The Seasonal Switch
Here in Vermont we are lucky enough to enjoy 4+ seasons (don’t forget stick season, mud season and fake spring 1/fake spring 2) every year. While enjoying the weather changes, we also get to delight in the routines of moving out the old - in this case winter - and bringing in the new - spring/summer.
The piles of wet mittens are replaced with piles of wet pool towels. Coat after coat after coat on the hooks in the mudroom are replaced with hats, bathing suits and beach toys. It’s like starting a new chapter of a book - so much possibility and promise of adventure ahead.
Everyone has a different way they approach this switch - but the bones of it are mostly the same. Here is how I go about it - usually twice a year in April/May and again in September/October.
Gather
Gather all the outgoing gear including hats, mittens, scarves, snow pants, winter coats, etc. At this time I also pull out any snow play items like snowball makers, snowperson accessories, sleds, and ski gear. Launder as needed and then assess what you have. I create the following piles: donations (items that will no longer fit or be used by anyone in the family), mending (garments that need a patch or a button), and recycling/trash (items that are no longer able to be used (single mittens, irreparable damage).
Store/Label
When storing the gear for next winter, make sure to take into account what is still in storage that was not used all season long. Consider why it wasn’t brought into the mix and decide if it’s something that can be passed along now or if it will be useful the following winter. An example of something you might keep is a pair of snow pants that were too big last winter but will fit the next one. Something you might decide to donate would be the extra hats or mittens that were never needed.
Replace
Bring up the new season’s stuff. For summer this includes sunhats, beach towels, bug spray, beach/pool toys, bubbles and sidewalk chalk among many other things. Asses the inventory and donate anything that you will no longer use. Make sure everything is clean before putting it away.
Consider Function
You will likely default to put things where they went last summer. That doesn’t mean that it will work just as well this season though! Think about if there are any tweaks you can make to simplify the upcoming season. Storing the pool towels closer to the pool in a basket by the door to the backyard makes more sense than in the hall bathroom. The bubbles and sidewalk chalk can go in a bin on the front porch (instead of in the garage) if that is where your kids are usually playing! Small changes like this can make big impact over the course of a busy summer!
Don’t Forget the Car
Give your vehicle some attention too! Give it a good clean, switch out any backup clothing for the appropriate size/season, refill your consumables (first aid kit, snacks, tissues/wipes), and throw a picnic blanket, soccer ball & frisbee in the trunk to have on hand for unexpected downtime! Just be prepared - we all know that the day you take out the ice scraper is the day the big unexpected spring storm hits!
Do you enjoy the switch? Does it feel daunting to you or more like preparing for a fun upcoming event? What are your favorite ways to prepare for a change of season in your home?
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