Back to School Shopping
Summer feels like it just started but, unfortunately, it is slowly coming to an end. School is starting back up again, which means time for shopping! Shopping for back to school can be stressful, but it can also be a lot of fun time with your kids, so keep reading. We have a simple guide to follow that will help you get your shopping done efficiently and without those second guessing thoughts on what you actually need. Shopping starts in the closet first, so let’s get organized.
Before you can head to the store, you need to take into account what your child already has. Have a pen and paper handy or notes in your phone to jot down what you need to get. Head to their rooms and start going through those clothes! Yay! OK, maybe not really, but you will be glad you did this step when you get to the store and know what you do and do not need to buy.
First, designate two areas to separate the clothes you are keeping and the clothes that you are getting rid of.
- Shirts: Go through each one and have them try them on. Look for stains and ware.
- Socks: Look for pairs. Throw away any that do not have matches or if they have holes.
- Underwear: Try on and check your child’s waistband. If they are too small or are not in good condition, toss them.
- Pants/shorts: Go through and try them on. Check the waistband and for any ware or tare.
- If there are pants with holes in the knees, you can always fold them and keep them for outdoor activities such as camping or play clothes.
- Check to see if the shorts are too short.
- Shoes: Go through and get rid of the shoes that no longer fit or are needed. Also pull out all shoe laces and see if any need replacing. Wash shoelaces along with shoes.
*If you have multiple children and implement hand-me-downs, make a separate pile for those clothes and put them in bins when you’re finished.
Now you have two piles. Check out what you have in your “keep” piles. Do you have enough, or do you need some things? How many do you need in each category? Make a list of what you have or need, whichever is easier for you.
Fold the “keep” pile and put the “toss” clothes in trash bags. Look through your “toss” pile as you bag it. If there are holes and stains, feel free to throw them away. However, if they’re still in good shape, instead of just throwing your clothes away, there are many shelters and thrift stores that take donations near you. Down below are a few places you can donate to. During COVID-19 please be mindful and wash your clothes before dropping them off at a center. Kid to Kid will even pay you for your donations, so long as they are in good shape and items they are looking for. You can sell to them what they’ll take and donate the rest.
Take your list of what you need with you shopping and replenish your closet. This will take the guesswork out of what you do and don’t need to get while you’re out (or online shopping). This will also prevent having to return things that you buy way too many of.
A simple closet outline to start the school year:
- Shirts: 8-10 shirts (6 t-shirts, 4 nice shirts)
- Pants/shorts: 10 (5 pants, 5 shorts)
• If you have a girl, take into consideration skirts or dresses. - Underwear: 10-15 (You should have a supply for two weeks, just in case you don’t manage to get laundry done. )
- Socks: 10-15 (You should have a two week supply.)
- Shoes: 4 pairs (gym shoes/laced sneakers, outside shoes, dress shoes, and slides/flip flops)
- Sweaters: 2-3 (sweaters or hoodies)
While it is a lot of work, especially if you have multiple children, stepping it out like this keeps those closets and dressers current and shopping simplified.
Local donation centers:
This idea was originally found on Over the Big Moon’s blog.
https://www.overthebigmoon.com
