purging the kids closets

We’re almost there. ALLLMOOOOSSSSTTTT THEEERRREEEE with this not-so-little-series and we’re back today with purging the kids closets!

If you’re just tuning in, no worries. Be sure to check back with all the beginning posts, because we designed this little series to work for you, when you’re ready and as you’re ready. We’re breaking down each little zone of the home, step by step week by week. And if children’s closets don’t apply to you? No worries! We’re sure there’s something else to tackle this week. We’d love to hear your alternatives, too! There’s always {oh so unfortunately} something to be done in housekeeping land.

So without further ado:

Kids closets. Where all things sanity go to die. And you also wonder how on earth you became a total hoarder.

Maybe it’s just me, but for us, their baby years were kind of a living-in-a-blur phase. And when we finally were able to come out of that haze-of-denial, because somethings-gotta-give a few years ago, it was both overwhelming, and freeing.

But it all started with the state of their closets.

I actually captured this moment on camera a few years ago, because it was a moment of realization. I’d told Aiden it was time to clean out his closet.

Enough was enough and it was badly organized to the point of no system whatsoever and surviving all the avalanches. We were cleaning it all together when I realized we were living in our home in a way that wasn’t helpful, and we hadn’t been intentional in the way we’d taught our children.

Nothing was going to change without first: purging it all with clear boundaries. Secondly: establishing a good system for what we needed to do next and finally, being intentional about what we brought into our home.

And that’s how it all began.

Everyone’s situation will be different, but we now use our closets for toy storage, and have moved their closet to a family closet – we touched a little on that last week – today, because we know that the majority of you use closets for, well, what they were intended, we thought we’d touch a little on keeping them all organized.

Because no matter what phase of life we’re in, or where we are on our simplification journey, it still takes diligence and staying on top of it all.

Here’s a few things we thought would be helpful to remember:

• Kids grow quickly.

We’ve learned this the hard way. Beyond all things tear-inducing sentimental {yes, I did try my nine year old’s shorts on the other night when I was doing laundry-when the heck did he get so big?!?!?!} it can be tricky when you’re wading through hand me downs for children of the same gender. We’ve been there on missing out on a size for our youngest that he outgrew quickly because of the sheer volume of clothes when we were overwhelmed and didn’t clean. So stay on top of it, and sort seasonally. It’s your best bet to keep it all under control.

Speaking of all things quickly: smaller closets can be more challenging to keep under control, but not impossible if you have a good system. Consider a labeling system to help keep things grouped together. I found that our kids grew too quickly to deal with sizing labels, but I did keep them categorized. Don’t forget about our labels to keep things in sections if you think they’ll help! The key is to find what works for you, and roll with it. {Find our free little clothing organizational labels here + here!}

• It can be hard to part ways. 

We shared this in an earlier post, but with each age, it can get kinda sentimental – especially when things are special in the itty bitty clothes department.

Here’s how we’ve dealt with it all {once our youngest definitely outgrew those hand me downs}: Have one generous tupperware container per child, and store it in the attic. As they outgrow each age, allow yourself to hold on to a few until you’re past the feelings you may be having. Only one tupperware container lets you revisit the idea as they get older, and decide what truly is valuable. How could you bless someone else with these clothes? And what will they not resent you for holding on to, in the sentimental department when they’re thirty-somethings with their own babies?

• Keep the floors clear.

Shoes. Barbies. My little Ponies. Estranged Lego pieces. It can be a sorting nightmare. It’s just one of those things you have to search through often, but it helps if loose pieces aren’t on the floor. Assign a place for everything {and everything in it’s place} so that things stay corralled, free and clear of the floor. Your kids can find what they need, they can contribute to the cause and bonus round: you get to keep your sanity.

Most days, anyway.

• Keep the extras contained.

Small baskets are a great option for simple, affordable organizational help in those tiny quarters. And they help you stay on top of it all. We search for sales at local stores all the time when we’re in need of some good basket love. Keep an eye out in local places for all things helpful, and you won’t regret adding these to your closet regimen. The possibilities are endless and they can make a huge difference.

• Find what works for you. 

No space or household or family or vision is the same for anyone, anywhere. You may have to let go of old ideas and move on to new ones when you find they just aren’t working. The important thing is sticking to what you find works for you and rolling with it. And also? Letting go of guilt. For some reason purging and guilt go hand in hand. Hurray! It’s okay to cut yourself some slack in the oh-my-goodness-I-can’t-believe-all-the-things department.

Be patient and stick with it. And don’t beat yourself up when ya have to do it again. It’s just part of reality, living your life, and enjoying your children while they’re here.

If you’re like us and love lists, we have our free printable up this week {and we’re keeping it simple since closets are pretty straightforward} with a blank donation sheet so you can keep up with it all! {donation sheet}

This goes really well with our free 2015 planner, so check it out!

As always, share with us on insta with the #lazygalsguide – you guys are inspiring! we want to see that progress.

What are some of your very favorite tips for conquering it all, and keeping it under control? We’d love to hear!