The temperature has dropped, the conkers are out, and you’ve finally admitted defeat—summer is officially over. That means it’s time for the autumn wardrobe switch, where strappy tops and flip-flops are out, and cosy knits and waterproofs are back in.
If the idea of wrestling with overstuffed drawers, last season’s clothes, and that mystery pile on “the chair” fills you with dread—you’re not alone.
Here’s a no-fuss, mum-friendly guide to decluttering, reorganising and making smart decisions about what to keep, store or donate this season.
🍁 Step 1: Do a Quick Pre-Sort (Don’t Overthink It)
Before you dive headfirst into the drawers, take 10 minutes to do a fast filter. Grab anything that’s clearly:
- Too small
- Out of season
- Damaged beyond saving
- Something your kids definitely won’t wear again (looking at you, glitter leggings from 2018)
Just chuck it into three piles: Keep, Store, or Donate. You’ll refine later, but it’s a great head start for the autumn wardrobe switch.
👖 What to Keep in the Autumn Wardrobe
Keep the things that:
- Fit well now
- Will work across multiple outfits
- Are appropriate for layering
- Actually get worn (i.e. not just admired)
Autumn essentials include:
- Long-sleeve tops and jumpers
- Waterproof jackets
- Well-fitting jeans or joggers
- Tights, leggings and thermal vests
- Sturdy shoes or boots
And yes—if the school uniform is suddenly ankle-grazing, now is the time to upgrade.
📦 What to Store for Next Season
These are the items you don’t need now but might want later:
- Summer dresses and shorts that still fit
- Lightweight tops for layering under jumpers
- Holiday clothes
- Occasional-wear items (weddings, parties, fancy dress)
Storage tips:
- Use vacuum bags, labelled tubs, or under-bed boxes
- Add lavender sachets or cedar balls to keep things fresh
- Store out of reach to reclaim precious everyday drawer space
Bonus tip: Label everything clearly. Your future self will thank you when spring rolls around.
🎁 What to Donate or Pass On or Sell
Be ruthless with:
- Items your kids have outgrown
- Clothes that never got worn (even if they were “cute”)
- Pieces you’re keeping out of guilt rather than love
Donate to:
- Local charity shops
- School uniform swaps
- Community baby banks or shelters
- Friends or family with younger children
If it’s clean and wearable, someone will benefit, and your house will breathe a sigh of relief. You may want to list on sites like Vinted. Great for making a bit of extra cash and a really easy app to use.
👟 Don’t Forget Shoes, Coats and Accessories
Autumn = new footwear territory. Check:
- Do their wellies still fit?
- Are their school shoes still waterproof?
- Can they zip up their coat without help (or tears)?
Keep:
- Wellies
- Trainers
- A warm coat and a rain jacket
- Scarves, gloves, hats (match them up now to avoid the single-glove mystery later)
Consider a “grab-and-go” basket by the front door to keep autumn gear handy.
👚 Involve the Kids (If You Dare)
If your children are old enough, involve them in the process—within reason.
Ask:
- “Do you still like this?”
- “Would you wear it again?”
- “Does it feel comfy?”
This helps reduce future morning outfit battles and gives them a sense of control over their clothes.
Just be prepared for the inevitable “but I LOVE that stained, bobbled T-shirt from three years ago” moment. Stay strong.
Final Thoughts
The autumn wardrobe switch doesn’t need to be a full-day marathon. It’s about making your space more functional for the season ahead, saving time on busy mornings, and avoiding the classic drawer avalanche.
So pop on a cosy jumper, put the kettle on, and tackle it bit by bit. With less clutter and more clarity, you might even find mornings become slightly less chaotic. Slightly.
