery closet and never have to flip a switch or fumble for stuff in the dark.
Accessory Storage System
When you are organizing your nursery closet, don't forget about all those cute accessories that pair with those adorable outfits. Headbands, ball caps, bows, and matching socks- they all need a tidy place to live in the closet so they are within reach when you need them. We love these fabric stackable boxes with clear fronts for holding accessories.
Use Shelf Dividers
Clear acrylic shelf dividers are useful in any closet space, but especially in nursery closets, where baby things are tiny and space is at a premium. Divide shelves into any size needed with adjustable shelf dividers.
Decorate The Closet Walls
The nursery closet is part of the room, so decorating the closet walls makes sense. Every time you open the closet doors you will love the aesthetic. Rather than paint or wallpaper the whole closet, use these convenient wall decals to give the appearance of wallpaper. Adding design to the closet walls is a simple touch that makes a big impact.
Invest In The Right Hangers
There are thousands of baby hangers on the market, but they are not all create equal. Some baby hangers are too slippery and not angled correctly. Some don't have clips for matching pants or shorts. These are the best hangers for a nursery closet. Buy these and avoid frustration.
Use Pegboard
Pegboard is a great way to use closet wall space to add a shelf, hanging pegs, or even small baskets for holding tiny items. Create a baby grooming station or use the pegboard as accessory storage.
First Aid Kit
Store a child's first aid and CPR kit in the nursery closet so that you always know where it is when needed. Consider adding an anti-choking device to the kit.
Stackable Bin System
If your closet doesn't have shelving or drawers, add a stackable plastic bin system for additional space for folded clothes, toys, linens, etc. We love the ones with double doors so you can access the contents from the front or the top.
Closet Hanging Rail Dividers
Little ones grow so quickly and it is important to have several sizes waiting for those growth spurts. Keep hanging clothes neatly organized by size with baby clothes dividers.
Remove The Closet Door To Expand The Space
Removing the closet door will allow more room to place fabric baskets or hampers on the ground and will also allow for more clearance. Removing the closet door is recommended when you have a built-in added to a closet. If you need door space for storage, this may not be the best option for you.
Use Apothecary Jars
Keep cotton swabs, cotton balls, pacifiers, and any other small items clean and neatly stored with glass apothecary jars. Place them on a shelf in the nursery closet and keep small items contained and dust-free.
Designate A Space For Backstock
Running out of essentials like diapers and wipes can be a source of anxiety. If you have the space, designate part of the nursery closet for backstock of essential items. Diaper rash cream, diapers, wipes, baby wash, baby lotion, and anything else you can't imagine running out of. Use a bin or two to store backstock so you always have the essentials on hand.
Add A Few Hooks
Add a few hooks on the closet wall for fall and winter jackets, storing the diaper bag, or accessories. You may be surprised how a few simple hooks can provide the perfect spot for hanging bulky items. We love these cute hooks, but even a basic adhesive command hook will work.
Don't Forget To Baby Proof
Once babies begin to crawl around and get into things, baby proof your nursery closet. The baby proofing product you use will depend on the type of closet door you have in your nursery. If the closet has bi-fold doors, consider using a bi-fold door lock. If the door has a lever handle, use this child proof lock. If you closet has a standard door knob, these locks are useful. If your nursery closet doesn't have doors, be mindful about what you store on the lower shelves and floor and make sure it is safe for baby.
Leave Room To Grow
It is so much fun to buy clothes and accessories for our baby, but it is important to leave space in the nursery closet. As babies transition from one size to another and we transition from season to season, you will need additional storage space in your nursery closet. If the nursery closet is cramped, it may be time to purge. Maintaining a sense of order in your nursery closet means that there will be adequate space for both practical and aesthetic purposes.
Add A Cute Hamper
As cute as babies are, they go through clothes quickly. With an average of 3 clothes changes daily, having a cute hamper within reach is essential. Rather than take up floor space in the bedroom and risk your little one getting into dirty clothes, place the hamper in the nursery closet.