Dad's Guide to Twins

How to Prep Your Home for Twins Without Cluttering Everything


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When I found out we were having twins, one of my first thoughts after the initial shock wore off was: “Where are we going to put all their stuff?”

Our modest three-bedroom home suddenly felt tiny. But after some creative planning and real-world experience, I discovered you don’t need two of everything or a mansion to raise happy, healthy twins.

Here’s how to prepare your home without drowning in baby gear.

Strategic Thinking Before Buying

The Twin Registry Audit

Before you register for or purchase anything, ask these three questions:

  • Do we absolutely need two of these?
  • Will this item be outgrown within months?
  • Does this serve multiple purposes or just one?
  • I saved hundreds of dollars and valuable square footage by realizing we didn’t need two baby bathtubs, two high chairs, or two play mats. One large play mat worked perfectly for both babies.

    The Grow-With-Them Mindset

    Invest in items that adapt as your twins grow:

    • Convertible cribs that transform into toddler beds
    • Strollers with modular configurations for different ages
    • Space-Maximizing Solutions By Room
      The Nursery

      Vertical Storage is Your Best Friend

      Wall space is often underutilized. Consider:

      • Floor-to-ceiling shelving units
      • Over-door organizers for small items
      • Wall-mounted baskets for diapers and supplies
      • For example, IKEA Kallax shelves and fabric bins color-coded by category—green for clothes, blue for blankets, yellow for toys. This system makes it easy to find what you need quickly.

        Just remember your baby-proofing for when the twins become mobile.

        Smarter Furniture Choices

        • Choose cribs with built-in storage drawers underneath
        • Use a dresser with a changing pad on top instead of a separate changing table
        • Consider mini-cribs if space is extremely tight
        • When you set up your twin nursery, see if you can position the cribs in an L-shape in the corner, which opens up floor space for playing while keeping the cribs accessible from three sides.

          The Living Room

          Create Zones Instead of Taking Over

          Rather than letting twin baby gear dominate your living space:

          • Designate one corner for baby activities with a small toy basket
          • Use furniture with hidden storage (ottomans, coffee tables with drawers)
          • Invest in gear that folds away when not in use
          • Multi-Purpose Solutions

            • A pack-and-play can serve as a playpen or napping spot
            • Ottoman storage can hold toys and serve as seating
            • Sofa cushions can become safe play barriers during tummy time
            • The Kitchen

              Streamlined Feeding Station

              • Wall-mounted bottle organizers keep counters clear
              • Hanging fruit baskets can store formula, baby food, and snacks
              • Magnetic strips on the fridge can hold feeding schedules and notes
              • Create a dedicated “twin feeding zone” in one corner of your kitchen with everything needed for bottle prep, which can save countless steps during those early sleep-deprived months.

                Clever High Chair Solutions

                • Space-saving high chairs that clip to the table
                • Chairs that fold flat when not in use
                • Booster seats that attach to regular dining chairs
                • We opted for booster seats rather than standalone units with large footprints.

                  The Bathroom

                  Bathing Without the Bulk

                  • Sink inserts for newborn bathing save space over baby tubs
                  • Shower caddies repurposed for baby bath supplies
                  • Tension rods with hanging mesh bags for toy storage
                  • Smart Organization

                    • Behind-the-door towel racks with towels for each baby
                    • Adhesive hooks for washcloths
                    • Magnetic containers on the side of a metal cabinet for small items
                    • Clever Twin-Specific Hacks

                      The Rolling Command Center

                      I’ve even heard of making a rolling cart with three tiers:

                      • Top tier: Diaper changing supplies
                      • Middle tier: Extra clothes, burp cloths
                      • Bottom tier: Toys and books
                      • This cart can be moved from room to room, ensuring supplies were always at hand without cluttering every space.

                        The Shared Closet System

                        For the twins’ clothes:

                        • Double hang rods to maximize vertical space
                        • Drawer dividers to separate each baby’s items
                        • The Gear Rotation Method

                          Not all baby equipment needs to be out at once:

                          • Store off-season items in under-bed containers
                          • Rotate toys weekly to keep floor space clear
                          • Borrow or rent items needed for short developmental periods
                          • We borrowed a hospital grade breast pump until formula bottle feeding became our primary method, saving both money and storage space.

                            Final Thoughts for the Space-Conscious Twin Dad

                            Remember that babies need much less than marketing would have you believe.

                            Your twins won’t care if their nursery isn’t Instagram perfect. They just need you, safety, comfort, and love.

                            The key is creating systems that work for your family’s specific needs and home layout. Stay flexible and don’t be afraid to rearrange as you discover what works best.

                            The post How to Prep Your Home for Twins Without Cluttering Everything appeared first on Dad's Guide to Twins.

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                            Dad's Guide to TwinsBy Joe Rawlinson, twin pregnancy and raising twins expert

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