Spit-up On My Shoulder

Recently I interviewed Denise Williams, a professional organizer and mother of two from Riverside, California. I’ve known Denise since fourth grade and she was organized even as a nine-year-old!

Denise provided a wealth of information on how pregnant women and new moms can get organized and, therefore, lower their stress. Over the next few weeks I will share my interview with her and her fabulous tips.

MB: Denise, what can new moms do to find some sense of organization in their busy lives?

DW: Fatigue and higher sensitivity leads to easily feeling overwhelmed if your system is not simple. All things should be labeled. Label with words, photos, and/or pictures to enlist help from younger children, Dad, and other family and friends.

All items should be “zoned” or grouped, in containers with “like” things.
When you are tired, this goes a long way!

The container should fit the size of the item (example: small toys in small containers) and should be open-topped when possible (baskets, bins, or containers to match room).

Be realistic about where you use things…the baby’s room is beautiful, but prevent clutter in other rooms where baby lives by having a container for a small supply of diapers, wipes, and ointments. Also a basket or container for toys and books for quick pick-ups.

When you accept hand-me-downs, only accept clothes your child will wear in a couple of years. Keep them in separate clear bins, labeled with the size (one size per container, if possible, or clearly separated) and kept in a separate part of the closet, garage, or spare closet. Also keep a bin in the closet, for clothes that they outgrow and, when it gets full, donate them!

Part 2’s topic: Organizing all those pieces of paper