A Guide for Overwhelmed Moms on Organizing Kids' Clothing

We all know being a mom is a demanding job, and amidst the chaos of parenting, organizing your kids' clothing can often feel like a never-ending battle. Believe me, I'm right there with you! I have 4 of my own with wardrobes to manage. From mismatched socks to outgrown outfits, the struggle is real! If you want a better system, I've got you! In this article, we'll explore practical tips and tricks to help you regain control and bring order to the wardrobe chaos.

1. Declutter with Purpose

Always start by decluttering your kids' clothing. Ruthlessly remove items that no longer fit, are damaged, or haven't been worn in ages. Ask yourself: Have I seen them wear this in the last couple months? If not, it's time to let it go. I even ask my older kids to pick out the clothes they don't like or won't wear. They have surprised me by giving up several items saying they don't really like how it fits, etc. If you aren't storing for a younger sibling, consider donating gently-used clothing to local charities or passing them on to friends with younger children. The key here is to move them out of the closet so it is more functional and easier to manage.

WARNING: Extreme Declutter Method!!

I'm going to recommend this if you are at the point where

-Laundry is taking over your home AND

-You avoid putting it away because you are running out of places to put it. No judgement here! PICK THEIR FAVORITES! The 6 or 7 outfits you see them wear every week +1 nicer outfit +2 extra shirts. Everything else- put in a quarantine bin (a temporary bin you don't throw away but don't keep in the general living space). Try it out for 3 weeks. I did this! It was magic. It's easier to put clothes away, less to manage and makes laundry less daunting. My 2nd child did ask for a shirt, which I was able to pick out of the bin and put back in his dresser. After 3 weeks and seeing that you don't need them all- consider donating the quarantine bin or saving for younger siblings, but move it out of their closet where it's junking up the space!

2. Take a Wardrobe Inventory

Take stock of what your kids have. Create a simple inventory, noting the types and quantities of clothing they own. This will prevent overbuying and help you identify any gaps in their wardrobe. When you know what is there, you know what they don't need. This is where the ONE IN/ONE OUT METHOD is helpful! When they get a new shirt, you get rid of a shirt, etc.

3. Designate Storage Spaces

Assign specific spaces for different types of clothing. Use labeled bins or baskets for socks, underwear, pajamas, and accessories. Invest in drawer dividers to keep small items neatly organized. If you use a dresser like I do, consider drawer dividers like this.

4. Rotate Seasonal Clothing

Save space by storing off-season clothing in medium labeled bins. This not only frees up space in your child's closet but also makes it easier to find what they need during the current season. Keep clothing minimal where possible. This makes change of season easier because you'll just switch long sleeves/pants from the bin and trade with shorts and some tshirts. And if your child is like my oldest, they'll keep shorts year-round and just add compression pants underneath.

5. Implement a Capsule Wardrobe

Consider creating a capsule wardrobe for your kids. A capsule wardrobe consists of a few essential, versatile items that can be mixed and matched. This not only simplifies decision-making but also minimizes clutter. This is similar to the picking favorites method, but you can make it as stylish as you want. If you're like me & have a child who loves brightly patterned clothes then it may not all mix and match, but it can still be limited in number.

6. Establish a Laundry Routine

Set a consistent laundry routine to prevent clothes from piling up. I prefer one load every other day or sometimes every day. Even on workdays- I start it when I wake up, switch before leaving and fold and put away at night. Pick the times that work for you, but with less clothing and more frequent laundry loads- it will keep the laundry monster away!

7. Teach Independence

Of course, if you have babies or toddlers, they will not help this process and often make it harder! You're in the thick of it! I was you for many years and I promise it gets easier. In the meantime, lots of grace and living out of clean laundry piles is ok.

For everyone else, encourage your kids to take responsibility for their clothing. Involve them in the process. My older two have the chore of picking their clothes out of the clean laundry and putting them in their dresser. This not only instills good habits but also lightens your load. I'd like to think they'll thank me later. Or maybe their future wives will. Expect whining in the beginning, but stick with it and it will become a habit.