Are you expecting a new baby in the next few weeks?
I totally get it, the anticipation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time.
But don’t worry, I’ve got your back!
I’ve rounded up my top 5 tips for getting your home ready for your new arrival in just two weeks.
As a mom who’s been through the newborn phase, I’ve gathered some unique ideas and tips that you might not have thought of before!
1. Declutter your home
Decluttering your home can sound like a daunting task, especially when you’re expecting a newborn! But it’s easier than you think to get your home ready for your newest addition. (Optional: Honestly, decluttering has always been overwhelming for me, but I feel SO much better when I declutter my space. It is always worth the effort for me!)
Here are some steps to follow to declutter before baby arrives:
Step 1: Choose two or three rooms that you frequent most often (most likely your living room, kitchen, and bedroom).
Step 2: Start by noticing where things tend to pile up. For me, that’s always been my office space and basement. A week ago I had camera lenses, batteries, flashes, and more. In our basement we had many linens that I used when I cleaned, two kayaks we never use, and baby clothes upon baby clothes. For electronics, maybe you can sell them to a game store. Or pick a weekend, make a garage sale sign, put it out 2–3 weeks before, and host a garage sale. If that all sounds terrible, see if you know someone who would be willing to take a load to our local thrift store—here in Knoxville that’s KARM—or Goodwill. Find a new place for these items to go so they stop piling up!
Step 3: Let’s “Marie Kondo” your stuff! (Optional: Let’s clear out what you don’t need or want anymore.) Go through each drawer, cabinet, and shelf and ask yourself, “Do I still need/want this item?”
Step 4: Make 3 piles: “Keep, Donate, Toss,” and put everything into one of those piles.
Step 5: Organize the “keep” items, throw away the “toss” items (or recycle if possible), and give away the “donate.”
My favorite quotes for this are:
" If I don’t use it anymore, I need to thank it for the time it served me and release it"
" If I can’t say an instant yes within 7 seconds, I don’t need it."
Turn on some music and make it fun! Ask a friend to come over and help. What are some ways you get motivated to declutter? Add your own personal experiences and advice here!
By following these simple steps over the course of just a few days or a weekend, you can quickly create a stress-free and comfortable newborn-ready environment in your own home.
2. Batch cook
The thought of cooking a ton of food in one go can be intimidating, but batch cooking is a lifesaver—especially when you’re getting ready to welcome your newborn into the world. You’ll thank yourself later!
Here are a few simple steps to follow to get started:
Step 1: Plan out your meals. Choose recipes that are easy to make in large quantities, and make a list of all the ingredients you will need. (Optional: suggest some of your favorite meals to batch plan and/or include links to recipes and/or create a freebie download/opt-in with the recipe links.)
Step 2: Go grocery shopping. Try to do this a few days before you plan to start cooking so you have everything you need on hand.
Step 3: Set aside a block of time to cook. Depending on how much you want to make, you may need several hours or even a full day to get everything done. Consider getting the help of a friend or family member to make it more fun!
Step 4: Cook in batches. Prepare one recipe at a time and portion it into individual servings. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and be sure to label everything with the name of the dish and the date it was made.
Step 5: Freeze your meals. Once everything is cooked and portioned, place the containers in the freezer. They will keep for several months, so you can have a variety of meals ready to go whenever you need them.
By following these steps, you can create a stockpile of nutritious, homemade meals that will make the first few weeks with your newborn a little bit easier! I really like soups. I’ll be honest—I’ve never been a soup person, but when it comes to making meals for postpartum, soups are filling and nourishing.
3. Stock up on essentials (& not just baby essentials)
You’re likely already thinking about things like diapers, wipes, bottles, etc. But have you considered stocking up on regular household items like paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher soap…?
My best tip would be to set these items up on Amazon Subscribe & Save so they’ll show up on your doorstep and you never have to worry about running out those first few months with your newborn! (Optional: include your own tips on things to stock up on, your favorite website to buy in bulk or have things shipped. Bonus if these businesses are local to you!)
Put together a baby care basket
A baby care basket—sometimes called a “downstairs” basket—is a lifesaver those first few weeks home with a new baby.
Oftentimes, you’re in one space with the baby for most of the day and find yourself “trapped” under a sleeping baby without the supplies you need!
A baby care basket can solve that for you. Basically, it’s a container you can keep in each room of the house that has all the essentials for baby so you’re not running around from room to room getting the things you need. Usually, the baby care basket includes diapers, wipes, burp cloths, extra clothes, pacifiers, and anything else you might need for the baby frequently. I also like to include things for mom like nipple cream, breast pads, and chapstick.
In addition to keeping you from running from room to room, a baby care basket will help you stay organized and keep your home clutter-free.
4. Light your home the right way
Maybe this is important to me because I’m a photographer—I don’t know 😉—but lighting is one I don’t see talked about too often!
Proper lighting can help create a calm and comfortable atmosphere for both you and your baby.
First, look at the rooms you’ll spend the most time in (typically kitchen, living room, bedrooms). You’ll want to consider the type of lighting you have in each.
Do you want to add a lamp option (yes, even in the kitchen)?
Under-cabinet lights?
How about a dimmer switch for the overhead lights?
What about small wall plug-in lights to help light the way in the halls for the middle of the night?
The right lighting can help frustrating or overly stimulating situations feel much more calm and peaceful. (
Finally, safety is also a consideration when it comes to lighting.
Make sure that all cords and outlets are safely tucked away and secured to prevent tripping or electrical hazards.
5. Prepare YOUR wardrobe
Of course we’re thinking a lot about how to prepare for the baby, but don’t forget about yourself!
Preparing your wardrobe for the first 2–3 weeks postpartum is an important step in getting ready for the arrival of your new baby. I liked to have at least 3–4 pieces of clothing I could rotate. I mean, let’s be honest—regardless of how big our closet is, we likely all have some sort of capsule wardrobe. You don’t need a whole new selection of clothes. Maybe a pair of leggings, a dress, a T-shirt, and another dress or jumper that’s breastfeeding-friendly and comfy.
Comfort and functionality are key during this time! You’ll want to focus on loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can accommodate changes in your body shape and allow for easy breastfeeding access if you plan to breastfeed. (Optional: share your favorite local or online store to get clothing like this.)
Consider investing in a few nursing bras, loose-fitting pants or leggings, and comfortable tops that are easy to pull up or down. Some women also find it helpful to have a couple of nursing-friendly dresses on hand for a dressier option. I know this sounds crazy, but when I looked for maternity clothes I found so many wonderful items at the East Towne KARM. Target also has many items, but I truly loved thrifting most of my maternity options—jeans that fit, cute shoes for my swollen feet, etc.
p.s Another thing to keep in mind is that you will likely still be bleeding for a few weeks, so having a few pairs of comfortable and absorbent underwear or postpartum pads on hand is a good idea.
Remember, the key to preparing your wardrobe for the first few weeks postpartum is to prioritize comfort and practicality.
By doing so, you can focus on bonding with your new baby without worrying about your clothing or as much discomfort postpartum!
