Hey there, Domestic Darlings! If you’re like me and navigating life in a small, cozy space, you know that organizing baby belongings can feel like a puzzle. My husband and I share the cutest little one-bedroom tiny house, and with baby girl on the way, finding a spot for all her essentials in our master bedroom was top priority. She may not have her own nursery, but we’ve managed to create a functional and adorable setup that works for us.
Today, I’m sharing how I organized baby clothes and essentials without a closet, walking you through the step-by-step process and sharing practical tips that you can try if you’re in a small space too. Trust me, if I can do it, so can you!
Finding the Perfect Storage Solution
When we faced the reality of limited closet space—our home has exactly ONE closet for everything—I knew I needed an alternative. After a bit of searching on Facebook Marketplace, I found the perfect armoire. It’s spacious enough for both our belongings and the baby’s, and fits beautifully along the one big wall in our bedroom. Half of this armoire is dedicated to her essentials, and I can’t wait to show you how I organized it all. But first, cleaning time!
Step 1: Cleaning and Prepping
If you’ve been nesting, you’ll know how satisfying it is to get everything clean and ready for baby. Although I had wiped down the armoire when we first set it up, it had been a few months, so as part of my Thursday cleaning routine, I gave it another good dusting. There’s something so satisfying about starting with a clean slate, don’t you think?
Organizing Baby Clothes and Essentials
Now comes the fun part—filling the armoire with all of baby girl’s things! Here’s exactly how I organized it to work for a tiny space like ours.
Step 2: Hanging Clothes
Since this armoire didn’t come with a closet rod, I added a tension rod to create a space for hanging her clothes. I also got those cute closet divider tags to organize her garments by size (i.e., newborn, 0-3 months, etc.). Seeing all those tiny onesies hanging up made my heart melt! You can find my Affiliate Links to all my baby essentials on Amazon here. (Paid link)
For practicality, I focused on affordable basics like onesies and sleepers. I know there will be blowouts and spit-up galore, so I kept it simple and comfy, trusting that friends and family will prooobably gift us fancier outfits along the way. 😛
Step 3: Folding Essentials
Foldable items—like burp cloths, swaddles, sleep sacks, and receiving blankets—went into baskets. I kept similar items grouped together and folded them neatly (for now). I do have a video on how to fold baby items like a pro if you want Pinterest-worthy organization, but I’ll be honest—once baby is here, things will probably get less “picture-perfect,” and I’m okay with that!
Step 4: Basket System for Easy Access
Baskets have been a game-changer in keeping everything functional. Here’s how I set mine up for baby’s essentials:
- Sleep Basket: This holds burp cloths, sleep sacks, receiving blankets, swaddles, and PJs. At bedtime, everything I need is in one place!
- Accessory Basket: This tiny but mighty basket is perfect for socks, bows, and other outfit add-ons.
- Washcloth Basket: I stocked this with washcloths since I know I’ll use them constantly for quick clean-ups and baby’s delicate neck rolls (hello, neck cheese!).
- Bath Basket: Towels, baby bath products, and grooming/medical supplies all live here for convenience.
Having these baskets keeps things sorted and easy to grab without adding clutter.
Step 5: “To Be Processed” Basket
To keep my sanity, I created a “to be processed” basket for anything I didn’t have time to fully organize yet. This includes clothes, toys, and feeding supplies that I’ll tackle in stages (e.g., after sterilizing bottles). It’s my way of staying on top of things without feeling overwhelmed.
Navigating the Emotional Side of Nesting
I have to say, folding those little onesies and organizing her tiny socks brought on all the emotions. After dreaming of having a family for so long, this moment felt so surreal. With every kick in my belly as I worked, I was reminded that she’ll be here soon and that all the effort I’m putting into this now will make our lives easier once she arrives.
For those of you also prepping for your first baby, give yourself some grace. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Done is better than perfect, and anything you do is a labor of love for your little one.
Final Thoughts
Even without a closet, organizing for baby in a small space is totally doable—you just have to get creative. Whether it’s adding a tension rod to an armoire or grouping essentials into baskets, the key is to make the setup work for YOU.
If you’re a fellow mama in a tiny space, I’d love to hear how you’re organizing for baby! What tips and tricks have made your life easier? Share in the comments below, and stay tuned for more updates from my nesting adventures.
Until next time, Domestic Darlings! 💕