How We Maximized A Single-Rod Closet for Our Baby Nursery

 

When embarking on our baby boy’s nursery plans, the need for storage was an immediate launch point for a conversation surrounding our closet: an 11-foot-wide by 2-foot-deep closet with a single rod. At the time, it was filled from end to end with out-of-season clothing and coats. We knew that, particularly for a tiny human, relying on just a single rod would not work out in the long run. We debated buying a dresser for inside of the closet, but even a typical size would protrude through the doorway!

Here was our closet wishlist:

  • Drawers

  • Hanging rods

  • Deep shelves for either side of the closet — since it’s too skinny to walk into or easily reach!

  • Overhead storage for items that aren’t needed everyday

  • An organizing solution categorized by baby’s clothing size

I called Trazo Design, who swept in with a vision that would work well not only now but throughout our baby boy’s childhood. The Container Store’s custom closet center designed a modular system that would be amenable to growth spurts and evolving needs (such as more hangers instead of bins!). Scroll to see the custom closet floor plan and how it came to life!

SHOP THE STORAGE

I love that Trazo takes extra time to fill every nook and cranny with the right items. Drawer dividers, adorable labels, and approachable folding techniques put everything in their perfect place! These pros are the reason I feel so ready when I walk into this space. Now we’re just ready to welcome baby!

 

What I’m Packing in Our Hospital Bag

 

With so much appreciated input, we’ve finalized our list of what to bring with us to welcome baby boy! We’re fortunate to have family close by in case there’s something we might need or miss, and I’ll admit some suggestions had me questioning if we were planning for delivery or vacation? Ha! But nonetheless, these items will make our hospital room feel a little more like home and the initial postpartum hours more comfortable.

Charger with an extra long cord — To reach your hospital bed for all of those sweet first selfies and FaceTimes!

Sleep masks + Mini sound machine — To take advantage of every minute of sleep we can get considering how noisy hospitals can be (and how many will be in and out of our room!).

Pillows + Blankets

Cot Mattress Pad for Alex’s Hospital Chair

Bath Towels

Extra? Yes. Will we regret it? No.


Toiletries, beyond the obvious:

Contacts + Glasses

Chapstick — I’ve been warned that chapped lips in the hospital are inevitable!

Makeup Wipes

Dry Shampoo

Mouthwash

Shampoo

Advil/Excedrin for Alex — Pro suggestion since the hospital cannot give anything to Alex!


Large Refillable Water Bottle — We are unashamedly loving the Stanley cup right now.

Snacks! — We will both get hungry at certain points post-delivery!

Amazon Fire Stick — For the TV in our hospital room!

Robe — I’ve been loving this one!

Nursing-Friendly Pajamas — This set is so, so soft, and I love the kimono look.

Slippers + Socks

Shower Shoes

Baby’s “Going Home Outfit”

Swaddle(s)

 

Baby Bath Toys

 

We're Having a Baby Boy!

 

I’m still pinching myself that we’re growing our family in March with a baby boy!

We received a sealed (and stapled) envelope from our doctor one month ago with the gender; and despite the urge to rip it open immediately, we waited for a special moment to learn what we are welcoming into the world.

After numerous, comical brainstorm sessions to think through a unique reveal for both me and Alex and our loved ones. we landed on a sweet surprise display after our Jewish New Year services and festivities. I gave the reins to my mom (Shindigs by Sheril), who devised direction for different scenarios without knowing the gender herself. She handed over the envelope to a friend and florist, Paula Payton, who converted life-size Alpha Lit Memphis/Oxford letters in either “G-I-R-L” or “B-O-Y” into vessels of beautiful fresh flowers. Paula’s perfect display was delivered to our home — alongside baby blue linens and flower arrangements throughout our home — while we were at Rosh Hashanah celebrations. All I knew was that we’d be walking into a surprise!

Alex and I arrived home and were so happy to have an intimate moment to learn the news — just the two of us. Of course, Christen Jones was right inside the doorway to capture the reveal as we entered to see BOY in front of our fireplace! I was convinced it’d be a boy during my entire first trimester, so this affirmation was such an exhilarating moment.

Our immediate family arrived soon after for a lunch of New York bagels (and Smallcakes Collierville blue mini cookie sandwiches, of course). They were also floored by the unexpected greeting!

Alex and I spent the rest of the afternoon FaceTiming, welcoming family and friends-like-family through our front door, and witnessing so many hilarious reactions to the news.

We are so thrilled to have a baby boy on the way, and I am beyond appreciative of the overflowing messages, sweet thoughts, and recommendations.

Let the #caramelizedbaby journey begin! xo

 
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