Dealing with Winter Wear

The weather is turning cooler. Now is the time to prepare for the onslaught of winter gear that comes with living in the North.

First, put away all the summer gear, since you won’t have a need for it for several months. While you are at it, evaluate what you have. Have you used the item over the past summer? Is it still in good shape? Will it still be of use to your family next summer? If the answers to any of these questions are no, get rid of the item. Store the remaining items. Mark the container “Off Season Outdoor Gear”. Then in the summer, winter gear can be stored in the same container; although you may need more containers for all the winter wear.

Now, pull out all the winter outerwear. Get rid of anything that family members have outgrown or are no longer using. Make a list of replacements that need to be purchased. The next step is to find a “home” for everything. Use hooks or hangers for coats and snow pants. Containers or over-the-door purse organizers keep hats and mittens accessible. Boot trays are a wonderful way to protect floors from wet, dirty boots.

Also plan a routine for dealing with the wet outerwear after a romp in the snow. Here are a few options:

1. All wet items are put in a laundry basket, and then thrown in the dryer.
2. Wet coats & snow pants are hung over the bathtub to dry.
3. Mittens, hats, and boots are placed near a heating register until dry.
   

Winter is almost here. How do you get ready?