It’s no secret that kids grow like crazy, and the first place you start noticing that is in their clothing. Even the most minimalist of kid wardrobes will cost some money, but multiply that times a few kids, and it can start to seem like a small fortune.
Along with the constant growth of children and changing weather, many parents may discover that investing in quality pieces of kids clothing can be worth it in the end, especially if you plan on passing that clothing down to other siblings.
Look at it this way–you can buy a $3 t-shirt from a store or consignment sale, or a $10 t-shirt from a nicer kids’ store on sale. The cheap t-shirt may have holes after one summer of play by your oldest child, and the next summer you’re stuck buying new $3 t-shirts for the sibling under them. However, I’ve found it true that quality t-shirts really do make it through multiple siblings, saving you money in the end. After three siblings, the high-quality t-shirt has kept you from making new purchases for those younger siblings every year, and the shirt looked a whole lot nicer during those wears.
Here are a few of my tips for saving money in the long-run by investing in quality kids’ clothes with Junction City Self Storage.
Create a minimalist wardrobe for your kids
Sometimes this means passing up on the totally-adorable but super-impractical tutu outfit for your little one, but in the end you can still dress your kid very cute while keeping it to the basics. I’ve found it helpful to stick to neutral-colored, dark shorts and pants for the kids, because they don’t show stains as easily, and I can buy almost any color of t-shirt that I find on sale and know they will match what they have in their drawers. No more buying a specific color t-shirt for those orange and pink cheetah pants (this is spoken from experience…thanks, Grandma!)
If you have a week’s worth of clothes for your child in their drawer, and all things that “go together”, it will make picking out clothes a lot easier for them, and shopping for the next size up a lot easier for you.
Find a favorite style and brand of quality items and shop ahead on sales and resale sites
This is probably one of my favorite ways to provide my kids with things like high-quality jackets (a must when you want to go outside in winter), snow gear, winter boots, and comfortable play shoes. These are some items that you’ll definitely be able to tell the difference between high-quality, more expensive brands and the lower-quality brands.
I have a few set jackets that I like for my girls to have in winter, and I shop ahead for those through different consignment sites, ebay, and sales that stores are having. It allows me to take advantage of a great deal when I see it, and makes sure my kids are set with items that will hold up to being passed down the line of siblings, but that I could also resale for a good price should I no longer need it.
Some of my personal favorite high-quality items to look out for (I have four girls!) are: Keen waterproof boots for winter and sandals for summer, North Face fleece jackets for fall and spring, Patagonia quilted down jackets for winter, Land’s End snow bibs, Hanna Andersson velour dresses for winter, and Ked or Stride Rite mary-janes for school and play.
Don’t be afraid to buy second-hand
The very nature of high-quality children’s clothes is that they can hold up to multiple wears and washes without breaking down like cheaper brands will. So don’t be afraid to buy “like new” items second-hand. Things like dress clothes and outerwear, especially, are great to buy second hand, as they are usually barely worn (compared to other things like play clothes) and you can get a new-looking coat or dress for a steal.
Hopefully these were some helpful tips to get you started on minimizing your kids’ wardrobes, and providing them with comfy, high-quality clothes for a low price. At Self Assured Storage, we know that kids’ clothes (and their other stuff) can take over a house quickly. For all those bins of unused childrens’ clothes, books, and toys, give us a call to get them safely packed away in our secure facility until you need them again!
