Over the years I have found that the single best way to save money is to stay organized. Over the next few weeks I will be posting a series on organization. I have a few simple ways to stay organized that I have been using for a long time and some other methods I am going to start now and you can follow me on my journey to see how it goes.
Not all kids have the same growth patterns but I have noticed a pretty steady pattern with both of my kids so I am able to judge fairly well what sizes they will be in for the next year or so. This is a big advantage but I am only able to take full advantage of it because I know in advance what sizes and items I need for the upcoming year and seasons. I have totes in my kids closets labeled with a size and season as well as a list of what items that are lacking or low in that box. That way I don't buy 20 pairs of pants and 2 tops. At the end of each season I typically make a list of any items the kids need for the next season or the next year and keep it in my purse. That is how I know exactly what to take advantage of at the Gymboree sale this week.
As I said earlier growth patters certainly vary but you can always keep a clear inventory on things that can be used in every season, Socks, underwear, jeans and tee shirts are a few that you can never go wrong with. Right now I need to focus on scouting out some good shoe deals for my son as he just jumper up two sizes and is down to one pair that fits properly.
A good clothing stock pile is much like a good food stockpile in that it ensures that you will never pay full price and will always get the best deal. I'm going to take a moment to share a little kids clothing victory story with you. One of the items on my sons "need" list for next year is sweaters/ hoodies. My son loves fleece hoodies and over the holidays he fell in love with a furry lined one at GAP Kids. He loved it so much that I almost broke down and paid the sale price of $24 for on for him for Christmas. Well I just could not bring myself to spend that much. He had a great Christmas with out it but it was in the back of my mind. So what should I happen to find in the thrift store the other day? You guessed it . The exact same hoodie was in the thrift on dollar day! Yippee!!!! I washed in and showed it to him and he is looking forward to wearing it next year. I also found three other GAP hoodies that day that he was excited about for next year.
Stay tuned for more organizing tips to come in this series. I would love to hear some of yours as well.
Follow me on my adventures of saving and earning money at home. I love to buy on the cheap and find treasures to resell.
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Reading your post reminded me of earlier this week when I went to our 'newer' Salvation Army Store. My son also loves fleece's with pockets, so when I saw that the store was having a 50% off children's clothing, I checked out their selection. And I found a grey, fleece, zip-up hoodie for him! And with pockets! Only $0.75! I love it!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had a chance to get to the thrift more often. There are many diamonds in the rough. I try not to go with the kids though so I don't get to go very often. If I go with them I rush and often don't see the flaws I would have seen if I had taken my time. Good score on the fleece.
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