How to Organize a Baby Closet for Clothes and Accessories
Organize baby clothes by separating them first by size and then by type. The goal of organizing a baby closet is to always have easy access to the items you need.
Sort Them By Size
Begin by sorting clothes and accessories into piles based on size — such as 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-9 months and so on.
Once you have the piles organized, put all but your baby's current size into storage. Put each size in a clear plastic bin, label the size and store the clothes you'll use later in a closet, basement or attic. If you have extra closet space, consider hanging groups of clothes based on size, using dividers to separate the clothes your baby is currently using from larger sizes.
If you're short on room, vacuum-sealing piles of baby clothes is a space-saving way to stay organized. Vacuum-sealed bags can be stowed in piles, put in bins or hung up in the closet. Don't forget to label them based on size.
Sort Them By Type
After storing bigger sizes for future use, the best way to organize a baby closet is to create separate sections for each item type. Begin creating separate piles of clothes by category — onesies, t-shirts, pants, shorts, dresses, sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets and socks. Don't forget to separate long and short-sleeved items so you can quickly grab the best clothes for the weather. You may also want to separate items by condition: you might have some stained or worn items that your baby wears around the house or to sleep in, but not when you go out.
Organize other baby items, including blankets, burp cloths and hats that you'll want to keep easily accessible. Put each type of item in its own pile.
Methods for Organizing Baby Accessories
After you've organized clothes by size and type, figure out where you plan to put all of the items you've separated into piles.
Hanging Clothes
An easy method of closet organization for a nursery is to hang up most clothes and use closet dividers to separate items, making a spot for each category, such as onesies, pants and dresses. Because baby clothes are so small, you can get more out of the closet by installing extra closet rods, which can create multiple rows of hanging space. Use adjustable rods so that you can move them to reorganize the closet as your child grows.
Dresser Drawer Organizers
Dresser storage is another key way to organize baby clothes. Drawer dividers, small containers or even shoeboxes can help keep tiny clothes organized. Consider using the filing system method: instead of stacking piles of clothes vertically, organize them horizontally like files so that you can see each item.
Storage Cubes
Baskets and storage cubes are tools for managing accessories like shoes, hair bows, hats and socks. Designate one basket per item type and label it using a sticker, notecard or label maker. Baskets can be stored on shelves in the closet or in the baby's room. If you're short on storage space, cube storage organizers can be used for clothes, accessories, toys and books. They can also be repurposed for various organizational needs as your child grows.
Whether you plan to keep everything in the closet, a dresser or both, decide where items will go before you begin to put them away. Be sure to think about usage: the items you will need the most, such as baby blankets, burp cloths, onesies and socks should be the most accessible. Store these items in the top drawer of a dresser or in the easiest-to-reach area of a closet. Clothes you'll need less often, such as those for special occasions, can go in a bottom drawer or in a more out-of-the-way area of the closet.
Once you've figured out where everything will go, put things away in their designated spots. Don't forget to continue to keep clothes organized when putting away laundry; the extra few minutes it takes to put everything in its correct spot will save you time later.
How Do You Organize Baby Stuff?
Keep your baby's closet organized by continuing to rotate clothes in and out. Designate a basket or storage cube for hand-me-downs, donations or storage, and put items in there as you find that they no longer work for your baby. For example, if a pair of pants irritate your baby's skin, put them aside to give away after washing them.
Sort Out Seasonal Clothes
If you have items that you're not using because they're out-of-season — such as a snowsuit during summer months — either store them for the future (if they'll still fit or you'll use them for another baby) or put them in your donation basket.
Rotate Sizes
If your baby isn't yet fitting into an item that is marked as their size, store it with items in the next size up.
Reorganize the closet when you notice your baby is starting to outgrow most clothes in their current size. Remove all the clothes in that size and put them aside to give away or store for another baby, being sure to throw away or recycle any items that are too stained or worn for future use. Unpack the clothes you've put aside for the next size up, and refill the closet, dresser and/or cube storage organizer.
Set Aside Special Items
Baby clothes can be adorable and sentimental. If there's an item you love, such as a handmade sweater from a loved one or an adorable dress, you may want to save it. Additionally, if you plan to have more children, consider saving clothes and accessories for the future. If you don't plan on having more kids, try not to hold on to anything you don't think you'll use or anything without a lot of sentimental value.
Keep Organization Functional for Your Routine
To keep things working for you, reorganize as you go. Move types of clothing around to best serve your purposes and make it as easy as possible to access the items you need the most.
Lastly, don't worry about everything looking perfect. While keeping items organized will help you in the long run, closet organization for the nursery is about function. For example, burp cloths don't need to be folded neatly — keep them in a storage cube so you can just reach in and grab one. If you have a bunch of identical socks, you can skip matching pairs and instead store them in a basket or small box in a drawer, grabbing them as needed.