How I Use a $30 Craft Cart to Organize My Newborn Photography Studio

Let me begin by stating that I am by no means Marie Kondo when it comes to organizing.  However, are there are some simple things I have implemented in my studio to help me stay organized.  Specifically, how I use a $30 craft cart to organize my newborn photography studio.

During indoor photo sessions, I tend to work without an assistant quite a bit.  Sometimes this means I may need an extra set of hands from a parent to assist in posing.  So, for the most part, I like to keep things super simple.  This means I have got to stay as organized as possible and keep my “go-to” items neatly in reach.  Enter my handy craft cart and how I use it to organize my stuff.

What’s inside the cart:

Top Tier:

• I typically like to keep this space as clear as possible as I frequently use it as a safe space to place my camera down while shooting.  I like to keep my MVPs up here.  These items are:
  • my camera (Nikon D800)
  • my lenses (Nikon 24-70mm, Nikon 85mm, Nikon 105mm, Nikon 50mm)
  • clamps
  • The Baby Shusher
  • Project Nursery Sound Machine
  • bells
  • bubbles
  • hand sanitizer

Middle Tier:

• I use this space to fit most of my stuffing items  These include:
  • receiving blankets
  • swaddle wraps
  • hooded towel
  • baby wipes
  • washcloths

Bottom Tier:

• I use this space as a flexible area and sort of my catch-all spot.  For the most part, what I keep here are:
  • butterfly posing pillows
  • hooded towel
  • newborn baby diapers
  • puppy training pee pads
  • paper towels
  • Kleenex

Not All Carts Are Created Equal

When I first opened my studio, there weren’t as many cart options as there are today.  Retailers were pretty limited on available colors and functionality.  However, one day walking through my local Ikea store I came across the Raskog cart and fell in love.  There it was, turquoise and perfect.  But like most things from Ikea, a pain to put together.  Not too long after I began using it during my portrait sessions the dang wheel would begin to fall off!  I would be so embarrassed when it happened – kind of like the bureau on Beauty and the Beast when she opens her doors and months come flying out.  Ha!  Anyway, the Raskog cart and I had a good run together.

Until…until I met the Lexington Cart from Michaels which I adore.  Both carts are relatively lightweight and about 30 inches high.  However, the Raskog cart can hold a maximum load of 40 pounds compared to the Lexington Cart which is roughly 20 pounds.  Functionally, I have found the Lexington cart’s casters easier to maneuver.

Other Perfect Ways to Use a Utility Cart

Other perfect ways to use these carts are diaper changing supplies, breastfeeding and pumping supplies, arts and craft supplies, mobile housekeeping supplies, makeup supplies, and if you’re like me, planner supplies.

Photo credit left to right: Hello Baby Brown, Her Happy Home.

Photo credit left to right: Better Homes and Gardens, Who is Mocca, Heidi Swapp.

Where to Find a Utility Cart

I’ve sourced some retailers below where you can get your hands on one of these fantastic carts.  I am sure there are other places available, but here are some of my favorite retailers.  If you follow these stores during popular sale times you can score these at an even better price.

Ikea Raskog Utility Cart for $34.99

The Container Store 3-Tier Rolling Cart for $29.99

Michaels Craft Store 3-Tier Lexington Cart by Recollections for $59.99 on sale $29.99

Target 3-Tier Metal Utility Cart – Made by Designfor $35.00

I hope you have found this information helpful in your efforts to organize your favorite go-to items.  I would love to learn about ways you keep yourself organized too!

Reaj Roberts Photography specializes in newborn, baby, maternity, family, and child photography.  My style is simple, minimalistic, organic, and timeless.  Clients typically visit my Chandler Ocotillo area studio from the East Valley as well as the surrounding areas including Phoenix, Scottsdale, Queen Creek, Casa Grande, and Maricopa and Pinal Counties.  

My blog posts are designed to feature a few of my client’s favorite images so you have an idea of what you will receive with you commission me to design your custom newborn portrait photography experience.  

Makeup art application by a licensed cosmetologist is complimentary provided for pregnancy portrait sessions and available upon request for newborn sessions.  I am proud to offer my clients gorgeous wardrobe pieces to wear during their photo session.  Beautifully feminine gowns are available for mothers to wear in an array of sizes as well as adorable, classic garments for babies and small children up to age 5.

I look forward to chatting with you about how we can create a beautiful illustration of your growing family with a family maternity session and hope you reach out to me by email at info@reajrobertsphotography.com or 602-430-3712 for bookings and additional details.