GON Reader Question
How to Sort Through Old Baby Clothes
My daughter-in-law, Jenny, asked me to help
her sort through old baby clothes that she has been storing in around four boxes for years. Her kids are 13, 10, and 7 years old, two girls and one boy. She and my son have no plans of having any more children.
Jenny is a bit attached to some of those clothes, however, so I'm not sure how to approach this challenge with her.
Do you have any suggestions?
-- Millie
Maria's Response
Hi Millie,
How nice that your daughter-in-law asked for your help. Just the fact that she's
asking for your assistance with this project is a good sign that she's willing to part with those baby clothes...and maybe just needs a bit of encouragement along the way.
Honestly, I would
not spend a whole lot of time "sorting." In fact, if she wasn't attached to some of these items, I'd tell you to just pack those boxes in the car and bring them straight to your local charity, as is. They can go through the sorting process there.
But since you mentioned she's a bit attached to some of the clothes, maybe she wants to enjoy some memories before she donates...as well as keep a few of those baby outfits.
1. Have her state a number. Before starting, have her choose a specific number of items to keep (preferably three or less per child) that have very special memories for her.
For instance, I still have the tiny sleeper my daughter wore on the day she was born, as well as her Christening gown.
2. Decide who/where the clothes are going to. Jenny's next step is for her to decide who/where she is going to gift these baby clothes too. There are so many people who can use her donations.
There may be friends, family, co-workers or neighbors she knows who are expecting. Perhaps they would love the hand-me-downs.
She can check with a local mom group, usually found on Facebook.
She can determine the needs at a church or a local women's shelter.
Of course, most thrift stores would welcome baby clothes. Donating at a thrift store would help complete strangers who are in need.
One more option is for her to schedule a date for a garage sale and sell those items.
3. Open each box, one at a time. Once these decisions are made, open one box at a time, remove one clothing item at a time, and decide on the person or place it's going to go.
Have a tote bag, clearly labeled, for each person/organization you're donating too.
4. An idea for the "keep pile." If the pile with the "keep" items is growing a bit too tall, perhaps a quilt could be made using some of the items from that pile.
If you or your daughter-in-law sews, this could be a fun project to work on together.
If not, and if it's in her budget,
someone can always be hired to make the quilt for her.
In this case, she would not have to part with those items, and she'd be able to enjoy them regularly...rather than having them packed
away in boxes.
Hope these ideas help!
