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!).
Toiletries, beyond the obvious:
Contacts + Glasses
Chapstick — I’ve been warned that chapped lips in the hospital are inevitable!
Makeup Wipes
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
Baby’s “Going Home Outfit”
Swaddle(s)
Muffuletta-Inspired Salad
BBQ Chicken Wontons
Whole Roasted BBQ Cauliflower
A healthy showstopper for a weeknight side or vegetarian main, Rendezvous’ seasoning and sauce give these florets a smoky, crispy, and slightly sweet exterior and fork-tender center. Brush, bake, enjoy — it’s that easy!
1 whole cauliflower, leaves removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Rendezvous sauce
1 tablespoon Rendezvous seasoning
Preheat oven to 375F. In a Dutch oven, brush bottom of pot and top of cauliflower head with olive oil. Sprinkle liberally with Rendezvous seasoning and brush to disperse on the florets. Cover and bake to steam for 30 minutes. Turn up oven to 400F, remove lid, and roast for 15 minutes. Carefully remove Dutch oven and brush cauliflower with Rendezvous sauce. Return to oven for 5-10 more minutes until golden. Serve hot.