A MUM has revealed her simple formula that means she only buys her kids clothes twice a year, guaranteeing it not only saves wardrobe space and on wash loads, but stops parents overspending.
Rachael Hallett, from Melbourne, Australia, who only shops at the start of summer and winter each year to keep her kids kitted out for the changing season, shared her top tips on Facebook.
Rachael Hallett/Facebook
The mum-of-two posted photographs of her most recent ‘marathon shopping’ session to the Mums Who Organise page, having bought her two sons their entire winter wardrobe using just a minimal list.
Similar to a capsule wardrobe, that involves purchasing a small selection of items that can all co-ordinate with each other, Rachael has a less is more approach when it comes to her kids.
“Choose a limited amount of clothing and only pick what you love,” she told Kidspot. “You get more wear from the clothes you like and your washing can’t get out of control.”
Rachael first started monitoring how many clothing items she bought when her first son was born, noticing she had bought so many things they didn’t have time to wear before it was out grown.
Rachael Hallett
Rachael Hallett/Facebook
Rachael’s list for her latest shop for her sons, aged three and four, was limited to just tops, coats, trousers, jumpers, pyjamas, underwear and various types of shoes.
“But now it’s done, I don’t have to shop for another six months,” she explained. “I use self-control and I don’t buy more even if I want to. If I don’t love it either, it goes straight back on the rack”
At the start of the season, the mum begins by deciding how much of each clothing items her child needs, before deciding on a few shops where she thinks she will get the best value for money.
“I pick a base colour and everything has to go with that,” Rachael continued. “Navy is great for day care, for example, as it doesn’t matter if it get’s stained.”
Rachael Hallett/Facebook
Rachael Hallett/Facebook
For parents like Rachael that don’t like shopping or washing, she says a capsule wardrobe and minimal approach is ideal – and encourages mums to label their wardrobes to keep everything in its place.
“Another huge benefit which some may not think of is that all the clothes go together, so nobody can dress the kids too terribly – even my husband! Whatever you pick, it’s likely it goes well,” she joked.
Most importantly, the mum-of-two believes her method has taught her children not to be too materialistic and obsess over their possessions.
“I find it hard not to spoil my kids, but now I just spoil them with experiences,” she said. “I’d rather do that than with clothes and other material gifts.”
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