It’s no fun to dig through the closet to match gloves or realize last year’s coats and baby boy rompers are suddenly too small. Organizing and storing your kids’ winter clothes can be a total game-changer. This step-by-step guide for parents makes storing winter clothing a breeze.
Step 1: Sort and Declutter Winter Clothing
Your kids’ winter clothes occupy plenty of closet and storage space, even in those small sizes. Make more room in your storage closet by sorting and decluttering. Here’s how to decide whether to keep, donate, or discard winter clothing items:
- Keep it: Keep those quality winter clothes that fit and feel comfortable, especially if your child may be the same size next year. If the item is still in great shape and can last another winter, hold onto it. Consider whether those rompers or baby girl bodysuits will fit younger siblings. Items can be repaired if there is minor damage, like loose buttons.
- Donate it: Give away outgrown and gently used items.
- Discard it: Throw out any worn or damaged pieces. This includes clothing with stretched fabric, holes, or broken zippers beyond repair. There should be no stains, rips, or thinning fabric. Get rid of it if it’s too tight or restrictive.
Step 2: Clean Winter Clothes Before Storing
Wash and dry all your kids’ winter clothes before storing them. This extra step prevents stains from setting up and keeps moths or odors at bay. Properly cleaning winter coats and clothing before storage avoids stains, odors, and fabric damage. Fabric softener and homemade scent sachets can help keep clothes smelling fresh until you use them again.
Try following these steps to ensure everything stays in excellent condition:
- Check clothing labels: Double-check the tags on your delicate dresses or baby girl rompers for specific care instructions and sort items into categories before washing.
- Combine machine-washable items: This includes similar-colored items you can wash in the washing machine, like most sweaters, fleece jackets, and base layers made of durable material like bamboo or cotton.
- Take care of delicate items: Usually, these are marked for a delicate cycle or include clothing you must wash by hand. Examples include wool sweaters and knit accessories.
- Dry-clean before storing: Certain coats and unique fabrics may be marked as dry-clean only.
- Handle footwear carefully: Wipe boots thoroughly and dry them before storing.
It’s also an excellent time to wash items you use all year, like blankets and lovies. Seasonal washing will ensure your child’s favorite things stay fresh and clean.
Step 3: Organize Winter Clothes by Category
Separating items like kids’ coats, sweaters, and thermal wear lets you quickly locate what you need when the cold season returns. This step also helps prevent damage, as delicate fabrics won’t get crushed under heavier items. Small accessories like gloves and hats won’t get lost. Additionally, sorting allows you to assess what your child has outgrown or no longer needs, making it easier to donate or repurpose clothing.
A well-organized system maximizes storage space and keeps winter essentials fresh and ready for use. Here’s an example of how you can sort clothing into categories to make retrieval easier:
- Coats and jackets: To easily transition from fall to winter, place heavier coats in one section and lighter jackets in another.
- Sweaters and hoodies: Create a storage bin or space in the closet specifically for zip hoodies, cardigans, and pullovers.
- Thermal wear and base layers: Fold these essential pieces and stack them together to maximize storage space.
- Hats, gloves, and scarves: A small drawer or storage container will make accessories easy to find later.
- Snow pants and snowsuits: Snow-specific gear should always be stored together, including single pieces and sets.
- Boots and winter shoes: Store all winter footwear styles together for easy retrieval.
Step 4: Pick the Right Storage Method for Your Family
Now that you have sorted all your kids’ winter clothing, it’s time to decide on the storage solutions that fit your family’s space and needs. There are storage options of all materials and sizes, so explore what might be best for your household and children:
- Vacuum-sealed bags: An excellent solution for bulky items like coats and snow pants. Save space and keep clothes airtight.
- Clear storage bins: Easily spot what’s inside these stackable, durable boxes.
- Fabric storage bins: A stylish storage option for lightweight items like hats and gloves. Place them inside closets or under your kids’ beds.
- Hanging storage: Closet organizers are an innovative solution for frequently used items. Hooks can also be used for winter accessories like scarves.
Do you have more than one child or tons of kids’ clothing? Label bins and bags by size, your child’s name, or category for easier access to your essentials.
Step 5: Store Clothing in a Cool, Dry Place
Once you choose your storage solution, keep clothes away from direct sunlight, excess moisture, or extreme temperatures. Some best locations for storing your children’s clothing include closets, under-bed storage, a dry basement, or a climate-controlled attic. Avoid storing clothing in damp places that can cause mildew.
Step 6: Plan for Next Winter
Since your kid’s winter clothes are fresh in your head, take a few moments to list items they’ll need for next winter. Consider outerwear, bottoms, and layering essentials made with soft, stretchy, and seasonless material like bamboo. They might also need hats, gloves, or mittens. Thermal or insulated socks will prevent cold feet. Add essential footwear like winter boots, sturdy sneakers, or slippers. Set a reminder to check the stored clothes before winter arrives and rotate your clothing as the seasons change to keep all of your outfits accessible for wearing.
Storing Your Kids’ Winter Clothes for Peace of Mind
It takes some extra effort, but storing and organizing your kids’ winter clothes is essential for maintaining quality, saving space, and ensuring a smooth transition when cold weather returns. By sorting their items into categories, cleaning them thoroughly, and using the proper storage methods, you can prevent blunders later, such as damage, odors, and unnecessary clutter.
An organized system also makes it easier to track what still fits, what needs to be donated, and what should be replaced. Properly storing winter clothing saves money in the long run and ensures that kids have warm, well-maintained outfits ready to go when winter arrives again. Following these steps, you can keep your kids’ winter clothes organized, in excellent condition, and ready to use when the cold weather returns!
