How to Get Your Home Ready for a Nanny

Welcoming a nanny into your home can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. This person is stepping into your family’s everyday world. They’ll move through your routines, your rhythms, your child’s most familiar spaces. So it makes sense that you want everything to feel comfortable, clear, and supportive from the very beginning.

Getting your home ready doesn’t require perfection. It simply requires intention. A few thoughtful preparations can make the transition smoother for you, for your child, and for the nanny who will be caring for them.

Here’s how to prepare in a way that feels grounding and not stressful.

Begin with the spaces your nanny will use most

Think about a normal day for your child. The places where they play. The kitchen where they snack. The quiet spot they go when they need a moment. Preparing your home is really about making these areas easy to understand and simple to navigate.

You can tidy the main play area so toys are easy to find and put away. It doesn’t need to be curated or color coded, just organized enough that someone new can step in and know where things belong. A few baskets or labeled bins can make that effortless.

In the kitchen, make sure there is a clear spot for snacks, cups, and meal supplies. If your child has allergies or specific food rules, you can group things in a way that makes them unmistakable. Think of it as removing guesswork.

If your child naps, you can prepare the sleep space with anything the nanny needs to follow your routine: sound machine, blackout curtains, sleep sack, or comfort item. The goal is to help the nanny mirror what you already do, so your child feels safe and grounded.

Create clarity around routines and expectations

A nanny is stepping into your family’s rhythm, not creating a new one. This is where clarity becomes a gift.

Write down your child’s general flow of the day. Wake time. Meal times. Nap or quiet time. Favorite activities. Ways you help them transition when things feel hard. What comforts them when they are upset. Anything that helps the nanny feel like they already know your child before the first day begins.

You can also include house guidelines so routines stay consistent over time. Screen time expectations. Meal preferences. Outdoor play rules. Bath time instructions. Safety notes about doors, gates, pets, or anything that matters in your environment.

This doesn’t need to be formal. It just needs to feel clear and kind. Think of it as handing your nanny the playbook that makes your home feel steady.

Prepare a “yes space” your child can move freely in

Children thrive when they can explore safely. A yes space is simply an area where the nanny can let your child be curious without constant intervention. No fragile items. No off-limits drawers. No choking hazards. Just a space that feels open, safe, and child led.

This helps your nanny feel confident and your child feel independent. It also reduces the mental load on everyone.

Organize the essentials so they are easy to find

You can make the first week feel calm by gathering the basics in centralized places.

• Cups and water bottles together.

• Diapers and wipes in one spot.

• First-aid items in a clearly marked drawer or cabinet.

• Outdoor gear by the door.

• Art supplies where they can be easily reached for supervised play.

• It’s not about presentation. It’s about creating ease.

• When things are easy to find, the nanny feels comfortable.

• And when the nanny feels comfortable, your child feels safe.

Think about emotional readiness too

Preparing your home is only half the process. Preparing your child matters just as much.

Talk to them about the nanny in a positive, simple way. Tell them who is coming and what they will help with. Children feel safer when they know what to expect.

You can also choose a few toys or activities for the nanny and child to explore together on the first day. Shared play helps build connection quickly and naturally.

And for you, remember this. It’s okay to feel a little nervous. You are inviting someone into your world and that takes trust. Preparing your home with intention helps you feel more grounded and confident as you begin this new chapter.

Getting your home ready for a nanny isn’t about making everything perfect. It’s about creating clarity, comfort, and connection. When your home feels thoughtful and welcoming, your nanny can settle in more easily. Your child can adjust with more security. And you can move into this new season with a sense of calm.

This is the beginning of a relationship that will shape your child’s world in beautiful ways. These small steps help you start from a place of ease and support.