As children grow, they also quickly outgrow their clothing too, and parents are left with piles of clothes that are no longer in use. While some parents choose to donate or sell them, others prefer to store them for future use or for younger siblings. Proper storage is crucial to keep clothes in good enough condition to reuse them and ensure they are ready for future use. In this article, we will discuss the 13 best tips for storage of kids’ clothes as they outgrow them.
Buckle up as this mom of four shares her best tips and tricks for sorting through the chaos and storing clothing items for future use, or even the next baby.
How to store clothes
Here are my best clothing storage ideas…and lots of these work for adult clothing items too, of course:
- Sort Clothes by Size: Group clothes by size and label each container with the size and type of clothing. This way, you can quickly locate clothes that will fit your child without having to search through multiple boxes.
- Clean Clothes Before Storage: Make sure that all clothes are clean and dry before storing them. If you pack them away with any stains or dirt, they will become more difficult to remove later on.
- Use airtight Containers: Use airtight containers to store clothes, so they are protected from moisture, pests, and dust. Plastic storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags are good options.
- Avoid Cardboard Boxes: Cardboard boxes are not ideal for storing clothing as they can attract insects, rodents, and moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew.
- Label Boxes Clearly: Use clear labeling for each container, including the size and type of clothing stored inside. It will make it easier for you to find what you need without having to open every box.
- Store Clothes in a Cool and Dry Place: Avoid storing clothes in areas that are exposed to high humidity, heat, or direct sunlight. This can cause colors to fade and clothes to become discolored.
- Use Mothballs or Cedar Blocks: Prevent moths from damaging your clothes by using mothballs or cedar blocks. Place them in the storage container, and they will keep the insects away.
- Avoid Using Plastic Bags: Don’t store clothes in plastic bags as this can trap moisture and lead to mold and mildew. If you must use them, make sure to punch holes in the bags to allow for air circulation.
- Store Seasonally: Keep clothes that are out of season separate from those in use. This will make it easier for you to find what you need and keep everything organized.
- Store Delicate Items Separately: Delicate items such as dresses or special occasion outfits should be stored separately to prevent damage.
- Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper: Use acid-free tissue paper to wrap clothes before storing them. This will help prevent any discoloration or damage to the fabric.
- Store Shoes Separately: Store shoes in a separate container to prevent any damage to the clothes or vice versa.
- Revisit Clothes Regularly: Revisit your stored clothes every few months to see if there are any items that your child has outgrown or if any clothes need to be cleaned or mended.
Storing your child’s clothes properly will not only help you save money in the long run, but it will also ensure that the clothes remain in good condition.
By following these tips, you can organize your child’s clothes and keep them looking new for future use or for when they are passed down to others.
When should I throw away old clothes?
Deciding when to throw away old clothes can be a difficult task. It’s essential to consider a few practical factors before making a decision. Here are some factors to consider:
Condition: The condition of the clothes is the most critical factor to consider when deciding to throw them away. Clothes that are damaged beyond repair, have holes or rips, or are significantly stained or faded may not be worth keeping.
Size: Clothes that no longer fit a family member, or are too small to be of use may be good candidates for disposal. Holding onto them may take up valuable storage space and clutter your home unnecessarily.
Sentimental Value:
Some clothes may have sentimental value, such as items worn for special occasions or clothing that was gifted by family members. These items may be worth keeping, even if they are no longer in use, but they should have a set storage box and not mixed in with the daily necessities creating more mess.
Storage Space: If you are running out of storage space, it may be time to dispose of some of your clothes, especially if you have multiple or lots of very similar clothing items that is more than you could even ever need. This will help keep your home clutter-free and organized.
In general, if the clothes are in good condition and you have enough storage space, it may be worth keeping them for future use or passing them on to younger siblings or friends. However, if the clothes are damaged beyond repair, no longer fit, or take up valuable storage space, it may be time to dispose of them. You could even consider donating them to a local charity or recycling them to reduce waste.
Conclusion
By following these 13 Best Tips For Storing Kids’ Clothes As They Outgrow Them, you can keep your child’s clothes in good condition for future use or for sentimental value.
Remember to revisit your stored clothes regularly to see if any need cleaning, repairing, or have become too small for your child.
With these tips, you can organize your child’s clothes and ensure that they remain in good condition for years to come.
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Other Helpful Resources for sorting and storing clothes:
- https://thehomesihavemade.com/storing-baby-clothes/
- https://practicalperfectionut.com/storing-your-winter-clothes/
- https://athomeontheprairie.com/how-to-store-and-organize-kids-clothes/
Make sure to check out my entire homemaking section too.
Here are some direct links to some of my posts I think you will find super helpful too:
*This post was originally published to this website on 03/28/2023 and has since been, will be continually updated to improve user experience, remain relevant, as well as to be as shareable as possible across the social medias.