For many of us winter weather is just around the corner and fall weather is already here. At my house we have turned on the fireplace a few times. We are prepping the furnace today and I’m sure we’ll turn it on soon. Every fall when I get the furnace ready I start thinking about the winter things my kids need. Beyond the quick switch to long sleeve shirts, jackets and jeans, there are always a lot of other things they need to be ready for winter weather.

One of the things I hate most is being unprepared. When cold weather hits and I have neglected to get all of the kids’ winter things ready, I am miserable. My kids end up miserable too because they are without something they need for a day or two (or more).  After this happened to us once or twice, I decided to make a plan to keep it from happening again. Now when we prep the furnace, I try to prep my kids’ winter things.  Below is a short checklist of what I try to do.

Locate all the winter clothes, shoes, toys
This step sounds easier than it is sometimes. I put a list together in my head (or on paper) and pull everything out of wherever it has been all summer. I grab coats, snow pants, hats, gloves, boots, scarves, all the winter things.  This step does make quite a mess when I do it, I tend to pick a room or area in my house and pile everything there. Lots of times I find that things get relocated during the warm weather. I usually end up hunting all over for a few of the items. I included toys in this step. I don’t drag those in the house with the clothes but I do track them down and gather them in one spot in the garage.

Try it on and inspect it
This is probably my kids’ least favorite of the steps. I sort the winter things into piles for the different kids. As I sort it, if I find something that is too worn or damaged I toss it out. Once the piles are ready I make them try it on. I stopped relying on size tags years ago; sizes just vary too much to rely on the tags. If it works for that child it stays in the pile. If not, it goes back into a big pile.

Wash and clean it
This step is really simple. Wash and clean everything so it is ready on the day it is needed. Nothing is worse than pulling out something to use and finding it in less than wearable condition. I try to wash the kids’ piles separately so they don’t get too mixed up.

Find a place to keep it
Once the winter things are ready to wear, find a place for them. It needs to be easy and quick or most kids won’t put things away. For me it also needs to be tidy and reduce clutter. I bought some dollar store dishpans and keep them in the bottom of their cubbies. A quick label and it is obvious what goes in the bins. Once it is put away, it is ready to go.

Purchase needed items
There are always items to purchase, even with the best hand-me-downs and saved items. I get the winter things I need now. There is nothing fun about running last minute to get you child boots because the snow is starting to fall. Selection is usually great now and sales are starting.

Grab a spare
Don’t forget to grab a spare of the things like gloves and hats. These things go missing so easily and it is miserable without them.

Donate, sell or store the items that don’t fit
I love this step. When all of the usable winter things are sorted and put away, deal with the leftovers. Things that are too big can be put away and stored for next year. Things that are too small or extra can be donated or sold. Even getting a small bag of extra clutter out of your house can feel amazing!

Have more winter things prep tips? We’d love to hear them!