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So you’ve managed to survive morning sickness, Lamaze class, and an over eager mother-in-law. You’ve learned to effortlessly negotiate your belly behind the wheel of your new SUV and to ignore the lies shouted at you daily from your scale. You even made it all the way through your baby shower, sucking in your belly the whole time to keep those, “You look amazing!” comments coming. But now, here you are, in the middle of your living room floor surrounded by a sea of baby booties, breast pads, and binkies. You feel overwhelmed almost to the point of tears. But don’t worry first time mom – you are about to get it all under control by following these few simple steps on how to organize all those presents from your baby shower.
Get something to eat and drink, you are going to need sustenance (but put a lid on that drink unless you want the first stain on that Boppy to be from your cranberry juice cocktail).
The Big Stuff. These are the items that require assembly or time to read an instruction manual, like an ExerSaucer, crib, or stroller system. Place the boxed items in the baby’s room and open one item every two days. Create a file folder for owner’s manuals and warranty information and keep it in a safe place. You’ll be glad you have it if you need to order replacement parts or in the unlikely event something breaks. Also, grab an envelope to fill with product registration cards and place it with your unpaid bills. The next time you or your spouse sit down to pay bills, fill them out and put them in mail (or fill them out online). That way you will be sure to be notified of any safety recalls.
Sorting: Phase 1. For this step, you will only need to make two piles – Things I Need Now and Things I Will Need Later (you could add a third pile for Things I Will Never Need, like Aunt Martha’s hand knitted sippy cup cozy).
The Things I Need Now pile should include items like:
Now you will need some clear totes like these. Everything that will not be put to use in the near future can be stored in them. Put clothing in one, toys and books in another. Stack them on the floor of your baby’s closet, close the door and, for now, you can forget about them.
Sorting: Phase 2. You will need four laundry baskets or boxes for this step.
Now you can sit back and pat yourself on the back (or the shoulder – let’s be realistic) for a job well done. If you get more gifts for the baby, place them in their designated location the same day you receive them. That way you can keep your house in perfect working order for the arrival of your little one.
