Tidying Kids’ Clothes: My Best Tips for Local Families
Here in Princeton—as well as in nearby Montgomery and Lawrenceville—we’re lucky to have vibrant communities full of young families. One question I hear all the time from clients is: How do I keep my kids’ clothes under control? As a mom of three (I live in Princeton with my 13-year-old, 10-year-old, and 6-year-old), I get it. Between growth spurts, laundry piles, and hand-me-downs, it can feel like you’re constantly drowning in tiny socks and outgrown shirts.
Here’s what I tell my clients—and what I do in my own home.
How Often Should You Tidy Kids’ Clothes?
If you have a baby, I recommend sorting through their clothes every three months. They grow so fast, and keeping up regularly will save you from the overwhelm. Once your kids are in elementary or middle school, every 6 to 8 months is usually enough.
To simplify this task, I recommend “joy-checking” as you fold laundry. That means noticing which clothes are getting worn and which ones aren’t. Any torn, stained, or outgrown pieces can go straight into the donation or discard pile—no need to wait for a big decluttering session.
When you do a full tidy, take clothes out by category (all pants, all shirts, etc.), and keep a donation bag nearby. This makes it easier to make decisions and avoids the temptation to keep things “just in case.”
The Hand-Me-Down Equation
Let’s be honest—hand-me-downs are a huge part of the kids’ clothing cycle, especially in families with multiple children. They can be a lifesaver or a source of clutter, depending on how you handle them.
Two things to keep in mind:
If you have a younger child who might wear the item later, ask yourself: Will this spark joy when I pull it out of a bin in two years? Will it be a nice piece that I’ll feel happy dressing my child in? If not, let it go now. If yes, store it by size in clearly labeled bins so you can find what you need quickly when the time comes.
If you don’t have a younger child to pass it down to, don’t automatically give it to a friend “just in case.” Instead, send a quick message asking if they’d like hand-me-downs—and let them feel free to say no. If they say yes, only pass along items in great condition. It’s better to offer five truly useful pieces than an overwhelming bag of mismatched, worn-out clothing.
And here’s an important note: If you’re already feeling overwhelmed by kids’ clothes, do not accept hand-me-downs. Seriously. You can blame me—“Ana says I can’t bring anything new in while I’m decluttering!” It’s better to feel a little awkward saying no than to regret it later.
Storage Strategies That Work
Once you’ve decided what to keep, think about where and how to store it. If it’s just a few items, I use a small labeled basket in top of the child’s closet with a tag that says “Next Size.” For larger collections (like between my two boys, who are four years apart), I store clothes in lidded plastic bins in the basement. The attic is another good option.
Label each bin with the size range, and always keep an empty one labeled with the next size you’ll need. This way, you can easily toss in pieces as they’re outgrown. You don’t need a million bins—just rotate them as needed. For example, when the 4T bin is emptied and those clothes are in use, repurpose that bin for size 5T. Shoes go in their own bin.
Where to Donate
If you have items in good condition to give away, here are a couple of great local options:
Nearly New Shop in Princeton
234 Nassau Street, Princeton, NJ 08542
Phone: (609) 924-5720
Website: nearlynewprinceton.comFacebook Groups
Search your local Princeton, Montgomery, or Lawrenceville community groups. Many families are happy to receive free kids’ clothes—and you’ll know they’re going to good homes.
Tidying your kids’ clothes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little rhythm, honest decision-making, and smart storage, you can stay ahead of the chaos and enjoy those little clothes while they last.
