January 23, 2026

How to Organise a Nursery (and Set It Up to Support Everyday Life)

Setting up a nursery is a beautiful milestone, but it can also feel unexpectedly overwhelming. Tiny clothes, nappies, feeding supplies, toys, and “just in case” items add up quickly and without systems in place, the space can feel cluttered before baby even arrives.

At Simplify My Home, we believe a nursery should feel calm, functional, and emotionally supportive. Not perfect. Not styled for show. Simply organised in a way that makes daily life easier during one of the biggest transitions a family experiences.

Start With Real Life, Not Aesthetic Decisions

Before choosing storage or styling the room, begin with function.

Think about:

Where nappy changes will happen day and night
Where feeding will realistically take place
What you’ll need access to one-handed
What you’ll reach for daily versus occasionally

When a nursery is designed around routines instead of appearance, it naturally feels easier to use and easier to maintain.

Create Clear, Functional Zones

Zoning brings structure, reduces decision fatigue, and makes the space intuitive to use.

Changing Zone
This should only contain true essentials - nappies, wipes, cream, spare clothes, and change mat covers. Shallow drawers and open containers allow fast access without disruption.

Clothing Zone
Avoid overfilling drawers. Store only current sizes in everyday spaces, using dividers to separate categories. Future sizes should be stored separately and labelled to prevent forgotten clothing and visual clutter.

Feeding Zone
Whether breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or both, a small, contained feeding zone creates calm during night feeds. Burp cloths, bottles or pump parts, snacks, and water for you should all live within easy reach.

Care & Health Zone
Group practical items like thermometers, nail clippers, brushes, baby care products, and medicines together. This prevents frantic searching when you need something quickly.

Use Labels and Storage Systems

Loose items create visual clutter and mental overwhelm. Contained storage with clear labelling allows everything to have a home.

Clear or open containers:

Make items easy to see
Reduce overbuying
Support fast tidy-ups
Make systems easier for partners and helpers to follow

Organisation works best when it’s simple, visible, and intuitive.

Use Vertical Space With Purpose

Vertical storage helps keep floor space clear and the room feeling open. Higher shelving and baskets are ideal for items used less frequently, while daily essentials should remain easily accessible.

This balance keeps the room functional without feeling crowded.

Design for Growth and Change

A nursery should never be static. Babies grow, routines change, and needs evolve.

Avoid overfilling storage, overcommitting space, or designing systems for only one stage. Flexibility allows the room to adapt naturally without constant resets or stress.