Organizing tips from Tommie #4...winter clothes

finished pool, originally uploaded by tommiea1.

Since we are supposed to hit 90+ degrees this weekend, I figured it was finally time to deal with the winter clothes. So here is another "tommie tips:"

I'll start with how I do the kids' clothes. Starting with the obvious, wash all jackets and coats. If it is something I think either can wear next year, it goes onto the far left of the closet on a different colored hanger. Livi has pink and white hangers, Will has blue and white. This was I can see at a glance if there are clothes I need to fill in on the next size (totally taking advantage of all the winter clearance sales going on now).

If it is already getting too small or snug, after washing, it goes into a trash bag lined Rubbermaid tub on the floor of the closet. These are passed along to cousins or the clothes closet at school. Livi has even gotten to where if she tries on something and it doesn't fit, she will put it in the tub for baby E.

In homes I have lived in that didn't have closets big enough to leave them on the left, I have stored them in clear flat Rubbermaid tubs. I fold sweaters with a white piece of tissue paper to prevent creases. Now get that handy dandy label maker out and label it sweaters, wool pants, wool skirts, etc.

While my feng shui side says not to store stuff under the bed, I have read that it is okay to store soft and cuddly stuff if you are lacking storage space/basement/attic. I have stored those thin bins under sofas even! You can get creative if you have to. Now to not forget where this stuff is stored, go mark you calendar in Sept or Oct (or whenever it gets chilly where you live): "winter clothes stored in ______ (fill in the blank with where you stashed them).

Throw in some of those little ceder chips in a sachet. Whew hoo, another year done.

Do you remember the big diggers for the pool next door ? Well, here it is finished. It is amazing. There is an outdoor kitchen, a hot tub, waterfalls, gorgeous landscaping.