April has always been the month dedicated to the change of season: the children's wardrobe sometimes puts us mums in crisis, but not this time.
We will see what is the right way to proceed to be sure to complete the change of season in your children's wardrobe in the shortest time possible!
First of all, the change of season in general, and even more so that of the little ones, should not be improvised. In the weeks preceding it, check that some boxes and labels that allow us to know where we will put everything, wash and adjust the clothes that will be put aside, and rethink the space critically.
So what are the actions that need to be done first?
1. WASH AND MEND CLOTHES
Are there any dirty clothes we can't wash at home? Let's take them to the dry cleaners! Ahem has split and we can't fix it? Let's take it to a seamstress. Delegating to a third party is sometimes necessary, sometimes less so, but it is always a great help. Let's be careful and manage our time properly: often the change of season never seems to end because items that are lying around the house at the time we closed the boxes, were not ready to be put away.
2. SELECT REFERENCE GARMENTS
Do you want to try on every single item for your children? How much patience do you have?
It's best to keep reference garments that you can use to compare other clothes: the change of season will then be easier.
3. GET BOXES AND LABELS
Garments will keep for years, even generations if stored properly.
Choose hard plastic boxes with good closures to keep clothes safe from moisture, smells, and animals.
Don't rely on memory: use labels or even paper tape with a marker to write down what's in the box.
4. PLAN IT FOR A TIME WITHOUT CHILDREN
Changing seasons is easier if you are alone: plan a time without children.
5. GET 3 BOXES: to throw away, to give away, to sell
The change of season is also a time for sorting: get 3 boxes, cardboard is fine this time, to use when you empty the wardrobe.
How to proceed in five steps
Now that you've everything ready, all you have to do is take action! Proceed methodically and your wardrobe will be in place in no time.
1. EMPTY AND CLEAN THE WARDROBE
Empty the wardrobe and clean its surfaces. All you need is a spray bottle with water and vinegar!
2. DIVIDE THE CLOTHES INTO FIVE CATEGORIES
Divide your clothes into five categories to store, keep, give away, sell and throw away.
You can choose to store items for possible siblings/sisters/cousins/grandchildren.
You can keep certain items in your wardrobe (e.g. for a trip to the mountains in the middle of summer you will still need thoughtful clothes) and others on hand for next autumn/winter.
Finally, decide immediately what to do with the clothes you don't want to keep: if they are very damaged, throw them away, no one likes to receive stained, torn, and unwearable clothes; if they are valuable, you can sell them at markets in your city, on Facebook marketplaces and through apps, such as Vinted; if they are in good condition but of little value, there is no point in investing time in photographing/sharing/shipping them, etc., it is better to give them to a mother in need or take them to a collection center.
3. FOLD THE CLOTHES AND PUT THEM CAREFULLY IN BOXES
Be careful: if they are going to stay in the box for years, fold them as little as possible. Try to lay them flat or simply fold them in half.
4. PLACE MOTH REPELLENT INSIDE THE BOXES
They can be natural moth repellents. For example, you can put a mixture of chopped cloves, cinnamon, star anise, rosemary, mint, and bay leaf in a cloth bag. Or you can pour essential oils such as lavender, neem, patchouli, cedar, or rosemary on corks. The classic lavender bag is also an excellent moth repellent and can be prepared with children by filling fabric bags with lavender flowers, adding black peppercorns and dried mint or rosemary leaves to taste.
Remember: If you opt for natural moth repellents, remember that they should be replaced every 3 months.
5. ORGANIZE THE CLOTHES CAREFULLY IN THE WARDROBE
Group and organize your clothes into categories.
Which ones and how many? You decide!
Except for dresses and blouses, fold everything else into drawers or boxes to put on shelves, it will be easier to keep things tidy!
Now the change of season in your child's wardrobe has no more secrets and, above all, you can proceed quickly!
And if you want some tips on how to make clothes last longer, we've talked about it here FAR DURARE DI PIU' I VESTITI | Cora Happywear
This blogpost has been written by
FEDERICA CANNATA - Professional Organizer
"I help women (and mothers) relieve themselves from physical and mental burdens by teaching them functional and stylish organisational tools."
Where you can find her?