I thought today would be a great time to make a quick inventory of what you may need for next winter season.  I don’t know about your house, but almost every hat, glove and pair of boots are drying out in my laundry room from sledding this weekend.  Since the kids (most of the kids) are at school today, why not take a moment and go through your winter gear.

It seems as though my boys feet grow by leaps and bounds every season.  If you had to smoosh a couple of feet into boots this weekend or if some gloves are just on the edge of fitting some little fingers, make a note. Grab all of your winter gear and sort it out onto your kitchen counter.  Sort by child rather than by garment.  The reason for this, is because you will be able to see what Johnny has to wear, Suzie has to wear and little baby Kate has to wear.  From those piles make sure that each one of your children have ample supplies.

I like to keep two hats, three pairs of gloves (two snow gloves and one pair of nit gloves for the fall  to keep hands warm at ball games), one scarf and a pair of winter boots and rain boots per child.  I can tell you right now that my youngest will not be able to wear his winter gloves next year.

After you have your sorted piles, go through and see what will fit each child next year.  If you know Johnny can not wear his boots next year, put them aside.  From Suzie’s pile of winter gear if her gloves are too small and baby Kate can wear the next season put them in baby Kate’s pile.  Make a list of things you need for next season. Johnny boots, Suzie gloves, and baby Kate a new winter coat.  This way you know what you need for next year, and if you are lucky your can find some great deals still online for winter gear.

I would check out winter sporting good stores, Amazon, eBay, and department stores for drastic reductions.  If you are not able to snatch up some deals, check out your local consignment shops next fall or watch for those items to go on sale.  A lot of times we forget what we need until we are getting them dressed to go outside in play in the first snowfall.  Nothing is worse than reaction shopping!  Get ahead of the winter gear game now so that next year you are ready!

Author Michelle Lehman of Organizing Solutions “Clear the Clutter” Michelle is a Professional Organizer in the Tulsa area. Her articles have been featured in the Tulsa World, The Oklahoman, and The Chicago Post-Tribune.  Michelle appears on Fox23 News DayBreak giving organizing tips and recommendations.
Photo Credit © Marzanna Syncerz | Dreamstime.com

Tags: kids, organizing, winter gear