Before Spring Starts- Lets Prep For Next Winter🥴
Were you prepared for this winter? Are you prepared for next winter? Did this season catch you by surprise?
I know that snow is starting to thaw and signs of spring are appearing with the rising temperatures next week- at least in Ohio. Nobody wants to talk about snow, coats and winterization, however now is the best time to get ready for next winter or to carry you over for the last few days of winter. Here’s some tips to save cash and space for your winter closet.
Buying off season saves the most money. Retail stores are in the process of getting rid of their winter stock of clothes. I bought my coat in the picture from JC Penny at the end of winter last year. It was originally $72 however I purchased it for $20!!! A full length coat for $20!!!
When purchasing items for the kiddos, I purchase one size larger than their current size. If you have kids that grow faster, maybe consider buying 2 sizes up. For myself, I usually buy staple items that are not trendy for the next season to store away. Trendy things like latex pants, I will buy on sale (i.e. large markdown) and wear as long as possible this current season. After the season, I will pack them away. Next year, If I decide not to want to wear it anymore, it's no loss because it was greatly reduced.
Create a storage system for off season clothes. Once you snag these deals they don't have to reside in your closet year round if you lack closet space. No need to keep pushing past your sweaters to find your shorts that you have begun to wear on a regular basis. Try switching your closet out for the seasons. Purchase some large totes with lids and store them in your basement. Use clear storage or make sure you label the containers so you don't create an abandoned shipyard of unknown treasures. I typically remove the tags and wash clothes and fold up and place in the totes. Extra points for including a new dryer sheet or two in the totes. This will avoid the stale clothes smell and won't feel the need to wash clothes again when they resurface for its respective season.😉
Delete the items that no longer serve you.
Donate or give clothes away to friends or family that are too small or you no longer want to wear. Holding on to items that are not the right size, not cute anymore, will never wear even if there’s a fire and you have to wear the outfit in order to escape your home alive will hurt you. There are several bad things that can happen:
1. You stop buying clothes because you feel like you have too many clothes- In reality you have too many of the wrong clothes. The same five outfits are the starting line up while the rest of your closet sits patiently on the bench for a chance to get into the game.
2. You buy repeat offenders. Can't find that plain white long shirt? Why not just buy another one. No need to go on a safari hunt through the jungle known as your closet. WRONG. Unless you are going for the Zuckerberg uniform, examine what's actually in your closet.
To avoid these offenses, give away or sell clothes before the season starts so others can benefit from the clothes throughout the whole season. I stress the donation option because the selling option can take a while and/or not yield the financial goal you have in mind. It could lead you to hold on to things longer than necessary- the opposite of deleting.
Trust me on this folks, it took me many years, several massive purges, tears and outfit goodbye memorial services to arrive here. I'm still working through perfecting this method so if you have some additional suggestions please share in the comments below.
In the meantime, check out my Like to Know it posts to shop some winter sales and save some cash for next year:
Women’s long coats:
Winter kids clothes: