Storing outgrown baby clothes

[alison]

How do you store your children's clothes for a future baby or for giving away at some point?

We would like an organized way to store dd's things (blankets, cloth diapers, clothes) for a good 1 1/2- 2 years.

Thanks!

[Michele]

I just throw them in a large Rubbermaid bin. I'd love to say they're all neat and folded and sorted by size, but they aren't. They are clean though.


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[ladymoreta]

I've tried to keep sizes together. As DS outgrows a size, I put them into boxes and label them. Some overlap - I think I have Newborn - 3 month all together, but there aren't any bigger sizes in there. I wish I'd been better about the storage containers... I just used old diaper boxes or boxes I'd received in the mail. Now I wish I had nice, neat Rubbermaid boxes.

Just send them all to your little sister in hopes she has a baby soon... At least that's what my big sister did!

[migirl]

I just sort them by size/stage (ie, newborn sizes together with burp cloths and bibs), and put them in clear plastic bins.

[SuzySunshine]

I also sort them by size and put them in big plastic tubs, label the tub and stick it in storage. I had the grand plans of sorting mine by season too but that never happened.

[Deebs]

We sort by size, then pass onto the next family member (my parents have 8 grandkids aged 5 and under). The bins have multiplied enough that I'll be having a HUGE garage sale this spring.

Also, you can write directly on rubbermade/plastic bins (I just learned this) and to erase - spray on static guard and wipe off. I used to have a whole crazy labeling process that has now turned into a sharpie.

Also, you can write directly on rubbermade/plastic bins (I just learned this) and to erase - spray on static guard and wipe off. I used to have a whole crazy labeling process that has now turned into a sharpie.

Okay - Deebs wins genius tip of the day!!

[alison]

What about mold/mildew stains? Living in a damp climate, this is a problem for us if you store clothes in an airtight container for a longer period of time.
Any problems with that?

You guys are so organized!!!

[Michele]

Haven't noticed the mold or mildew. Maybe they aren't that airtight? Or maybe I haven't stored them long enough? Or maybe I open them and throw stuff in often enough that the air circulates enough?

[alison]

I'm guessing for short-term (less than 3-4 years), it's ok, but our parents held onto some of our things for our kids, and they have some yellowing and mildew rings on them. Of course that's 20+ years, but I don't want the mildew process to already start now... But if none of you are having problems with the way you store things, them I'm fine!

[Deebs]

If you are going to hang onto things long term, I'm thinking you should probably get acid-free tissue paper and store it in that maybe? You might also want to throw in some cedar chips.

[alison]

I'm going to do it your way, with the Sharpie, Deebs.
We're going to Target to pick up some plastic Rubbermaid bins.
It'll be a project for dh for the week after he gets his wisdom teeth extracted. . That should keep him busy.

Our younger siblings are much younger than us (mine is 8 years younger) or not married/not having kids any time soon.

I really want a girl next--there are so many things that dd never had the chance to wear!

[MDPhDWife]

We do the bin thing as well. Since I have 2 girls 3 years apart in age, I eventually sell/trade the clothes the youngest has outgrown at a resale shop. What doesn't get accepted there gets donated.

BTW, I love the sharpie tip Deebs, that'll come in handy!

Alison- I don't have any advice for your mold issue, we live in the desert. Glad you mentioned it though as if we end up moving out of a desert climate that wouldn't of occured to me!

I have been using the Rubbermaid storage things for 7 years. We have them organized into ages and sizes. I have never had an issue with mold. I live in the Pacific NW an we get plenty of rain. I have three boys 8,3,2. Good luck they are worth it. When you think about how much you pay for a couple of outfits the price of one of the Rubbermaid bins are like 5 bucks. I would not suggest using carboard boxes. We found out the hard way that mice can eat through boxes and make homes in your kids clothes. Gross!!