How to Turn a Spare Room into a Nursery (and Smart Ways to Store the Old Stuff)

Turning a spare room into a nursery starts with a simple plan that helps you clear space, organize what you want to keep in reserve, and build a cozy setup for your growing family. Once you decide what stays, what gets packed away, and how you want the room to feel, the whole transformation starts to feel surprisingly fun.

Start With a Clean Slate and a Quick Revamp

Before paint colors and cute crib bedding take over, give the room a light tidy. Spare bedrooms, home offices, craft spaces, and even old man caves tend to collect years of “I’ll deal with that later” items. A quick clean and surface spruce up helps you see the room clearly so you can picture the nursery layout from the start.

This is also the perfect moment to sort things into simple groups. Office supplies you still want to pack away, craft bins you plan to keep for a rainy day, or hobby gear you use occasionally can all be boxed and labeled. Anything that doesn’t need to be part of your new daily rhythm can be stored for later. Public Storage offers self-storage units in a wide range of sizes, making it easy to stash the items you want to save during the transition.

How Do You Decide What to Pack Away?

The easiest approach is to focus on what won’t serve the nursery right now. If the room held a desk, shelves, or a crafting setup, decide which pieces are worth keeping. Many families pack away seasonal decor, small furniture, workout accessories, or hobby materials that still serve a purpose but don’t work with the new layout.

Once everything is sorted, pack items into sturdy bins and label them clearly. This tiny step makes a big difference when you’re searching for something later. For larger pieces that won’t fit in closets or corners, a storage unit gives your home extra breathing room and keeps the nursery from feeling crowded before it even gets started.

Design the Nursery with Ease

With the old stuff tucked away, shift your attention to the fun part: creating the actual nursery. Start by measuring the room so you can map out where the crib, dresser, and chair will go. Many parents enjoy using soft lighting, calm colors, and simple decor to make the space feel inviting. A small bookshelf and a tidy basket for toys help the room stay organized as your baby grows.

You can also restore warmth through cozy textiles, soft textures, and personal touches that reflect your family’s style. A well-organized nursery doesn’t need to be flawless; it just needs enough room to adapt as your little one discovers the world.