Understandably, many parents are struggling to let go of their children’s baby clothes. These items hold sentimental value and precious memories from their kid’s early childhood. While it seems hard at first, it is essential to declutter their wardrobe so you can see what you can keep, throw away, and donate. More clothes mean more laundry, endless cleaning, and sometimes unnecessary tantrums. Here is a simple guide that will help you simplify your little one’s wardrobe.
Lay everything out and categorize them accordingly
To make the decluttering process more manageable, remove everything from the closet, starting from the top shelf. Have three boxes near you and label them, what you will keep, throw out, and donate. Throw away worn-out clothes, torn, permanently stained, deformed or out of shape, and keep those in excellent condition, still fit, in season, and can be used for the next baby. If you have extra clothes that are still in good condition or even brand new ones, donate them to charity or to a loved one that is expecting. Keep in mind that some might need these unwanted or unused clothes, so it is best to let them go early on so others can still benefit from them. Many charities accept these donations, both local and national. Make sure to get in touch with them first to know their current pandemic protocols.
Involve them in the process
For older kids, include them in the decluttering process as many can already voice out their preferences. Ask their opinion and take note of their favorites. Make it a fun activity by having a mini fashion show. Mix and match their clothes, or ask them to organize their clothes, their favorites, semi-favorites, and those that they dislike. Tell them to choose based on their liking regardless of the color and your child’s gender. Use this opportunity to teach them the value of what they wear, where it came from, or how it was made.
For the younger ones, visualize what they gravitate to the most in terms of colors, patterns, and textures. Remove those that are barely worn, even if they’re expensive. Ask yourself the following questions: Does it still fit? On a scale from 1 to 10, does my child love this, and would they notice if it is gone? Set a clothes limit by considering the available storage, your child’s preferences, and daily activities. Have five to seven days’ worth of clothing or even 10 days if you have enough space.
Scout for affordable and age-appropriate clothing
After categorizing their clothing, look for inexpensive but quality clothes, online. Consider buying several quantities of the same outfit, especially those that your child loves. Choose clothes that can be worn with anything, regardless of the season. Bear in mind your child’s activity and energy level. If they are physically active and tend to get messy, buy dirt and stain-resistant clothes. Go for stretchy clothing for young children, as tight or restrictive clothes can be uncomfortable, especially if they are in their development years.
There are several benefits of decluttering your child’s wardrobe. Decluttering promotes a happy and cleaner environment not only for your children but for your entire household.
