Nesting Tips from a Pregnant Mama

If you are anything like me, you are having an overwhelming feeling to get your house in order before your baby arrives. My nesting instincts kicked in hard just as I approached 18 weeks pregnant. I woke up one Saturday morning with the urge to organize the pantry....so I did. As I kept opening closets and drawers throughout my house, my initial thought is "where did all this stuff come from?!" I need things to be clean and clutter free.

But, I tend to get a little scatterbrained without a plan. Telling myself I have plenty of time is key. No need to try and organize the entire house in one day.

So, here are some nesting tips to help you as you organize, declutter, clean, and prepare for baby.

1. Make a plan - You may have a few months or only a few days. Either way, don't get overwhelmed. Sit down and make a list of your priorities. List your top three "must get dones" for each day and focus on those (i.e. - organize the junk drawer, scrub the shower, and wipe down kitchen sink). It's always nice to put something on your list each day that is already done so you feel like you are already ahead of the game.

2. Stay on track - Don't put too many things on your to-do list for each day. And, don't devote a whole day of your list to things your aren't looking forward to because you'll get bored and move on without finishing. Finish one thing before moving to the next.

3. Make piles - Have a box (or bag) for recycle, trash, give away, and donate. As you work, figure out a plan for the give away and donate items. The faster you can get rid of those boxes and bags, the better you will feel.

4. Recruit help - My 2.5 year old is "helping" me. Well, he's keeping me good company anyway. But, perhaps you could ask a friend or relative to help out on the big jobs if you are pressed for time in exchange for dinner.

5. Separate emotions from reality - Ha! your are thinking "Ya, right, I am pregnant, remember?" It can be hard to part with some things. I tend to think "But surely I'll use it someday." My general rule of thumb has become  - if I haven't used it in a year or didn't even remember I had it in the first place, it might be worth passing along.

6. Be safe - Don't forget you are pregnant. Most household cleaners contain a lot of harmful chemicals. I suggest making a few cleaners and scrubs of your own using essenital oils and gentle soaps. There are many recipes out there for making these safe products and they are fairly inexpesive. It's worth it for your baby!

A 30 Day Nesting Challenge

(Not necessarilty 30 days in a row!)

Day 1 - Pantry
Day 2 - Windows and Sills
Day 3 - Bedroom Dressers
Day 4 - Linen Closet
Day 5 - Jewelry and Make-up
Day 6 - Bathroom Floors
Day 7 - Bookshelves
Day 8 - Kid's Closets
Day 9 - Under Kitchen and Bathroom Sinks
Day 10 - Garage
Day 11 - Kitchen Cabinets
Day 12 - Fridge and Freezer
Day 13 - Blinds and Curtains
Day 14 - Your Purse
Day 15 - Medicine/Vitamin Cabinet
Day 16 - Living Room Cabinets
Day 17 - Car
Day 18 - Showers/Tubs
Day 19 - Baseboards
Day 20 - Kitchend Drawers
Day 21 - The Baby's Room
Day 22 - Computer Desk
Day 23 - Your Closet
Day 24 - The Yard
Day 25 - Kid's Toys/Playroom
Day 26 - Attic/Storage Room
Day 27 - Under Beds
Day 28 - Mirrors
Day 29 - Vents
Day 30 - Random Cluttered Spaces/Baskets/Boxes/Nooks/Crannies

Organizing, minimizing and keeping money in my pocket

After spending two weekends cleaning out and organizing the garage, I am convinced that organized people have more money. I found six pair of cleaning gloves under the mountain of junk and construction materials. I am certain that I don't need six pair, but I ended up with that many because I couldn't find them when I needed them. Therefore, I went to the store and spent money on a new pair each time. Now, they have a home in my freshly organized cleaning closet and my garage is looking quite lovely.

I like clean. I like organized. I do not like mess. I do not like stress. (Am I sounding like Dr. Suess?) Organization makes me a happier wife and a more productive mommy.

One of my spring goals (that really started a few months ago) was to go through each room in my house one by one and get rid of anything I hadn't used since we moved into our house three years ago. I have a terrible habit of thinking "I'll use that one day." The truth is, really, that if I haven't used it in three years, and I haven't used it since I have had a baby, then chances are I won't use it in the future. So, it's out with the old and onto the curb. It amazes me how fast people will snatch up your junk off the curb. My trash is their treasure I guess!

So far, I've gone through each room and organized it once. Now comes the next round where I get down to the nitty gritty and truly ask myself if we will ever use these things. This is truly character building for me folks. It really isn't easy to part with some things. But, minimalistic is my goal and I will happily trudge forth for the sake of organization and my own sanity.

Okay, I am off to make sure my closet is staying color coded and collect another clothes pile for Goodwill. Wish me luck!

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