Kids Closet Cleanout

One of our favorite ways to ease into the new year is by reorganizing the spaces around us. You may relate to this – often, when we look around our home, it suddenly seems like so much *stuff* has accumulated. When that *stuff* hinders your ability to function efficiently, to enjoy and feel comfortable in your space, it’s definitely time for a refresh.

Some of us love doing closet cleanouts, some of us dread it – either way, the beginning of the year can be a great time to try to make it happen. It’s a way to take inventory of what they have, pass things down to other siblings/cousins, and understand what they may still need.

Often, we hear the recommendations to “get rid of the old to make space for the new” – but it’s important to remind ourselves that as parents, this cleanout process can also be emotional and challenging at times. 

Clothing is connected to memories. You may remember specific events or moments that took place when your child was wearing a specific garment. This is part of the beauty of clothing – the way that it can collect stories and symbolize important moments in our lives. With this in mind, be gentle with yourself throughout the process, and only do it as often as feels comfortable to you.

Here are some steps to take & questions to ask to help guide your next kid’s closet cleanout:

• What are my top priorities to *hold onto* a garment? (for example – does it have a special memory attached to it or it was handmade or did it mean something to me?)
• Label bags for:
• Special Items To Hold Onto (a keepsake box is a great place for these) 
• Garments To Pass Down
• Garments To Sell (at a thrift store, eBay, Poshmark or another secondhand platform)
• Not Sure Yet (this helps you ease into making *final decisions*)
• Once you understand your priorities, begin working your way through the closet. If your child is open to it, you can welcome them to be part of the process, but depending on their age and interest, it can sometimes be easier to do it solo.
• Remind yourself that you can take breaks and do this over a couple of days, if that is easier for you.
• After making your way through the closet, start taking inventory of what remains (what still fits). And make sure to get those labeled bags out of their room and closer to their final destinations.
• Ask yourself – what is missing from my child’s closet?
• If they need something new, can I find it at a thrift store? (the new year is the best time to find gems at the thrift store)
• If you can’t find it at a thrift store, can you find it secondhand online? 
• If not, can you support a company whose values align with your own? (Made in USA, family-owned business, uses organic fabrics, local, etc)
• Take a moment to enjoy the organization of the refreshed closet. (because we all know it never lasts too long)

What are some of your top priorities when going through your kids’ closets? 

And remember to stay tuned for more Mom Tips – focused on simple ways to integrate less wasteful actions into your family’s lifestyle.