Having my clothes organized has made changing sizes so much easier and cheaper. I have a big ole big for every size and each gender.
I made myself up a chart with clothing categories. You only need so many pants, shirts, pj, etc. I decided that having 10 in a category was perfect for our family. This also helps me to keep up with laundry. No giant piles for me so far (I'm sure that will change depending on how many kids we have).
Not every category needs 10. For example there is no way one needs 10 swim suits. You don't need 10 pairs of jeans, maybe 4 or 5 to have options but 10 is extreme. Chances are you won't even wear them all before you have another growth spurt on your hands.
I'm not extremely strick when it comes to only having 10 items per category. I have received lots of hand me downs and have kept the items that are in good condition. If I am given an article that I already have 10 of I either get rid of something that has been well loved or stick it in the bin to be loved by my next baby. No sense in refusing or throwing out good stuff.
How do you get started.
Make a chart for you to keep track of your clothes. Mine is simple. Type of clothes and an empty spot for tally marks. Every size has it's own paper.
Wash everything!
Sort clothes into sizes. Pick a size of clothes and start tallying what you have in your piles. While I am tallying I fold my clothes and put them into categories. That way you will be able to find what you are looking for really easy.
I always have a bin in my kids room. For the size of clothes they are currently wearing. When something gets tight I wash it and put it into the bin. When I only have a couple of days in clothes I wash everything and pack it all away. Then I simply bring out the new bin. Walaa easy peasy.
Switching everything works excellent til about 1 year. After that sizes are a little trickier. Example: My toddler is chunky on top so he grows out of his shirts faster than pants. I now have 2 bins down for him. That is until his legs catch up with the rest of him.
How is this system cheaper?
I always know what clothes are missing for sizes so I can utilize sales. This year I bought a winter coat and snow pants for 70% off regular price. If I would have waited til next year to purchase I would be out $100 instead. When stores have awesome sales I go. I got a ton of shirts for $0.60. Score!
If I didn't know what I was looking for I would have too much of one size and none of the other. Very rarely do I have to run out to the store and buy something. This is really the only time I pay full price for anything.
You can collect as far in advance as you want or have space for. Currently I have clothes up to 3T for girls and boys. Some bins still need some more but I have time to watch for the best sales.
Hope this helps you to be a little more organized and prepared for your little ones.
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