Minimalism: Kids' Clothes

Today's post is a flashback to January, when we talked about minimalism, room by room. One reader pointed out an area I skipped. (There were many, but she wanted input on this one, so I thought a few of you might too.)

Kid's clothes get passed around and handed down, which is brilliant because up to a certain age, they aren't worn out by one child. But they can create quite a complicated organization project and overwhelm you. When someone hands you their trash bag full of hand-me-downs, you're grateful, but your heart sinks a wee bit. I developed the following method, through trial and error. As a result, I no longer run across clothes I'd stashed away, only to find my child bypassed that size long ago.  

Step 1 - When I'm given clothes, I go through them quickly in a like/don't like fashion. I do this when the kids aren't looking over my shoulder, loving and claiming what won't fit them for years. If I like something, I check for stains because most of the time, I don't want their clothes to start out stained. I'm already stain-removal impaired, so this is how I give myself a fighting chance. If it's not stained, I check the size and make piles of each. 

Step 2 - I hang any outfits in the current size and season. This tells me right away if I've adopted an item that goes with nothing they own. Based on that, I decide if it's worth buying a piece to go with, or if I'd rather pass it on. I base this decision on if they have enough of this type of clothing already and sometimes just because I'm crazy about it and want to see it run around with my child inside. Either way, I take a photo of it (I use my camera because it's always with me, but you could use your phone if it has a camera). This becomes my shopping list and a bonus is, I get the colors right more often. : ) 

Step 3 - You can hang outfits for future seasons/sizes if you have space. Otherwise, I get them out of the way in a labeled tote. When someone grows into a new size or the season changes, I pull my tote out and see what I have and what pieces I need to buy. 

I recommend hanging because that's how I store my kids' clothes, with the exception of socks, underwear, undershirts, jeans and pajamas. It's a little work on the front end, right after laundry, but it makes life easier when they're picking something to wear. If it's a dress with tights, I hang the tights around the neck of the hanger. If a specific bow goes with it, I'll clip it to the lapel. As far as the shirts that go with jeans, I hang them with their matching jacket, sweatshirt or cardigan (this time of year). My kids know they can choose any of those to wear with any of their jeans.  Also, here's what I do if I don't have a nifty pant hanger (below left). I loop a belt loop over the top of the hanger. 

It takes up more room width-wise, but it works and it's easier for kids than folding the pants or shorts over the bottom part of a hanger. I save my nifty pant hangers for gym shorts and sweatpants that don't have belt-loops (above right). 

The other reason I recommend hanging is because you easily notice what isn't getting worn. If there are outfits they never choose, eliminate them. If you have way more dresses than your princess will ever wear, help her choose her favorites and get rid of the others. Also listen to the preferences your kids have and buy accordingly (as much as possible) to reduce potential for unused clothes. As far as hand-me-downs go, remember the right price (free) doesn't make it right or essential for you. Having hordes of clothes that don't match or are so-so is downright frustrating and overwhelming for little people too. 

I find my kids don't need the same quantities of clothing in winter because they play inside more and stay clean longer. I know this varies by age and messiness when eating, etc. but I'll give you the number of things my kids have now, at age six.

• jeans - 3 pairs (two regular, one lined)
• shirts (some with matching sweaters or sweatshirts) - 10 
• wind pants or sweatpants - 3
• dressier/church outfits - 3
• winter coat
• pajamas - WAY too many, but I need their input to reduce those
• Cadence also has a denim skirt and dress
• She has a dressy coat too. He had one last year, but I haven't found him one this year.

My kids have more than they probably need need, but with this amount, we can easily do laundry on Sundays only, which keeps my week simpler. That's my method. Hope it works for a few of you or gets your juices flowing so you can dream up one of your own!