Are you expecting a newborn in the next few weeks or next month? I get it, the anticipation can be exciting and overwhelming all at the same time. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back! I’ve rounded up my top 5 tips for getting your home ready for your new arrival that can talk only two weeks! And don’t worry, you won’t have to paint a room like I tried doing before my daughter arrived.

1. Batch Cook

Honestly, I barely remember most days from the first two months of when my daughter was born. The last thing I wanted to do was cook because I was up every 2 hours, taking care of my daughter for an hour, and then going back to sleep, just to repeat it all over again.

But don’t worry! Batch cooking is a lifesaver. I wish I would have done this, and you’ll thank yourself later!

Here are a few simple steps to get started:

Step 1: Plan out your meals. Choose recipes that are easy to make and in large servings (soups are great for this). Make an ingredient list of everything you need.

I really like freezer prep meals, just because they last for months in the freezer!

Step 2: Go grocery shopping. I recommend doing this a few days before you start to cook so you can make sure you have everything you need.

Step 3: Set aside some time to cook your meals. Depending on how much you’re cooking, you may need a few hours or a full day to get it all done. I like to cook the meat and prep the veggies one day and then put everything together on another day.

Step 4: Cook in batches. Put together one recipe at a time. Use freezer safe containers or bags (if using bags, I would use two incase anything spills). Make sure to label everything with the name of the meal and the date it was made. You can also add the recipe itself to the bag with some tape or put it into the outer bag. 5 freezer meals tend to take me around 3 hours when I cook the meat and cut the veggies before hand.

Step 5: Put your meals in the container and freeze them. Again, these last several months, so you can have a variety of ready to go meals whenever you need them. I like to cook one meal, serve, and then put it in the fridge for the next day.

By following these steps, you can create a stockpile of nutritious, homemade meals that will last the first few weeks and make life a little easier. Don’t want to cook? You can also find someone local who delivers frozen homecooked meals!

2. Declutter your home

Decluttering a home can sound overwhelming, especially when you are expecting a newborn, and probably have at least one toddler. But don’t worry, it’s easier than you think. If you know me, decluttering, organizing, and cleaning are one of my biggest challenges in my home!

Here are a few steps to follow to make decluttering easier:

Step 1: Choose a few rooms that you frequent often (think of your kitchen, living room, and bedroom).

Step 2: Pick a spot where things to tend to pile up the most. For me, it’s usually the living room on my couches (where I do laundry) and on the floor (where my daughter plays with her toys).

Step 3: Now let’s clear out what you don’t need or want anymore. For example, if you want to do a dresser in your bedroom, go through each drawer at a time and ask, “Do I still need or want this item?”

Step 4: Make 2 piles and grab a trash bag. The two piles will be “Keep” and “Donate.” And of course, the trash bag is for well…trash. You’ll want to put everything into one of those piles or in the trash bag.

Step 5: Organize the “keep” items and put them back. Put the “donate” items in a box or bag to give away. And of course, you’re trash items should already be in the trash bag to be thrown in the garbage.

Ask a friend to come over and help. Personally, I tend to get the urge to clean and organize specific spaces, so I’ll take a few days to go through everything or I tend to get too overwhelmed.

By doing these steps over the course of a few days, you can quickly and easily create a newborn-ready environment for your home!

3. Stock up on Essentials

And no, I’m not talking about things like diapers, wipes, bottles, etc., which is what you’re probably thinking about.

Have you considered regular household items such as paper towels, toilet paper, dishwasher and laundry soap, and anything else you use regularly?

My best tip would be to make a list and go to the grocery store a few days before your little one will be coming so you’re set for at least the first few weeks to a month. Or, you can always use Amazon Subscribe and Save.

Another few things I suggest you stock up on include: toothpaste, maybe paper plates and silverware, and of course, post partum items!

Enjoying these tips? Continue to Part 2!

I hope reading these first few tips on simple steps to prepare you home for your newborn’s arrival has given you some solid ideas. If you’re still looking for a Minot, ND newborn photographer, click here to see my portfolio of newborn images!