Free Printable: Kids’ Clothing Inventory

I should have titled this post ‘Confessions of a Kids’ Clothing Hoarder’ but The Google wouldn’t like that so let’s call it like it is: Carrie’s Free Printable Kids’ Clothing Inventory for Reformed Hoarders.  Or something like that.  The truth is, I’m a total sucker for cute kids’ clothes and great deals.  And also consignment sales.  And also Gymboree.  Possibly BabyGap as well.  Okay, definitely BabyGap.  Also CrewCuts, though it hurts when I watch my kids drop chocolate ice cream on one of those.

Let’s whirl that addiction with the fact my kids are very slow growers and you’ve got a problem.  I’ve been stocking up on 4T clothes since my daughter was 3 years old, and now that’s she’s 5 that size is STILL too big.  My 3 year old is still in 2T, so my stockpiles of saved clothes are overflowing.  I finally realized I needed a way to track what they already have (because they’ll probably be able to wear it the following year, too) plus what I’ve already bought and figure out the holes so I know what to buy when I see it at a great price or at a consignment sale.

When I posted my shame list on Instagram, I got a lot of questions about how much of each category to buy.  Today I’ll share my ideal kids’ clothing allotment and solicit your opinions for how you handle how much of each item you need as well.  Here’s my dirty little secret: I rarely pay more than $4 per item of clothing (even new), and I pretty much only buy name brand clothing.  That just comes from my consignment sale shopping, religious stalking of Gymboree, and living close to some pretty great outlets.  Plus a kids clothes shopping addiction.

 

->  Click this link to print the free kids’ clothing inventory printable. <-

 

Helpful Hints:

• Print out one list for each child for each clothing season (fall/winter and spring/summer) and carry it folded in your purse.  That way, if you spot something great you can check the list to see if you should buy it.  I have two kids, so that means four lists total.
• If (WHEN) I do buy something, I’ll mark it immediately on the list.  Like, while in the checkout line.  Otherwise I’ll forget.
  
• List the things you NEED on the back, and cross them off as you find them.  That way, you have a ready made list when it’s time to hit the consignment sales or redeem your Gymbucks.

Now, about how much of each category to buy.  That varies greatly with the child, your lifestyle, your climate, and whether or not your kids like chocolate ice cream, refuse to wear a bib, and/or have reflux.  Not that I know anything about any of that.

OKAY.  I know everything about all of that.

Here’s my general rule of thumb, keeping in mind I’m a clothes hoarder and do tend to overbuy.  Plus my daughter has wicked reflux and my son apparently is a dirt magnet (truly, I changed his clothes at least twice a day all summer long).

• Shirts and Bottoms: 14 of each (I like to have two weeks worth of each in case I can’t do the laundry that week, we have a hurricane, we’re traveling, the kids are sick, etc.)
• Dresses/ Dressy Clothes:  one fancy holiday dress, one dressier holiday outfit, two casual dresses for church or special occasions, and no skirts because my daughter refuses to wear them.  {wink}
• Swimsuits: 1-3, depending on how often you go to the pool/beach.  We go to the pool A LOT, so need a healthy rotation of them.
• Outerwear: one heavy jacket, one light jacket, one rain jacket, a cardigan (for girls, to layer over tees and dresses), and a sweatshirt
• Pajamas: about 10 pairs, they wear a different one each night but I know some people rewear them for a few nights in a row
• Underwear: 10-14 pairs, unless you are potty training a boy, then probably 73 pairs.  😉
• Shoes: one pair of play sneakers, one pair of school sneakers, one pair of dressy shoes, and one pair of rain and/or snow boots. In the winter, a pair of slippers (we LOVE the L.L. Bean ones).  In the summer my kids LIVE in their Keens– best. investment. ever.
• Socks: 10-14 pairs, because some inevitably go missing

Having the kids’ clothing inventory on hand has been a huge time and money saver for me.  Suddenly, I’m only buying the BEST of the BEST because I know what I need and don’t want to waste it on that top I only kinda sorta like.  At a recent consignment sale, I spend HALF of what I normally spend– I knew I didn’t need much, so I could spend a bit more on the best things.  Holla, Lily Pulitzer dresses and a gorge Hartstrings outfit for the holidays!

What did I forget on that list?  Am I way overboard, just right, or totally depriving my kids?  Anyone else a clothes hoarder or am I the only one lured in by the sale rack, Gymbucks, and a great consignment sale?  I hope the list helps you too, let me know if you use it!

{Free Printable: Kids’ Clothing Inventory is linking up with: Crystal & Co. | Nifty Thrifty Sunday |The 36th Avenue}