Although they may be small, baby gear – diapers, bottles, cribs, and other baby necessities – can take up a significant amount of space. While some families may decide to upsize to a bigger home, that route may not be available for everyone. Luckily, with some clever maneuvering and storage ideas, there are plenty of ways to make the most out of your small space. 

Whether you’re renting an apartment in New York or are looking for ways to revamp a small bedroom into a stylish nursery in your Portland rental, we’ve got you covered. We reached out to experts for their best small apartment hacks to optimize your space so you can make room for your new bundle of joy. Check out these simple but genius ideas to help you prepare for your new adventure.

Change the way you think of storage

1. Get creative with your storage solutions

When it comes to raising a baby in a small space, organization and creativity are key. Vertical storage solutions like shelves and hooks can help you make the most of limited space. Over-the-door organizers are also great for staying organized and decluttered. Keep things tidy with baskets, bins, and boxes. Use these to store toys, clothes, shoes, and diapering supplies. Label them so you can always find what you need quickly and easily. Try using Command hooks to hang things like diapers, wipes, and other essential items, so they’re off the floor and out of the way. You can also use over-the-door organizers or under-bed storage containers to declutter toy boxes and dresser drawers. –Smartwebpreneur

2. Install wall cubbies to keep everything in its place

Establish a charming routine with lifetime benefits by installing a 4-cubby wall shelf with hooks next to a rocking chair. With your cubbies full of storybooks and tomorrow’s attire hanging conveniently below, your bedtime and morning rituals will effortlessly lend to years of stress-free living. –Mothers In Training

3. Keep the essentials within easy reach

One of my favorite mom organization hacks is creating an “everything mommy needs cart” with a tiered rolling cart. It’s a great item that can be repurposed as your child grows. Each tier holds the essentials that mom and baby need during those early weeks of having a newborn. Putting everything in the cart makes it easy to move around, and the tiers help maximize space, especially if space is limited. –FashionAveMom

4. Don’t forget about vertical storage

One of my favorite small apartment hacks is to get vertical. Look around, and you’ll see plenty of unused wall space near the ceiling. Shelves, baskets, and hanging rods can create a whole new space for storage. As for the baby, think mini and multifunctional. Think outside the small box. –Our Family Lifestyle

5. Create an easy-to-remember drop zone to keep shoes from wandering away

As a mother who has raised four kids born within a year, including triplets, I learned through trial and error that being organized was key to my mom’s sanity, especially on school days. Even if you don’t have multiples like our family, hurriedly herding one or more little ones out the door for morning carpool can quickly turn chaotic. Instead of having to make a mad dash around the house looking for a missing shoe when it’s time to get the kids to school on time, place a small laundry basket near the front door and get your child(ren) in the habit of storing their footwear there when they walk into the house. Easy peasy, mommy meltdown averted. –Mommy Blog Expert

Once you decide on the best layout for your baby, time to dress up the space

6. Embrace minimalism 

The more boring the sleep space is, the better your baby will sleep. Too many decorations, mobiles, crib toys, and anything else that can be put into a nursery can be stimulating for a baby who is trying to settle into sleep. Small equals simple, and that’s all a baby needs for healthy sleep. Sound machines are an absolute must. If your baby is sleeping in a small space, using a sound machine to help block out any extra noises around their space will help them fall asleep and stay asleep. If the space is too small for a sound machine, pop it outside their door or in the hallway instead. –Restful Parenting

7. Don’t forget to add blackout curtains in your small nursery

Extra thick curtains will block out the sun and help your baby sleep better and longer. Parents will appreciate a well-rested and happy baby and the extra time to get things done. –A Mom’s Take

8. Check out your local library for books and toys

A great small apartment hack is to consider using the library more often if you’re short on space or just want to avoid having too many toys around. Libraries are not just an excellent resource for books but also for baby toys. The kid sections often have a wide selection of toys to choose from, and you can borrow them for free (or play with them there). This is a great way to try out different books and toys before you buy them. Plus, it can save you a lot of money and help you avoid clutter in your home. -Children’s book author, Shana Bull, Randall the Blue Spider

9. Create environments that include soothing and stimulating elements

Having both soothing and stimulating elements promote healthy growth and development in different ways. Soothing environments promote self-regulation and rest, while stimulating environments promote curiosity and learning. Elements to consider when creating a soothing environment for an infant include plush rattles, chimes, calming lullaby music, a white noise machine, and soothing light machines. For a stimulating environment, include toys with high color contrast, stackable toys, noise-makers (i.e., toys that squeak), textured fabrics, baby-safe mirrors, children’s books, and space for your infant to explore. –OC Psychology Center for Assessment & Psychotherapy

10. Pare it down to the essentials

Less is more when planning out a small space for your child. The brain is easily overstimulated, and with all the stimulation we get in daily life, white space and fewer items maximize emotional regulation. If nothing else, bring in a few earth tones to mimic the calm and balance nature offers. –The Behavior Hub

Opt for items that grow with your baby

11. Consider purchasing multipurpose baby items 

You need way less stuff for a baby than you might think. Save space and money by multi-purposing items. Use a tummy time blanket as a changing pad and use muslin blankets as swaddles, burp cloths, nursing covers, and window coverings for the car. –The Lit Mom Blog

12. Pare it down to the essentials with multifunctional baby gear

Being organized with tiny baby items everywhere can be tricky. Keeping things simple and multipurpose can help minimize clutter and cut down on the amount of space they can take up. Outfits that can be used for sleep and play are always great to have available in a small bin next to the changing table. Footies with reversible feet are great because they can be neatly folded, and you can fit a ton of them into a tiny area. A quick and easy outfit change at home or on the go. –Willow+Co

13. Remember, less is more 

Babies grow out of clothes pretty quickly, so you have to organize often to avoid clutter. A smart small apartment hack is going through your baby’s clothes at least two times a year (summer and winter) and organizing them by months 0-3, 6-9, 9-12, and 1-2T so you can sell, donate or give away. It may be tempting to buy every cute baby outfit you see but purchase mindfully to reduce waste and clutter. Remember that babies and kids grow really fast and chances are, they don’t need all the clothes you want to buy. –Mommy Diary

14. At the end of the day, create a system that works for you

Being a new parent brings excitement to buying new things because we think our babies will love them. Babies have simple happiness: being fed, cuddled, talked to, and played with my Mom and Dad. Invest in time and experiences rather than material things. Your home will be less cluttered, and you’ll have more money to save and spend on more meaningful things. –Mommy Bloggers Philippines