As part of our August Series, we’re exploring everything you need to know to prepare your kids for the new school year. One of the biggest challenges parents face during this time is organizing their kids’ clothes. With growing kids, changing styles, and busy schedules, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!

The first thing to do for a successful back-to-school is to tackle your kids’ closets. Here’s a step-by-step guide to streamline their wardrobes and make the shopping process a breeze.

Step 1: Purge the Closet

Before you can even think about shopping, it’s crucial to purge your kids’ closets. This means going through each item and deciding what stays and what goes.

Size Check: Kids grow quickly, so clothes that fit last year might be too small now. Have your kids try on anything you’re unsure about. This can be a fun little fashion show that helps you see what fits and what doesn’t.

Condition Check: Inspect each piece of clothing. Look for stains, holes, or excessive wear and tear. If an item is beyond repair, it’s time to say goodbye. For clothes that are in good condition but no longer fit, consider donating them.

Style Check: Styles and preferences change, especially for kids. If your child doesn’t like an item or hasn’t worn it in the past year, it’s probably not worth keeping. This step is also a great opportunity to teach your kids about letting go and making space for new things.

Sometimes, it can be hard to let go of clothes with sentimental value. Consider keeping a few special items and taking photos of the rest to preserve the memories.

Step 2: Make a Shopping List

With a decluttered closet, you can now make a focused shopping list to help you stay on track and avoid unnecessary purchases. Below are some items you can add to your list if needed.

Clothes:

• Everyday Wear: T-shirts, jeans, leggings, shorts, dresses, and skirts. Consider the weather and your child’s school dress code.
• Special Items: School uniforms, sports gear, and dressier outfits for special occasions.

Shoes:

• Everyday Shoes: Comfortable and durable options for daily wear.
• Gym Shoes: Specific shoes required for PE classes.
• Special Occasion Shoes: Dress shoes or any other footwear needed for special events.

Accessories:

• Backpacks: Make sure they’re sturdy and appropriately sized.
• Lunchboxes: Look for easy-to-clean options.
• Others: Hats, belts, hair accessories, socks, and underwear.

During this process, it is essential to prioritize needs over wants. Consider buying some items second-hand or waiting for sales. You can also involve your kids in making the list to ensure you buy things they like and will actually wear.

Step 3: Plan for Tax-Free Week

Many states offer a tax-free week for back-to-school shopping, which can help you save significant money. In Maryland, it’s usually the second week of August, but other states might have different dates. A quick Google search will help you find out if your state offers that benefit and when it takes place.

Research: Find out which items are eligible for tax-free status in your state. This often includes clothes, shoes, and some school supplies.

Prioritize: Focus on big-ticket items and essentials during this week. This is the best time to buy more expensive items like coats, shoes, and backpacks.

Organize: Make a detailed plan. List the stores you want to visit and the items you need to buy from each one. This will help you make the most of your time and make sure you get all the deals.

Shopping during the tax-free week can be hectic. Try to go early in the day or during off-peak hours—another thing to consider is that stores may run out of popular items quickly. Have a backup plan or alternative stores in mind.

As you can see, the first thing to do for a successful back-to-school is simple when you have a plan and a system to follow. Let your kids help with the purging process and choose new clothes. Involving them can excite them about wearing new outfits and reduce morning outfit battles.

For younger kids, labeling clothes and accessories can prevent lost items. Use fabric labels or a permanent marker to write their names on tags.

Creating a week’s worth of outfits in advance can save precious time on busy school mornings. Use a hanging organizer to keep everything neat and ready to go.

Remember, the first thing to do for a successful back-to-school season is to organize the kids’ closets. With a bit of planning and purging, you’ll set your kids up for a great school year ahead. Happy shopping, and here’s to a stress-free back-to-school season!

Join the Conversation: Share Your Thoughts and Experiences

We’d love to hear from you! What are your thoughts on The first thing to do for a successful back-to-school: organizing kids’ clothes? Have you encountered similar challenges or had different experiences? Please feel free to share your insights, questions, or personal experiences in the comments section below. Your contributions are invaluable to our community and may inspire others or provide additional perspectives. Let’s continue the discussion and learn from one another.

NEED MORE IDEAS?

Don’t forget to count on us if you need a private consultation. We can help you figure out what are the best steps to accomplish your home organizing goals. We also create a personalized shopping guide to organize that odd space or your dream garage. Send us an email or check out our Virtual Organizing Services and Hands-on Services in Baltimore!

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