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

• 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!