Cleaning out closets

[sparassidae]

Well here clothes get handed down to the other children.

If we are given something I don't want them to wear I will pass it on to friends/family, or if not wanted will donate to charity.

 

[K9_Trainer]

I usually just gave mine to a girl me/my parents used to baby sit. I say me/my parents because my parents were always home, but I entertained her and got payed. I was 12. Before I met her, we just gave them to the goodwill. My dad used some of the cruddier, more worn clothing as rags.

Even to this day, I still give that girl clothes and she is turning 13 soon. I stopped growing width wise when I was 13 so now I get clothes and sometimes have them for 2, 3 years or more. I get tired of them or stop wearing them, she gets them as long as they are appropriate for her age.

 

[AJ29]

At the moment I keep everything as it can be handed down to my youngest son (and I plan more babies so intend to use the smaller sized clothing for them). When I am totally finished with everything, I will give it all away.

I am really stunned that you still have brand new clothes with tags still attached! That just sounds like a dreadful waste of money to me!

 

[Laurie919]

At the moment I keep everything as it can be handed down to my youngest son (and I plan more babies so intend to use the smaller sized clothing for them). When I am totally finished with everything, I will give it all away.

I am really stunned that you still have brand new clothes with tags still attached! That just sounds like a dreadful waste of money to me!

Since she wears uniforms to school, a lot of times we will buy things that she never gets to wear. It isn't intentional.

Macys had a great sale on dresses and I bought like 10 of them, since our church isn't really a dressy church she never got to wear all of them.

Then I bought several at Ltd Too that were on sale for $3.99 in case I ran into anyone that needed them. So, I knew when I bought them she wouldn't wear them. I really thought they would be a blessing for someone else.

 

[AJ29]

I would suggest then (based on some of your concerns and comments from other posts too), that you shop a little more carefully. Perhaps make a list of clothes that you/Taylor will "need" and shop accordingly.

Just as a rough guide for Taylor (and taking into account that she wears school uniforms 5 days per week, and you work full time so don't have time for extra laundry mid week):

• 3 pairs of "every day" pants/jeans/skirts/bottoms
• 3 tshirts or casual tops
• 3 sweaters or casual "warm" tops
• 2 sets of "good" clothes (for special occasions - I would suggest getting separate tops and bottoms in similar colours - that way she can "mix and match")
• 1 warm jacket or over coat

That gives her clean sets of clothes for each day on the weekend, plus an extra set in case you go out during the week.

I would also let her choose some accessories - necklaces, scarves etc - just a few - that match most of her clothes - that way she can vary things a little. If you buy cheap accessories (ie - a $5 necklace from Walmart, not a $50 necklace from Abercrombie), they are easily replacable each season as styles change. Accessories generally don't carry labels either, and here (in Australia), you find the exact same necklace at a cheap shop for half the price of what they charge at an expensive shop.

Now, I KNOW that you and Taylor like to shop (as do I, so I am sympathising, not judging), so even though I have given you a guide, I know that you will end up with probably double that amount of clothing. If you start with a conservative estimate/plan of what you will need, there leaves room in your wardrobes for those "must have" purchases or "can't resist" sale items.

A note on the bargain shopping though - I only ever buy things that I absolutely love, and that fit properly. Something that is cheap, but ill-fitting is NOT a bargain, as all it does is sit in your wardrobe.

I also keep a small diary in my handbag, with a list of birthdays of all my friends and family in it. That way, if I see a bargain, I look through my list, and ONLY purchase that bargain if it is suitable for one of the upcoming birthdays.

Another thing you can do, is to take Taylor "window shopping" - that is when you look at everything, but buy nothing. Get her to take a notebook and write down all of the things that she loves, and get her to include their price, the size she needs (she can try them on if you have enough self control not to buy them right there and then ) and any other details (colour etc). If you have a digital camera, she might be able to take photos of the things she likes too.

When you get home, get her to type up her list (and attach photos). You can both keep copies, and IF you see those things on sale and at a "bargain" price, you know that it was already something she wanted, and not just an impulse buy.

That's what I do all the time!

We don't have Abercrombie here (and I know you like it!!), but I can mail order things. Full price, their clothing is pretty expensive (especially for me because I have to pay postage which is another $40+). I have discovered that if you create a wishlist, then just wait, they periodically have sales. I have new sweaters for this winter (we are entering winter as you enter summer) that I paid $15 for, when their original price was $70. I have tshirts and knits that were $15 instead of $30. I have hoodies that I paid $40 instead of $60. Postage within the US is much cheaper, and they have those same bargains in store too (I know from when I visited the US). If Taylor creates a wish list (either by taking a notepad to the stores she likes, or using the online form for Abercrombie and Hollister), you can shop a little more wisely, but still keep her in the latest fashions.

I hope that helps! Sorry it is a little off topic. I just think the money you can save on shopping NOW (with some careful planning and bargain shopping), would be a better way to bless people later, rather than sitting with a whole pile of never worn clothing in all the wrong sizes.

