Changing of the Seasons

Changing of the seasons can be overwhelming when you are talking about kid’s clothing.  They need a whole new wardrobe every season:  socks, shoes, pajamas, shirts, pants/shorts, skirts, dresses, play clothes, nice clothes.  The list is endless.

The chaos that happens when the seasons change
The chaos that happens when the seasons change

It is a huge undertaking if you have clothes in storage that have been handed down from one child to the next.  Every six months my house looks like a tornado hit (even more than usual).  When it comes to switching out the seasonal clothing for my three children, it is a full blown process – which seems endless.  I go through about seven tubs of clothing, shoes, and misc items that have to be switched out every season.

Here’s my method:

  1. Outgrown clothes are put in storage until little sister can wear them
  2. Clothes are brought in from storage and washed
  3. Separate items that are ready to sell
  4. Buy new items for the upcoming season for each child

You would think this shouldn’t be that difficult of a task, but for some reason it is very time consuming.  I am constantly trying to streamline this process to make it more efficient and cost effective so it is not overwhelming.  In talking with other moms who go through the same challenges every season, I know I am not alone.  Over the course of several years, I have learned some helpful tips if you find yourself faced with the same dilemma.

Helpful tip #1:  I have learned it helps to have two tubs in the closet for each season once the clothes have been outgrown: Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer.  Then the clothing can be put in the appropriate seasonal tub.  When it’s time to switch out seasons, you only need to pull the appropriate season instead of going through each tub of clothing.

Buying clothes at consignment sales can ease the financial burden of buying clothes for the next season.
Shopping at consignment sales can ease the financial burden of buying clothes for the next season.

Helpful tip #2:  Since our house is not big enough to store all the tubs inside, my handy husband created a system in the garage.  The tubs needed for the next season are within reach on shelves in the garage and the rest go in the attic until they are needed.

Helpful tip #3:  When it’s time to fill the closets with the next season’s items, I search for the best consignment sales first and then I rely on department stores.  I have been able to find about 75% of everything we need at consignment sales for a fraction of the cost and still very trendy. When buying clothing for three girls…every penny counts.

What tips do you have in preparing for the next season?

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Angie Ricketts
Angie and her husband, John, live in Edmond with their three little blessings: Addyson (6/2008), Haley (11/2009) and Paige (9/2012). Angie received her Bachelors in Marketing and her Masters in Management both from Oklahoma Christian University. As each child came along, Angie has adjusted her career to accommodate the active life of her daughters. She now works as a Marketing and Development Coordinator for Lilyfield Christian Adoption and Foster Care. When not working, she enjoys chauffeuring her kiddos around and watching the latest chick flick with her husband – much to his dismay. When time permits she enjoys a good pinterest project and reading a good novel.

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