Case Study: Helping a Growing Family Move and Prepare for Baby

At Neatly by Kristen, we know how overwhelming major life transitions can be — especially when it involves both moving and preparing for a new baby at the same time! This past May, I had the pleasure of working with Allegra, a busy mom, who was 35 weeks pregnant and getting ready to move into a newly renovated, larger apartment to accommodate her growing family. Knowing firsthand the challenges of balancing a big move and the arrival of a new baby, I was thrilled to step in and help make the process smoother for her.

The Challenge: Preparing for a Move and a New Baby

Allegra reached out to me because she needed help with purging, packing, and organizing her new home before her baby’s arrival in July. With the baby coming soon, the timeline was tight, and she wanted to make sure the move was as seamless as possible.

We quickly got to work, starting with a room-by-room editing process. Together, we went space by space, sorting items into three main categories: Keep, Donate, and Trash. The goal was to eliminate clutter and make sure only the most important items made it into the new home.

Step 1: Decluttering and Purging

As we moved through Allegra’s current apartment, we sorted through everything—from kitchen gadgets to clothes, to baby gear and toys. With a growing family, it was important to create more space and only keep what was necessary or meaningful.

I provided donation services for Allegra, which included both local drop-offs and mail-away options for items that no longer fit her family’s needs. Meanwhile, trash was immediately removed to help clear the space and bring a sense of calm into the process.

Step 2: Organizing the New Space

Once we had sorted everything, the next step was to plan how Allegra’s family’s belongings would fit into their new home. We created an organization strategy and system that mapped out where each item would live in their new apartment. This included everything from kitchen essentials to baby gear, all the way down to toys,  clothing and music gear (Allegra is an incredible jazz musician!).

Products were carefully selected and purchased to help implement these systems, ensuring that everything had a designated place.

Step 3: Moving In and Organizing for Baby

When the time came to move into the new apartment, the real fun began! We unpacked and set up each room, following the organization strategy we had created. Every item found its place, and we set up dedicated zones for all of the new baby gear, including nursing supplies, feeding essentials, and diapering stations.

I guided Allegra through her new systems, making sure everything was easily accessible for those hectic early days with a newborn. The goal was to make her new home not only beautiful but also functional, helping her family stay organized as they welcomed their new little one.

Looking Ahead: The Next Stage of Organization

With Allegra’s baby arriving in July, we’re already planning our next session for October. By then, she’ll be returning to work, and we’ll focus on adjusting the current systems to meet the demands of her new routine. We’ll refresh her home, making sure it’s equipped with organizational solutions that help her balance life as a working mom of two.

“Neatly by Kristen changed our lives. Now that we know where everything is in our home, we can breathe, we can cook, and we can even host! Every space is clear at last, making our entire lives feel calm, welcoming, and more joyful than ever.”

Allegra, Murray Hill, NYC