 

[AJ29]

Oh - a modified list of clothing for summer (the list I just gave was more for winter):

• 3 pairs of "every day" pants/jeans/skirts/bottoms (more likely to be shorts or skirts for summer)
• 4 tshirts or casual tops (you might have a couple of tanks and a couple of tshirts for hot vs warm days)
• 3 light weight sweaters/hoodies/cardigans for "in between" weather
• 2 sets of "good" clothes (for special occasions - I would suggest getting separate tops and bottoms in similar colours - that way she can "mix and match")
• 1 swim suit and suitable cover ups (ie boardshorts and top for wearing out of the water). If you really swim lots, I will let you have 2 swim suits - one for wearing, and one hanging out to dry

Also - figure out what colours look best on her and base her wardrobe around those colours. If she looks awful in orange, no use in buying a wardrobe full of orange just because it is in fashion. Choose colours that look good and suit her complexion

 

[Neenie1]

With clothes my son has outgrown, I check to see if dd could get away with wearing them. So around the house for "play clothes" she is wearing ds track pants, in greens, blues, greys etc. (LOL) I still make sure she looks girly though by putting a pink top with them. It's alright. That's not to say she doesn't have girls clothes, she does. I will try and get her a few more things for Winter, it's hard though because it's all so expensive.

What I don't think dd will wear I check to see if my nephew is in need of clothes (he's 2 years younger, so I have passed a few things over to him)

I have saved some of ds clothes, but now that he is 6 years old I find myself wondering if it's such a good idea, mainly because even if we do have another boy, it's a long time to store the clothes.

So now I find myself thinking I'll store them until I run out of room, unless I know someone who is in urgent need of clothing for their boys. In that case I will hand it over if I have it.

With dd's clothes, I have passed on a few items that I wouldn't use again. (that are still OK, that is, I don't hand anything on that has rips, excessive stains etc) She has been blessed with many hand me downs from family and friends etc. (my neice is the same age but a size bigger so she gets a few things from my neice)


I find that my children have never been without clothes, even though we don't have much money to spend on new items. I knit and sew and make some of the clothes, then I have been handed down things. I find the items that have been handed down, I often pass on if they are still wearable simply because I believe that if you give to others, then you will never be without.



I guess if you have new items in your wardrobe that don't fit, have you ever heard of operation Chrstmas child. It's where you fill a shoebox with toys/clothing for a child who won't be getting any Christmas presents that year. Or maybe your church runs a similar program.

 

[Birbitt]

For us since the boys are the same size we can't hand anything down so when it's outgrown we generally either take it to goodwill and donate it or take it to our local Once Upon A Child store where they will "buy" the items from us and give us store credit that we can use to get other items...I also do the same for toys....
Their website is www.ouac.com if you'd like to find a store in your area

 

[AnyaMa]

It depends on the shape of the clothes -
First I try to give away to family members. Then I try to sell online, then I will sell at Once upon a child, or occasionaly join in on a yardsale, then I will donate to goodwill.

 

[K9_Trainer]

Well, here's an idea....Shop at Goodwill!

Taylor can practically shop and try on clothes to her hearts content because it's very affordable. I know I'd rather have more clothing bought from goodwill than less clothing bought new. I like the variety and being able to wear something different every day.

You'd be suprised what you can find at Goodwill stores. Contrary to popular belief, alot of the clothing there is very stylish. Some are brand new with tags still on, some are brand names as well, all at a fraction of the price you'd normally pay.

 

[Tawny]

I pass Kirsty's on to my cousin, she has a daughter a year or so younger than Kirsty. I have problems in getting new clothes though. Kirsty is 9 on Saturday but is very tall for her age, she has to wear at least age 12 clothes. Because of this, the clothes that are available in those ages are not always appropriate for her. I like her to dress modestly but many clothes these days are not. I am not saying that she has to have skirts to her ankle of anything, but she wears shorts under short skirts and leggings under dresses, that sort of thing.

 

[Laurie919]

Well, here's an idea....Shop at Goodwill!

Taylor can practically shop and try on clothes to her hearts content because it's very affordable. I know I'd rather have more clothing bought from goodwill than less clothing bought new. I like the variety and being able to wear something different every day.

You'd be suprised what you can find at Goodwill stores. Contrary to popular belief, alot of the clothing there is very stylish. Some are brand new with tags still on, some are brand names as well, all at a fraction of the price you'd normally pay.

We don't have a Goodwill where we live. The one that is close to us is about 40 miles and I have NEVER seen anything in it that we could wear.

There is a thrift store in Baton Rouge that is ministry and they do have some things she will wear, they just don't have a place to try them on. When I was losing weight I would go buy every pair of nice jeans they had in my size and the size below me every couple months, then give the last set away.

 

[Laurie919]

Another thing you can do, is to take Taylor "window shopping" - that is when you look at everything, but buy nothing. Get her to take a notebook and write down all of the things that she loves, and get her to include their price, the size she needs (she can try them on if you have enough self control not to buy them right there and then ) and any other details (colour etc). If you have a digital camera, she might be able to take photos of the things she likes too.

