The Closet Reset Every Erie Parent Needs Right Now

If your mudroom currently contains:

• one random snow boot
• three hoodies
• last summer’s sandals
• pants nobody claims
• and at least one swimsuit that definitely doesn’t fit anymore…

You are not alone.

The seasonal kid-clothes switch is one of those parenting jobs that sounds simple until you actually start doing it. Suddenly you’re surrounded by piles of too-small leggings, mystery socks, and jackets you forgot even existed.

But according to Jen Stickle, co-owner of Sunflower Sprouts Consignment Sale, this whole process can actually become your secret weapon for making money back on all those outgrown kids clothes.

“It’s a weird time of the year,” Stickle says. “We still have some athletic pants out. We definitely still have sweatshirts out.” 

Instead of waiting until September and panic-cleaning closets before the fall sale, Jen recommends building a simple system now that helps you:

• transition closets for summer
• reduce clutter
• stay organized
• AND prep to consign for the fall Sunflower Sprouts Consignment Sale Erie event happening in early October.

Here’s how to make it happen.

Want to hear Jen’s full closet-transition system and pro consignor tips? Watch her full video below:

Jen Stickle is co-owner of Sunflower Sprouts Consignment Sale in Erie and Pittsburgh.

Step 1: Start With a Simple Reality Check

Before buying a single pair of summer shorts, pull out last year’s spring and summer bins and see what actually still fits.

This is the perfect time to:

• Check sizes
• Try on swimsuits and sandals
• See what basics your kids actually wear
• Figure out what you truly need before shopping

Jen recommends making a quick list for each child with:

• Current clothing sizes
• Shoe sizes
• Favorite colors or characters
• Summer activity needs
• Sports gear needs
• Items grandparents might need at their house

Because half the battle is remembering what you already own.

And the other half? Realizing how much your kids have already outgrown.

Step 2: Create 4 Bins (This Is the Game-Changer)

Instead of making giant piles everywhere, grab four bins, baskets, laundry hampers, or even diaper boxes and label them:

1. Keep

Items that still work right now:

• Sweatshirts
• Jeans
• Rain jackets
• Anything still useful during Erie’s “40 degrees in the morning, 75 by afternoon” season

2. Try Again in Fall

These are the “maybe” items:

• Slightly big pants
• Jackets with room to grow
• Dress clothes that might still fit in September

Jen says separating these NOW saves huge headaches later.

“We don’t want to sort it a second time,” she explains. 

3. Recycle/Trash

Anything stained, ripped, stretched out, or beyond saving.

And Jen makes an important point here: badly worn clothes should not automatically be donated.

“This is a dignity issue,” she says. “We don’t want to give stuff with holes to nonprofits.” 

4. Save for Consignment

This is where the magic happens.

Good-condition clothes another family could use:

• Athletic brands
• Seasonal outfits
• Jackets
• Shoes in great shape
• Holiday outfits
• Trendy kids clothing

Jen says this is the perfect time to start building your fall consignor bin for Sunflower Sprouts Consignment Sale.

“Get a box, get a bin, or dump out a laundry basket and just start collecting all the stuff that is winter that they don’t need anymore,” she says. 

Why Erie Moms Love Consigning at Sunflower Sprouts

Let’s be honest: kids grow FAST.

And for many Erie families, consigning has become one of the easiest ways to:

• clear clutter before winter
• earn money back on kids items
• shop the next season for less
• avoid paying full retail prices for constantly changing sizes

The earlier you start your consignor pile, the easier fall prep becomes.

Instead of scrambling in September, you’ll already have:

• sorted bins
• organized clothes
• hanging supplies ready
• items washed and set aside

Future-you will be VERY thankful.

Step 3: Stop Keeping SO Many Clothes

This one stings a little.

But Jen says one of the biggest mistakes parents make is simply keeping too much.

“Less is more,” she says. 

Most kids really don’t need:

• 25 t-shirts
• 14 hoodies
• 30 baby outfits
• drawers overflowing with “just in case” clothes

As you sort, pay attention to:

• What your kids actually wore
• What sat untouched all season
• What wore out too quickly
• What you constantly needed more of

That information becomes your shopping roadmap for next season — and helps you decide what’s worth consigning later.

Step 4: Put “Try On Fall Clothes” on Your Calendar NOW

This might be Jen’s smartest tip.

As you pack away fall and winter clothes, create a labeled “Try Again in Fall” bin and actually schedule a reminder on your phone for August.

That way:

• you’re not re-sorting everything later
• you’ll know what still fits before school shopping
• and you’ll have time to prep consignor items before the fall sale

“The trick is to go into August and make an appointment in your personal calendar,” Jen says. 

Want to Consign This Fall?

The next Sunflower Sprouts Consignment Sale sale is expected in early October in Erie, and consignor registration typically opens about three months beforehand.

If you think you might want to consign:

• start your bin now
• save hangers
• begin sorting as you switch seasons
• and keep an eye on Sunflower Sprouts’ website and social media for registration announcements this summer

Because the families who seem super organized by fall?

They usually started with one bin in May.

Give Yourself Credit for This Job

Closet transitions are work.

Mental work.
Laundry work.
Sorting work.
Emotional work.

“Give yourself permission to take time,” Jen says. “And give yourself credit for the time and energy that it takes.” 

So order the pizza.
Grab the Starbucks.
Call it productive.

And start that consignor bin while you’re at it.