Your baby is on the way, and there’s much to do. But don’t stress or worry; you’ll have enough time to transform your space before your little one arrives!
When I was expecting, I wanted to redo my entire house, paint the interior, and redecorate. I thought I’d be stuck with a half-painted house and a half-complete nursery, but guess what? I managed to finish everything I wanted to do before my delivery. It was a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but in the end, I was beyond pleased with the results.
Now, I want to share a few tips to help you prepare your home for your little one.
#1: DECLUTTER
Decluttering may not be fun, but it’s essential and the most time-consuming. I used to find it hard to let go of things. I had a closet filled with barely worn clothes I couldn’t even squeeze into. Sound familiar? If you’re in the same boat, here’s some advice: break free from the “I-can’t-throw-this-out” mindset, especially with a newborn on the way.
Soon, a new little spirit will enter your home, and I bet you’d like the space to be comfy for them. Start by decluttering – out with the old, in with the new! Begin with the easy stuff, tackling small spaces like closets and bathrooms. Then, move on to the more significant areas: bedrooms, the kitchen, the living room, and even the garage. You might wonder why the garage needs cleaning. Believe me, you’ll need all the space you can get. You’ll receive many baby gifts from family and friends, not to mention all the baby gear you’ll buy. You’re going to need that space as your little one grows.
Take your time, go through your things, and sort them out. Items you can’t do without – ensure they’re still in good condition and serve their purpose, save. Put stuff you never use, clothes or shoes you can’t fit into, in a separate pile to donate to your local Goodwill or Salvation Army store. If you choose to donate, get a receipt – you can claim these donations on your taxes during tax time. Don’t be afraid to declutter. I used to be a hoarder, but my pregnancy clicked something in me. Now, I’m tossing stuff out all the time. Out with the old, in with the new!
#2: DEEP CLEAN
I have no problem with this step; maybe my OCD has something to do with it. My mom always said, “If your home is in order, your life is in order.” From a young age, I learned to keep my space clean. I’ve adopted my way of doing things in my home, and cleaning is better than it seems. You’ll have a new baby soon and want your home to be dust and dirt-free, bright, with a fresh smell and a relaxing vibe.
Everyone has their own cleaning style. Here’s a fun tip: Clean as you go. For example, I like to clean as I go when I’m cooking. This way, there are little to no dishes in the sink when we sit down to eat.
If the bathroom mirror is a little dirty – wipe it clean. Don’t let your laundry pile up – wash, dry, fold, and hang it on the same day. Second, designate one day each month to clean the areas you usually overlook in your daily routine – baseboards, ceiling fans, sanitizing doorknobs and handles, and dusting the tops of cabinets. Mark a day on your calendar and get busy! Third, on deep cleaning days, keep your schedule open. Take your time, enjoy it, play some music, and catch your vibe. Blast your favorite tunes and clean away!
#3: ORGANIZE
Now, this is the fun part, at least for me. Your home is unique, and there are countless ways to organize every room. Find what works best for you. Think outside the box. Discover creative ways to keep your belongings organized, from the food in your fridge and pantry to items on your desk, clothes in your closet and bureau, and linens in your linen closet. You name it!
#4: ENJOY
You can finally relax after all the trips to the dumpster, deep cleaning, decluttering, and organizing. Put your feet up, take a deep breath, and enjoy your clean, clutter-free space. Trust me, you’ll feel the difference once your home is in order and just how you like it. You’ll be even more excited for your little one to be in that clean, organized space.
You don’t have to worry about baby-proofing, but remember, in a few months, your little one will start crawling and exploring everything. Consider baby-proofing your home during one of your future “deep cleaning” days. Parents.com has a whole Babyproofing 101 article that you can check out for guidance.
I’d love to hear your stories about getting your home ready for your little one. Please share and leave your comments below. Thanks!
