What is the best way to store children's clothes?
As a parent, you know how quickly your little one’s clothes can change. What was once too big quickly becomes too small, and suddenly there are piles of children’s and baby clothes in the closet or on the floor. We often get asked how to best store these clothes, and we totally get it! Whether you want to pass on clothes to a brother or sister, or just want to make room in the closet for new stuff, it can be difficult to store everything neatly. But don’t worry, we’ll help you on your way with a few simple tips and tricks for storing baby clothes and children’s clothes properly. This way, they stay beautiful for longer and you can easily use them again.
1. Sorting: A Good Start
The first step in storing children’s and baby clothes is to sort everything. Start with a large pile and then work your way up. Make different piles of clothes that you want to keep, donate, sell or throw away. For example, you can immediately put aside clothes that are too small and see if you can pass them on to someone else or take them to a second-hand store.
It is useful to sort by size, so that you can quickly find what you need later. This makes the whole storage job a lot easier. You can also look at the condition of the clothing. Is it still good enough to keep, or does it have a stain that you can't get rid of? This is the time to look at everything honestly and decide what you really want to keep.
2. Wash the Clothes Before Storing
One of the most important steps in storing baby and children’s clothing is to make sure it’s clean. It may sound obvious, but clothing that you haven’t washed can develop stains or odors when stored for long periods of time. Stains can set into the fabric, and if the garment is sitting in a box or closet, it’s hard to get it clean again.
Always wash the clothes according to the washing instructions, especially when it comes to delicate fabrics such as wool or silk. Use a mild detergent, especially if the clothes are still for a baby. Baby clothes often need more sensitive skin, and a mild detergent is best. Also make sure that the clothes are completely dry before storing them, because damp clothes can get moldy.
3. The Right Storage Materials
Now that the clothes are washed and dried, it’s time to think about the best way to store them. The right storage materials make a big difference when it comes to storing children’s clothes in the long term. Airtight storage containers or vacuum bags are ideal, as they protect the clothes from dust, odors, and even bugs.
Vacuum bags are especially useful because they remove the air from the bags, making the clothes more compact and taking up less space. It is also a good idea to label the storage containers with the size and season. This will make it a lot easier when you are looking for baby clothes or children's clothes for your little one later. For example: "Size 80 - Summer 2025." This way you don't have to open everything to see what's inside.
4. Where do you store children's clothes?
It may seem obvious, but the place where you store your children's and baby clothes is very important. Store the clothes in a dry, cool and dark place. Attics and basements can be very damp, which is not good for the fabrics. Damp can cause the clothes to smell musty or even become moldy. If you store the clothes in a closet, make sure the closet is well ventilated.
The ideal temperature for storing baby clothes and children's clothing is between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. A room that is too warm can damage the fibers of the fabrics, while a room that is too cold can lead to mold. Also make sure that the place where you store the clothes does not get too much direct sunlight. Sunlight can fade the color of the clothes, especially bright colors.
5. Roll Clothes Instead of Folding Them
A handy trick to save space and prevent children’s clothes from getting wrinkled is to roll them instead of folding them. This works especially well for T-shirts, pants and rompers. Roll the clothes up and place them in a storage box or drawer. This keeps the clothes compact and easy to access. Folding can take up space and often leads to stubborn creases that are difficult to remove.
For clothes that you won’t be using often, like seasonal baby clothes , you can also use a vacuum bag. This will shrink the clothes and make them easier to store. Roll the clothes up neatly and put them in the bag, then pull the air out to save space.
6. Check Clothing Regularly
If you are storing children's or baby clothes for a longer period of time, it is important to check them occasionally. Check every few months to see if everything is still in good condition. This prevents you from suddenly discovering clothes that have been affected by vermin or mold the next season. By checking regularly, you can quickly intervene if, for example, a musty smell develops or if there are holes in the fabric.
Also check if the clothes are still suitable for your child. Sometimes a child grows faster than you think, and then the clothes you have kept may suddenly be too small. By checking occasionally, you can keep updating your stock of children's clothing and you know exactly what you can still use.
7. Don't Forget to Take Good Care of Your Kids Clothes
Children's and baby clothes can take a lot, but they also need the right care. It is important to take good care of the clothes, so that you can continue to use them and pass them on. With the right storage and care, you can give baby clothes and children's clothes a second life, whether it is for a brother or sister, or for another parent you know.
By storing clothes properly, you can extend the life of the clothes, which is not only good for your wallet, but also for the environment. You prevent clothes from being thrown away unnecessarily, and that is always a good choice!