I remember staring at my house during month seven of pregnancy, feeling completely lost about where to start. With a tiny human joining us soon, the urge to get everything in order took over – but the mountain of tasks felt huge.
You know that flutter in your stomach when you want everything to be perfect? That’s exactly how I felt.
But here’s what really helped me get going: breaking down all those pre-baby tasks into small, manageable pieces.
From sanitizing bottles to organizing the nursery closet, I learned that nesting isn’t about making everything perfect – it’s about creating a space that works for your growing family.
That’s why I created this checklist. Simple, practical, and totally doable – even when you’re waddling around with a baby bump.
Ready to make your space baby-ready? Let’s start checking things off together.
Quick-Start Nesting Plan
Looking at a long list of tasks can feel overwhelming – I know because I’ve been there. That’s why I created this quick-start guide to help you focus on the essentials first.
Here’s what I found works best when starting your nesting process:
- Start with your daily spaces – kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom
- Focus on one room at a time
- Set aside 30 minutes each day for small tasks
- Keep a running list on your phone for quick reference
Getting started early helped me stay calm and focused. I noticed that tackling the main living areas first made the biggest impact on my daily routine. Plus, it gave me the motivation to keep going!
Core Preparations
Declutter & Organize Spaces
When I emptied my first closet, I realized this task would need a plan. Starting with closets makes sense – they’re usually the spots where we hide things to “deal with later.” Well, later it is now!
Essential Areas to Tackle:
Closets & Storage:
- Clear out the nursery closet for baby items
- Sort through your main bedroom closet (including dresser drawers)
- Create space in the linen closet
- Empty and reorganize the entryway closet
Cabinets & Drawers:
- Kitchen cabinets (dedicate one cabinet just for baby items)
- Bathroom storage spaces
- Medicine cabinet
- Desk drawers
Expert Tip: Place items in three piles – keep, donate, and toss. Take donation items to a center-right away – don’t let them sit around creating new clutter!
Storage Spaces:
- Remove old decor you won’t use
- Make room for larger baby items
- Create a designated spot for diapers and wipes
- Set up areas for size-ahead clothing
Remember: This isn’t about making everything perfect. It’s about creating practical, usable spaces for your new daily routine.
Special Projects For New Beginnings
Nursery And Baby Essentials
Setting up the nursery is less about perfect design and more about creating a space that works for those late-night moments.
I discovered a game-changing tip for the crib: double-layer the bedding with mattress pads and fitted sheets.
During those midnight changes, you’ll thank yourself when you can strip the top layer to reveal a fresh sheet underneath.
For clothes organization, I kept it simple. I washed just 5-7 pieces of newborn-sized items, keeping the rest tagged in case they didn’t fit. The 0-3 month clothes got organized by type, making sure essentials were easy to grab.
Storage became my priority – setting up dedicated spots for daily needs like feeding supplies, bath items, and diapering necessities.
I made sure everything I’d need during feedings was within arm’s reach. Before storing everything away, I sanitized all bottles and pacifiers, making them ready for use.
Home Maintenance Essentials
Those not-so-exciting tasks need attention too. I created a simple list of must-dos that made a big difference in how prepared my home felt for our new arrival.
I started with basic safety checks – replacing batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors. Next, I tackled the air quality by changing filters in both the furnace and air purifiers. These tasks take just minutes but offer peace of mind.
Stocking up became my next focus. I filled our supplies with essentials like toilet paper, paper towels, and cleaning products.
Pro tip: Store bulk items in easy-to-reach spots. I keep 16 rolls of toilet paper in the bathroom cabinet and refill it from our backup supply in the garage.
For the car, I did more than just a basic clean. I removed anything that could become a safety hazard and had our car seat installation checked at the local fire station. A clean, safe car made those first trips home feel much more comfortable.
Clean & Refresh Your Home
Now that the decluttering is done, let’s talk about creating a fresh, clean space. I found that having a sparkling home before the baby arrives brings such peace of mind.
Must-Do Cleaning Tasks:
Professional Services Worth Considering:
- Get the carpets professionally cleaned (especially if you have pets – those lingering allergens are no joke!)
- Schedule a one-time deep cleaning service in your third trimester
- Have your car detailed (trust me, a clean car feels amazing when you’re carting baby gear)
DIY Deep Clean Checklist:
- Start at the top of each room (fans, cabinets, shelves)
- Work your way down to walls and mirrors
- Clean all counters and fixtures
- Finish with baseboards and floors
- Deep clean all appliances:
- Run an empty dishwasher cycle with vinegar
- Clean refrigerator inside and out
- Empty the washing machine’s pump cleanout
Time-Saving Tip: Consider tackling one room per day instead of trying to do everything at once. I found this approach much more manageable with my growing belly!
Final Touches For A Smooth Transition
Emotional And Personal Prep
Setting up a personal space became my priority in those final weeks. I stocked my bedside table with items I knew I’d want close by – my favorite books, a good water bottle, and those late-night snacks.
This little corner became my sanctuary.
I also made time for self-care preparations. Simple things like getting a comfortable nursing chair and setting up a relaxing playlist helped me feel more ready for those long feeding sessions ahead.
Partner And Community Support
Getting help made such a difference. I planned small organizing sessions with friends who wanted to help – we called them “mini nesting parties.”
One friend helped sort baby clothes while another organized the kitchen cabinets.
My partner and I worked as a team, dividing tasks based on our strengths. While I handled the nursery setup, they tackled practical tasks like installing safety locks and checking smoke detectors.
Pro Tips For Successful Nesting
Break Tasks Into Phases
I learned that breaking down the work made everything feel more doable. Starting with one space at a time prevented that overwhelming feeling of having too much to handle.
Kitchen Setup Tips:
- Place everyday items near the dishwasher for easy unloading
- Keep cups and plates close to where you’ll use them
- Create a dedicated cabinet for baby-feeding items
- Store frequently used items at eye level
Design A Command Center
My kitchen desk area became our home’s control station. Here’s how I organized it:
- Created a spot for incoming mail
- Set up a simple filing system for important documents
- Kept a shared calendar visible
- Added hooks for keys and everyday items
Time-management tip: Focus on one section of your home per day. I found that tackling small areas in 30-minute sessions worked better than marathon cleaning days.
Conclusion
Nesting isn’t about creating a showroom-perfect home. It’s about preparing a space that supports you through one of life’s biggest changes. I found that checking off these tasks, one by one, helped calm those pre-baby butterflies.
Remember: you don’t need to finish everything on this list. Pick what matters most for your family and let the rest go. Some days, you’ll feel like organizing every drawer in sight; others, you’ll need to rest – both are perfectly fine.
What helped me most was remembering that babies need very little in those early days. They need a safe space to sleep, clean items to use, and, most importantly, your loving care.
Ready to start your nesting journey? Pick one small task and begin there. You’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Start?
My energy peaked in the second trimester, making it the ideal time to begin these projects.
What If I’m Not Expecting A Baby?
These organizing principles work for any life transition – a new home, career change, or a fresh start.
How Do I Avoid Getting Overwhelmed?
Start with essential spaces first. Focus on areas you use daily and remember that done is better than perfect.