I know last week was kind of overwhelming, so let me encourage you for a moment. You CAN do this! I promise, if I can, you can! Really - have you looked at my before pictures? This is a family that moves every two years or so. We carry a lot of "just in case" items with us from place to place. I understand about storage rooms. But know this- there IS such a thing as too much and we are working towards breaking the cycle and clearing things out. So if you have not started or just haven't quite finished- KEEP GOING! I am cheering you on.
In the meantime- this week we are conquering the clothes storage areas in your house. That may look a little different for everyone, but in our home, it is back to the storage room we go. Hiding in 10 of those bins are either off season clothes or clothes for our youngest child to grow into.
Because we do not have huge closets in this rental house, my two daughters keep their off season clothes in bins (with Ashton's off season capsules in there as well). There is also one bin for some of my off season stuff. In addition, I have kept clothes from my 13 year old to pass on to his younger brother. I figure some stuff is just nice enough to be kept, even if they are for 5-6 years later.
I also tend to buy off season sales, so anything I find I put into the bin for the upcoming season. If you have things you know a particular child is going to need, make an inventory list of what the needed items are and attach it to the bin. That way, when sales come up, you can easily reference your needs. Not wants!
Because my two boys have a slightly larger age gap, some of those bins had not been gone through lately, so I opened each one and took everything out. Anything that was worn or terribly outdated went into the trash. Things I thought just wouldn't get worn by the youngest (different styles, tastes, or body types) went into a Goodwill pile. Quite frankly, I was surprised at how much I was able to pare down. We are now one tote less! The movers and packers can thank me later. Yay me!
So this week is pretty simple.
- Pick your favorite method of storing clothes- by gender or size or specific child, and get organized!
- Go through the clothes storage you have, purge and re-sort if necessary.
- Make a list of any items you know you need so you can take advantage of off season sales.
A quick note about clothes. Please keep in mind that one of our goals in this series is to declutter our homes and lives. This includes clothes. Just as we did with our own closets, we must evaluate what we need and what we don't.
Do not confuse needs with wants. There is a difference.
Face facts, we can only wear one outfit at a time. Having closets and storage bins with clothes popping out of them is not needed. Be honest with yourself and evaluate if you are not only being good steward of your space but also your money.
Kemi, from Homemaking Organized is back this week with FREE printables for clothing inventory and labels just for you! I cannot wait to replace my old ones with these! Use and be blessed!
So how did you do with last week's assignment? We can't wait to see your progress!
And homeschooling moms- next week is just for you! ;)
Week 26- The Storage Room/Attic
Week 28- The School Room
Week 26- The Storage Room/Attic
Week 28- The School Room
Until then, blessings!!
I work on clothes about twice a year. Unfortunately this year when I worked on the great clothing switch I didn't get to put the clothes away into storage for the older kids. It is sitting in a pile upstairs waiting for me :(
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