By Georgina Martin, Professional Organiser
The lists, advice and suggestions of what to organise when preparing for a baby can be overwhelming. To simplify, here are 5 tips that I come back to again and again, some of which you may not have considered.
1. Roll with it
Having a portable feeding and changing trolley you can wheel from room to room is a total game changer. Think nappies, change mats, wipes, wraps, onesies, activities for siblings, snacks and water bottles all stored in one easy to reach place. Refill the trolley each night and your future nap and feeding trapped self will thank you. The IKEA Råskog trolley is a tried and tested favourite!
2. Save space
Flat vacuum storage bags are the perfect way to sort and store the abundance of baby clothes you will inevitably acquire. Separate clothes into sizes and seasons before sealing and don’t forget to label the outside of the bag. Options for the storage bags are endless including these Ezystorage value packs from Bunnings.
3. Say no!
I am here to remind you: it is perfectly acceptable to say no to items when you are preparing for the arrival of your baby. People may, and often will, offer you anything and everything when you are expecting. Whilst well-meaning, you would be surprised how quickly your nursery can descend into a clutter cave. I recommend using a checklist to manage hand me downs, purchases and gifted items.
4. Collect colostrum not clothes
Even more important than cute onesies in the early newborn days is colostrum. Consider expressing and freezing your colostrum to have on hand for those initial feeds and when you are recovering. See the Australian Breastfeeding Association website for more information.
5. Mastering MyGov
I have saved the best for last. Without a doubt, the most valuable tip I share is that you can begin your Centrelink application process up to three months before your baby’s due date. Getting this organised ahead of time is going to save your sanity and stress levels post-birth, especially if you are a new Centrelink customer. Downloading the myGov app on your phone before your baby arrives also makes it easier to register their birth with Medicare during those newborn bubble days. Go to the Services Australia website and head to the ‘Before the birth of your baby’ page for all the important information.
Organise your support, not just your shelves
Preparing for a baby isn’t only about drawers and labels. It’s also about who shows up, and when.
Before your due date, map out your first two weeks at home. Who can drop off a meal. Who can take older siblings to school. Who can sit with the baby while you shower or rest. Write it down and share it. Vague offers often fade, scheduled help tends to stick.
Set up a meal train or shared calendar so you’re not coordinating logistics while sleep deprived. Stock the freezer with staples you know you’ll eat, not aspirational recipes. Keep a list of local supports, including your GP, maternal health nurse, lactation consultant, and pharmacy, somewhere visible.
And consider your digital admin early. Save key passwords, link Medicare details, and pre-fill any forms you can. Mental clutter weighs as much as physical clutter.
A well organised nursery helps. A well organised support system helps more.
Hopefully these tips are helpful with creating a space that has less clutter and more calm!
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