The Back of Nowhere

Here are the summer lists I'm using to organize my children's closets. I've modified them from Living On a Dime's lists. We need some winter clothes even during the summer, because it can be pretty cold here on rainy days and in the morning/evening. Also we need long pants for feeding chickens, gardening, working with dad, etc. I still try to keep everything as simplified as possible. It makes it easier to choose clothes and to keep up on laundry.

Toddlers (up to size 2-3)
9-10 everyday one-piece outfits
3 dressy church outfits
1-2 cardigan sweaters for church
2 casual dressy outfits (going-to-town)
2 zip-up hoodies
4-5 pajamas
1 warm pajamas
1 swimsuit

2 pairs shoes (1 sandals, 1 tennies)

1 windbreaker coat

Pre-schoolers (over size 4)
6-7 pairs shorts
2 pair jeans
2 pair sweatpants
10-12 t-shirts
3 dressy church outfits
1-2 cardigan sweaters for church
2 casual dressy outfits (going-to-town)
2 zip-up hoodies
4-5 pajamas
1 warm pajamas
1 swimsuit

2 pairs play shoes (1 sandals, 1 tennies)
1 pair dress shoes
1 pair casual nice shoes (optional)
1 pair rubber boots

1 windbreaker coat
1 “yard” coat (flannel?)
1 rain coat

School Age
6-7 pairs shorts/skorts/skirts
2 pair jeans
2 pair sweatpants
9-10 shirts
3-4 church dresses
2 light sweaters (for church)
2-3 casual dressy outfits (going-to-town)
4-5 pajamas
1 warm pajamas
2 zip-up hoodies
1 swimsuit

2 pairs play shoes (1 sandals, 1 tennies)
1 pair flip-flops
1 pair dress shoes
1 pair casual nice shoes (optional)
1 pair rubber boots

1 windbreaker coat
1 “yard” coat (flannel?)
1 rain coat

• Hand-me-downs


• Our thrift shop, $4.00 a bag (not for school age children- kids can be mean if they see you in their old clothes)


• G'ma's thrift shop, $2.00 a bag


• Rummage sales, 25-50 cents each


• Good clearance sales (I only do this 1 size ahead, so I don't get carried away!)


• Gifts from Grandparents (I usually "pad" sizes by 1 size when asked)

I keep everything in large storage tubs marked by size. We are blessed with a large storage area in this house, but before that we kept everything in the children's closets. My wonderful husband moved each of the clothing rods down to child-height and put shelves above the rods for boxes of clothes. I don't wash anything before I store it. I used to spend a lot of time washing clothes that were eliminated from the wardrobe in the next step.

When it's time to pull out clothes for the year, my children and I "shop" out of the storage tubs. We use wardrobe lists, which I'll post tomorrow, to pick just what they need for the season. Any extras go back into the tubs, because sometimes we end up needing more than I've estimated.

If we're missing things on the list I try to find substitutes. For example: A cardigan sweater can be worn instead of a dress coat and some items can be used from larger sizes.

At this point I purchase anything else they may need (or decide to sew it). Each child gets only what they need. Also there are a few items they always get new- socks, underwear, one pair of good running shoes.

This is the best way I've found to store our children's clothing, but there is always room for improvement, so I would love to hear about your clothing storage system!

I know I haven't been on here in forever. But since no one, but my mom, has noticed I guess that's okay because I've gotten a ton of stuff done!

• I weeded and planted the gardens (2 good size vegetable gardens and several small flower beds)

• I sewed 6 pairs of shorts for my oldest son, who can't keep his pants on because he's so skinny.

• I sewed 2 fitted crib sheets and 1 pack-n-play sheet.

• I decided on curriculum for next year, sold last year's, and used the money to purchase the new.

• I'm almost done with lesson planning for next school year.

• I hit several garage sales, thrift shops, etc. and stocked up on clothing for the boys for the next few years.

• We've also had more success with our schedule, just in time to drop it for Summer!
  (I do plan on making a Summer schedule, which will leave our afternoons free for Summer projects and fun.)

I still have a long list of Summer goals I want to get accomplished before we start school again in the Fall, so I may not always have time to write. But I should have something to write about, when I do!