Nesting tends to set in at the end of pregnancy. It begins once all of the important things are already done, such as hospital tours, birth team selection, registries, and baby showers. Some believe that once nesting begins it means labor is right around the corner. Even if that's not true, it sure is wonderful to be surrounded by a sea of cleanliness and organization until your baby does arrive!

The Nesting Basics

• Write Birth Plan
• Pack Birth Bag
• Make a Phone List for Who to Call/Text (in labor or after the baby arrives)
• Scrub the House - Start at the top in each room and work your way to the floors. This means fans, cabinets, shelves, and windows are done first, followed by walls, mirrors, counters, sinks, toilets, furniture, etc. Then you tackle the baseboards and floors.
• Clean Under Couches and Cushions
• Tackle that Minivan - Your car will never be the same after kids (trust me). Either pay to have it detailed one last time or do the work yourself, but get it clean.
• Install Car Seat
• Have Car Seat Checked for Proper Installation
• Organize Baby Room
• Read a Labor Book
• Organize All Closets
• Wash Baby Clothes
• Wash Sheets Weekly (so they are clean when you get in them after having a baby)
• Record Baby's Heartbeat
• Write Thank-You Cards for Gifts
• Buy Labor Snacks
• Tackle ALL Laundry
• Finish Any Lingering House Projects
• Stock Up on Baby Essentials
• Make a Trip to Goodwill
• Tie Up Loose Ends at Work (if any)
• Keep Car Full of Gas

Additional Nesting Items

• Order Anything Left in your Amazon Cart for Baby
• Download a Contraction Timer App
• Shampoo Carpets
• Clean Out the Refrigerator
• Make 30 Freezer Meals
• Clean Out Appliances: vacuum, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher
• Change Air Filters
• Wash Curtains
• Toss Expired Medications/Spices/Foods
• Buy Paper/Plastic Goods to Save Sanity (plates, bowls, cups, napkins, silverware, etc)
• Make a Playlist for Birth
• Look at Birth Announcement Ideas
• Buy a Gift for Birth Team
• Make Padsicles
• Set Up Baby Baskets Around the House (with diapers, wipes, changing mat, and onesies)
• Read About Newborn Care
• Order a Few Good Books to Read While Breastfeeding
• Clean Out Your Outdated Makeup
• Set Up Newborn Pictures
• Make a Meal List of Everything in the House for Your Partner to Easily Understand
• Potty Train any Toddlers
• Have Sex

For the Extreme Nesters

• Redecorate the Entire House
• Install Closet Organizers in Every Closet
• Repaint the Entire House - Inside and Outside
• Pull Everything Out and Start from Scratch (That means, food, clothes, pictures on walls, etc)
• Plan Out Visitors for the Next Year
• Buy a Puppy and Train It so Baby has an Instant Best Friend

Enjoy this last big burst of energy before your baby arrives! Your house won't ever be this clean and organized again!