4-Season Cleaning

If you’re like me, you probably have a pile of unassigned stuff that just sits in your attic or storage area. That storage area could be your closet or even the baby’s room. These days, It seems easier for me to come to grips with that fact that I’m a size bigger since my kids and that the type of bell bottoms I have are NOT coming back into style, thus easier for me to add those clothes to the spring-cleaning pile.

It has been exceptionally hard for me, though, to get rid of my kids’ baby clothes. What’s a nostalgic mother to do? Making space in my tummy and in my home for our latest addition (new baby makes 4) was my recent motivation. Here’s how you can do it too:

1. Break out the box of tissues—there’s sure to be an item or two or three that sends you into an emotional fit, reminiscing on the color of baby’s first poo that leaked through the diaper of the mint green onesie that she wore under her 6-month portrait outfit

2. Determine your workspace and write up an extra large "Do Not Disturb" sign (there are sure to be some knocks at the door, but your kids and/or mate need extra practice reading these sacred words

3. Setup a snack area—sorting clothes is tough and tiring work! You’ll need that trail mix and jug of juice to keep you going!

4. Break out your favorite CDs and if you have a multiple disk CD player, load it up!

5. Gather a few large bags for sorting. I don’t recommend boxes because they can look so neat after a sort and you might convince yourself to keep them around “just in case”.

6. Sort, sort, sort! It may be easiest to sort by size rather than gender (if you’re dealing with more than one child’s clothes). Once you’ve done that, then you can pick your absolute, die-hard favorite items that you might want to squeeze into a scrapbook or something for nostalgia’s sake. If it’s too big for a scrap book, consider one of the “disposal” methods below.

7. Lastly, look over your must-have pile and narrow this down even further.

1. Garage/Stoop Sale
There are still some thrifty folks out there who will search the highs and lows for anything below retail price. Consider running an ad in a local paper or plastering parked cars and light poles (check local regulations) in your neighborhood. You may also want to invite members of groups you belong to.

2. Charity donation
Scan your phone book under “thrift shop” or do an Internet search for the same plus your city (i.e., “thrift shop” + “Jersey City”). Announce your donation through groups you belong to. Everyone knows someone who recently had a baby or could use lightly-used toddler outfits. Some national organizations I like are:

· Vietnam Veterans Association – (800) 775-8387 or www.clothingdonations.org

· Salvation Army – (800) 95-TRUCK or www.satruck.com/FindDropoff.asp

· Goodwill – (800) 664-6577 or http://locator.goodwill.org

Call or click to find a location near you. Most will pick up right from your doorstep.

3. Give to thy neighbor
I stumbled upon a truly rare gem called www.freecycle.org. It’s a community of people who freely offer their otherwise trash-bound items to the members of their neighborhood. It’s completely simple and free to join a community—Go to the website and sign up! Usually, it’s first come first served and the offerer and the taker arrange to meet to make the hand-off.

There’s no need to feed those moths any longer! Employ this cleaning process every season. It’s sure to clear the clutter.

Wilma Ann Anderson is the Editor-in-Chief and Cofounder of Mahogany Baby. She's also an accomplished singer, and works as a model and film executive. This mother of four has freelanced for ESSENCE and Working Mother magazines, enjoys crafting, and is based in New Jersey.