Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Hand Me Down Clothes Management

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Since we have six girls, we make use of plenty of hand me downs, which necessitates a management system of some sort to keep the clothes and shoes organized.

I have found the best way to do this is to use these clear Rubbermaid storage bins and sort the items into season and size.  I write the pertinent information on a full size piece of paper and slip it in the box.  Since the boxes are clear, I can plainly see the size I need.


I keep these stacked up against one wall in the garage, and whenever it is time to do the seasonal clothes switch, I know exactly where to go.

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18 comments:

Celee said...

I have always used these, too. Then something came over me at Christmas last year and I ordered a bunch of space bags. They actually do take up less space so I was able to fit more clothes into our little closet under the stairs where I keep the hand-me-downs. Mine did not look like those neat cubes on tv, though.

Becky @ Our Sweet Peas said...

This is so close to what I do but unfortunately I already have a bunch of blue crates and don't want to spring for clear (hindsight's 20/20 and all) so I print out the size on a piece of paper and stick it into a clear plastic sleeve and tape.

Thanks for sharing!

Christi said...

tucking this idea away for later in life!

Monica said...

Love this idea!! I do the same thing, although I probably need to organize mine a bit better.

Jenny @ Just Jennifer said...

We use plastic bins for my sons artwork that he brings home from school. And we're constantly buying them 'cause he does so much. It's hard to keep up. My husband also has some for his Lego collection that's taking up my closet. :(

Amy Andrews said...

I like the plastic bin idea. I've been using plastic bags from Target or Walmart with the size written in Sharpie on the outside. But being able to see what's inside would be very helpful! Plus the stackability! Thanks for the tip!

Bloggin' Mama said...

I use this system, as well, and I love it! So easy to see everything and just the perfect size for a single size worth of clothing (or a full wardrobe of baby size clothing). I also love that these bins are "critter proof" (for the most part) since I keep them in the crawl space under my house!!

Michelle said...

Am I the only one who doesn't care for the clear bins? I hate being able to see the mess of pink inside, haha! I opted for grey bins and labeled the outsides of mine with masking tape labeled with size and season. I am already overwhelmed with only 2 girls under 3, I can't imagine clothing for another girl or three! Came by from WFMW :)

Laurie said...

I think the clear rubbermaid storage is the way to go. Does anybody else not wear shoes in the house though? We never have but as our family grows, the pile of shoes by the door grows and it is quite unsightly. Any ideas?

Sherry @ Lamp Unto My Feet said...

PRaise GOd for hand-me-downs. We have been so blessed for families to give us clothes, and we try to reciprocate as well. :D Great idea on labeling boxes! :D

Cascia Talbert said...

That is a great idea. I need to organize my kids' clothes like that.

Nikki said...

hmmm... I never thought of separating by seasons as well. That would've come in VERY handy back in North Dakota. lol Of course, I still have all the winter clothes (minus the coats). I think I'll separate them before I send them back to the garage. One of my least favorite chores is switching out bins and setting aside clothes that no longer fit.

Keowdie said...

I've only got two boys (so far), and I love the idea of the bins. I've been using the Space Bags for a couple of years, and they definitely take up very little space.

BUT, they are a little unwieldy to sort through, and to store. And mine never seem to stay deflated! And, every time I open one, I have to haul out the vacuum in order to seal it back up.

I might be investing in a couple of bins this winter...

Hoosier Homemade said...

I do the exact same thing. Now that my boys are in their teens, my boxes are starting to dwindle down.
~Liz

Smockity Frocks said...

Laurie, We wear shoes, and they are always where they are not supposed to be! I dream of a shoe closet near the front door with plenty of cubby holes for storage.

Laurie said...

Thanks for replying! :-)We have a "bar area" near the back door of our house circa 1970 something. And our shoes pile up about knee high in this so called bar.

Niki Jolene said...

I like it.

We have been using rubbermaid totes but those clear ones with the sizes shown on the ends are ingenius!

:)

Unknown said...

I also use bins!! It's a great thing too for military moves - when you arrive at your new home, just put them in the new closet or under the bed! No unpacking boxes!

I use a combination of clear and solid totes... it seems the solid ones are more durable for moving! I just tape an index card to the outside with clear mailing tape! :)

(Came by via Daily Dwelling's friday favorites!)

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