Yes, I take into account children who may be in a particularly messy stage, although usually I just keep up with laundry when we’re potty training by throwing in the wet clothes with the laundry I’m already doing that day. However, I nearly always have extra things out for the baby.

We have certain outfits that are designated as “back yard” outfits. They are supposed to wear these and only these when playing outside (we have a creek and lots of dirt, so it’s always messy). Hope that helps.

One thing I’m wondering about is whether your system is any different with littler children–for instance, a potty-training toddler who might wet himself three times on a bad day, or a baby who spits up a lot? Also, do you set aside any clothes for days when the kids might get *really* dirty (like working out in the garden). My children are all under the age of seven, and they seem to go through a lot of clothes, especially the 2 year old. Thanks Again!

May the Lord bless you and your family.

Since our space is limited, I give away a lot of clothes between children. For example, I have boys ages 11, 9, 4 and 2. After the 9 year old grows out of something I give it away and do not keep it for the 4 year old. I do the same thing with girls clothing, giving away clothes where we have space between our girls.

We enjoy being able to bless people and God has always provided inexpensive clothing for our younger children without us keeping the things the older children wore.

I particularly enjoyed this post and organize my laundry and seasonal clothes exactly as you do. I have four children all under the age of six, and so far, it’s seems to work the best for our family. The only downfall as you mentioned is all of the storage boxes. I think the last time I checked I had about 25 storage toes in the attic, so I can’t even imagine how many boxes you have with 10 children!! Wow!

Do you store your totes in the attic? Do you do anything special to preserve your clothing? I’m not a big fan of moth balls, so have opted not to do anything. I really haven’t figured that part out, but so far have never really had any problems. Thanks so much for sharing! I look forward to dropping by again. ; )

I’m sorry that I’m not able to be more helpful.

All that to say that I give away clothes that won’t be worn within a year or two. I do make a bit of an exception for baby clothes. I kept our little girl baby clothes for 4+ years before I gave them away. I also keep neutral baby clothes that are in excellent condition for longer periods of time. Most of Isabella’s clothes are fairly neutral.

Does that help clear things up or just make it more confusing?

At this stage I only have four children but we are hoping the Lord blesses us with more. I have found since our most recent addition that I have had to start thinking more like a “large family”. We’ve reduced our outfits right down.

We have: 2-3 pairs of pjs per child
5-6 everyday outfits.
2 good/church outfits.

Summer shoes would generally just be:
A pair of thongs (I think you call them flip flops?)
A pair of sandals
And perhaps a pair of tidy shoes

Winter shoes would be:
A pair of joggers
A pair of slippers
Perhaps a pair of tidy shoes

And they have a pair of gumboots each.

We’ve also cut down on other things like bed linen and towels, packing away the excess in Space Bags at this point.

It’s reduced the washing by about 5 loads a week!

I also love the idea of letting them shop. I have a couple kids that can’t seem to let anything go. Hopefully this will help them!

Thank you for this post. Can’t wait to go through it all and be able to pass down clothes to others.

Very good advice!!!

Thinking, thinking…