Each unique situation requires a different organizational system, and families have a variety of methods for keeping children’s wardrobes manageable.

Nearly a year ago I decided to try storing the boys’ clothes in "outfits" rather than mixing and matching--allowing for "grab and go" dressing of the baby, and increased self-sufficiency for the toddler. I’ve been delighted with the system all around. On laundry day, I simply pair the outfits together, and put one outfit in each cube. Keegan has his cubes along one wall of the closet, and Kieran along another. (Shelves, or drawers would also work, but cubes in the closet were economical and practical for us.)

Each morning, Keegan (now three) chooses his own outfit from the cubes. Kieran (who turns one year today!), is easily dressed by a groggy mommy, helpful big sister, or a busy daddy.

This method made shopping simple in the sense of knowing exactly how many outfits we need to have. I like to have about 8 weekday outfits. (In additon to the weekday wardrobe, hanging above each boy’s cubes are several dapper-dude outfits for Sunday or other special outings.)

The only drawback is that it does require purchasing more pairs of pants. Previously, I’d had Keegan re-wear pants a second day with a different shirt. Right now though, he’s at an age where he’d not re-wear often anyway, as he has a knack for finding mud and dirt! To minimize excess, I do try to keep the color scheme such that if a shirt wears out a "spare" pair of pants (stored in his dresser with the pajamas) would go with almost anything. For us, this means having all weekday shirts go with navy pants, khakis, or jeans.

(Stay tuned for girl's wardrobe organization.)

(Reality photography: Even as my tidy folding becomes Keeganized, they stay in outfits.)

Domestic Chaos Tamer and Homeschool Mom of five, Dell enjoys writing about home, heart, and hearth.