Sounds like her Christmas list that was in a power point with pictures, stores and prices, lol.

You have some great ideas....

I actually hate Abercombie, I think there stuff is made very cheap and it doesn't last. Tay loves it though.

Since she wears school uniforms I really like to have at least 6 of these since I work outside of the home and never know what a week is going to bring and if I am going to have time to wash. That and the health problems that I have there are days I just can't stand up long enough to do laundry. I did some laundry Sunday but I know I still have another 10 loads to do, because I just have not had the strenght to do it. She has almost a month of school uniforms right now because last years and this years still fit.

Then she needs play clothes, church clothes and clothes for when we go places. Right now she could probably go a month without wearing the same thing twice. Not all of this was bought though, she does have some hand me downs.

She does have a lot more right now than any one child needs. Not all of it was bought by us though. Oh and please don't down me for her having so many clothes. I know no one needs this many clothes.

 

[CrystalBrooke]

It's getting time for me to go through mine and Emily's stuff...she outgrew all of her clothes from previous seasons (of course..she's only two), and I've lost so much weight that I can't wear anything from last year either. I'll try to have a yard sale first and then what I don't get rid of that way, I'll take them over to our local Good Will.

 

[Robinsegg]

I actually hate Abercombie, I think there stuff is made very cheap and it doesn't last. Tay loves it though.

I know many who have moral objections to A&F due largely to their advertising methodology . . . seemingly selling sex to kids and having "soft porn" in their catalogs.
Whatever your objection, she needs to honor you in the matter of where she buys her clothes. Maybe use this issue to help her understand the "Honor your Father and your Mother" commandment found both in Exodus 20 and Ephesians 6.
Rachel

 

[Laurie919]

I know many who have moral objections to A&F due largely to their advertising methodology . . . seemingly selling sex to kids and having "soft porn" in their catalogs.
Whatever your objection, she needs to honor you in the matter of where she buys her clothes. Maybe use this issue to help her understand the "Honor your Father and your Mother" commandment found both in Exodus 20 and Ephesians 6.
Rachel

I have hit her with so many changes in the last week I think she may leave if I tell her anymore. JOKING. You are right this is a great idea.

I am thinking though now that she is working she will see how hard you have to work to buy clothes from there that don't hold up at all.

 

[Robinsegg]

I have hit her with so many changes in the last week I think she may leave if I tell her anymore. JOKING. You are right this is a great idea.

I am thinking though now that she is working she will see how hard you have to work to buy clothes from there that don't hold up at all.

That's a really good way of looking at it. I suggest that, as she plans to go shopping, you discuss with her some of the qualities you'd like her to consider before making a final choice . . . show her you have faith in her decision-making process. Maybe limit her to a certain number of items from A&F, so that she can see how other things seem to last longer?
R

 

[K9_Trainer]

We don't have a Goodwill where we live. The one that is close to us is about 40 miles and I have NEVER seen anything in it that we could wear.

There is a thrift store in Baton Rouge that is ministry and they do have some things she will wear, they just don't have a place to try them on. When I was losing weight I would go buy every pair of nice jeans they had in my size and the size below me every couple months, then give the last set away.

Awww, that's a shame.

Our goodwill is wonderful (well, the one downtown, can't say the same for the others). I have brand name clothes (Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, American Eagle, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Calvin Cline, etc) that I got from goodwill with tags still on. Quite possibly one of the best buys was a $200 Sharp I-Elegance Ipod stereo/dock that we got still brand new in perfect condition for a mere $70.

Have you looked to see if there are any other trading type stores or clubs around? Another one we have here is called Plato's Closet. You can take in your old stuff and trade it in for new stuff. I have yet to check it out, so I don't know what it's like. Plus it probably varies from location to location, just like the Goodwills do.

 

[Shannie]

I dunno if this would work given your daughter is only 10 but when I was younger my parents would give my brother and I a fixed amount of money to do our clothes shopping, usually in the fall and then again in the spring and let us pick our own stuff. It was a good way to learn just how expensive things are and to appreciate sales more And to prioritize. I used to be willing to spend a lot on jeans because I found they actually lasted longer than the cheap ones but I'd buy less expensive shirts so I could have more. From my parents point of view I think they spent the same amount of money as if they "took us shopping", but it taught my brother and I the value of money a bit more.

 

[Laurie919]

Awww, that's a shame.

Our goodwill is wonderful (well, the one downtown, can't say the same for the others). I have brand name clothes (Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, American Eagle, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Calvin Cline, etc) that I got from goodwill with tags still on. Quite possibly one of the best buys was a $200 Sharp I-Elegance Ipod stereo/dock that we got still brand new in perfect condition for a mere $70.

Have you looked to see if there are any other trading type stores or clubs around? Another one we have here is called Plato's Closet. You can take in your old stuff and trade it in for new stuff. I have yet to check it out, so I don't know what it's like. Plus it probably varies from location to location, just like the Goodwills do.

We do have a plato's here. The only thing is the one we have doesn't carry her size. I wish they did because I would pack everything up and bring it there.

We are in backwards Louisiana we don't have a lot of things other places have.