Organizing a baby’s closet can feel overwhelming, especially with all the tiny clothes, accessories, and baby gear that seem to multiply overnight. When I was expecting my first baby, I remember standing in front of the little closet, feeling both excited and completely clueless about where to start. If you’re in the same boat, don’t worry—you’re not alone. With a few simple strategies, you can transform that cluttered space into an organized, functional haven that makes your life easier.

Why Organizing Your Baby’s Closet Matters

At first glance, it might seem like overkill to spend time organizing such tiny clothes. But trust me, when you’re sleep-deprived at 3 a.m., searching for that one clean onesie, you’ll appreciate a neatly arranged closet.

Here’s why organizing your baby’s closet is more than just a fun nesting activity:

• Saves Time: You’ll spend less time searching for clothes and more time snuggling with your little one.
• Maximizes Space: Baby clothes are small, but all the extras—blankets, diapers, shoes—can quickly take over. Organization helps you make the most of limited space.
• Reduces Stress: Knowing exactly where everything is can make those chaotic parenting moments feel a bit more manageable.
• Keeps Track of Sizes: Babies grow fast, and having an organized closet helps you stay on top of what fits and what doesn’t.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to get your baby’s closet in tip-top shape.

Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate

Before you dive into organizing, take everything out of the closet. Yes, everything. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but it’s the best way to see what you have and what you really need.

When I did this, I was shocked at how many duplicate items I had—three nearly identical white onesies in the same size, for example. Clearing everything out gives you a fresh perspective and helps you avoid cluttering the space again.

Pro Tip:

While the closet is empty, take the opportunity to give it a good wipe-down. Babies have sensitive skin, so using gentle, non-toxic cleaners is key.

Step 2: Sort and Categorize

Once you’ve got everything out, it’s time to sort. This is where you’ll start to see the magic happen.

Sort by:

• Size: Babies outgrow clothes so quickly, it’s helpful to organize by size—newborn, 0-3 months, 3-6 months, etc.
• Season: If you live in a place with distinct seasons, separate summer and winter clothes.
• Type of Clothing: Group onesies, pajamas, socks, hats, and other categories together.

I remember finding a stash of 6-month onesies that I completely forgot about until my daughter was already in 9-month clothes. Sorting by size and type helps prevent that from happening to you.

Step 3: Purge the Unnecessary

Let’s be honest—not everything needs to go back into the closet. Now’s the time to be ruthless. If you have clothes that:

• Don’t fit yet and are off-season, consider storing them separately.
• Have stains or damage that can’t be fixed, it’s time to let them go.
• You don’t love or won’t use, donate them to someone who will.

I found it surprisingly hard to let go of some adorable outfits, even if they didn’t make sense for my baby’s needs. But trust me, clearing the clutter feels amazing.

Step 4: Use the Right Storage Solutions

Now that you’ve sorted and purged, it’s time to put everything back in an organized way. The key is using storage solutions that make sense for your space and lifestyle.

• Hanging Organizers: Use small hangers to hang dresses, jackets, and outfits you want to keep wrinkle-free. I loved using size dividers on the rod to separate clothes by month—it made it super easy to grab what I needed.
• Bins and Baskets: For smaller items like socks, hats, and mittens, bins and baskets are lifesavers. Label them so you can quickly find what you need. I even kept a bin labeled “Too Small” for clothes my baby outgrew—once it filled up, I knew it was time to sort through and donate or store them.
• Drawer Dividers: If your closet has drawers or if you’re using a dresser inside the closet, drawer dividers are game-changers. They keep tiny clothes from getting jumbled and make it easy to see everything at a glance.
• Over-the-Door Storage: If you’re short on space, over-the-door organizers are perfect for storing shoes, bibs, or even extra diapers.

Step 5: Make It Easy to Maintain

The hardest part of organizing a baby closet isn’t setting it up—it’s keeping it organized as your baby grows and your needs change. Here’s how to make sure your system stays functional:

• Rotate Clothes Regularly: Every month or two, do a quick check to pull out anything your baby has outgrown.
• Have a Donation Bin Handy: Keep a small basket or bag nearby for clothes that no longer fit.
• Label Everything: The clearer your system is, the easier it’ll be to stick to it, even when you’re in a rush.

Step 6: Personalize the Space

Organizing doesn’t have to be boring! Adding a personal touch can make the space feel special and fun.

• Use Cute Labels: I used adorable, pastel-colored labels for bins and baskets, which made the closet feel cheerful every time I opened it.
• Add a Pop of Color: A little wallpaper or decorative shelf liners can make a huge difference.
• Display Special Items: If you have a sentimental outfit, like the one your baby wore home from the hospital, consider hanging it as a sweet reminder.

Embrace the Process

Organizing your baby’s closet isn’t just about making it look good—it’s about creating a space that makes your life easier and less stressful. I can’t tell you how many times I breathed a sigh of relief when I could quickly grab a clean onesie in the middle of the night without digging through piles of clothes.

Remember, this is a process, and it’s okay if it takes some trial and error to find what works best for you. Every baby (and every parent!) is different, so don’t stress if your closet doesn’t look Pinterest-perfect. The goal is to create a space that works for you and your little one.

So take a deep breath, dive in, and enjoy this little part of preparing for your baby’s arrival—or making life smoother if they’re already here. You’ve got this!