What kid doesn’t love a snow day? And what momma doesn’t cringe at the thought of all that WET snow gear? Enjoy the snow days instead by using these 7 tips to handle all your kid’s wet snow gear.
With four kids in our home, the amount of snow gear is crazy! For me to have a system in place to help the kids know where to put their gear and allows us all to enjoy snow days!
I like SIMPLE and I like EFFECTIVE.
We recently moved to a new house during the summer months. When our first snowstorm hit, I quickly realized that I had no snow system or a way to handle my kid’s wet snow gear!
Fortunately, I already had a bunch of momma hacks to help me quickly pull together some plans.
My number one item will always be my “wet gear basket.” This is simply a basket where all the gear goes at the end of the day to drop right into the washing machine. This way everything is clean and ready for the next snow excursion.
This can be any laundry basket that can hold the appropriate amount of snow gear for your family. The best part of my “wet gear basket” is that it is ALSO my “snow gear basket” for offseason.
I store all of the snow gear in this basket when it’s not in use!!
Related: Snow Science Unit Study
I have outlined these 7 tips by the TYPE of snow gear that gets wet. I guarantee you will be able to implement some or all of these to create the perfect ways to handle your kid’s wet snow gear!
Jackets
The jacket is the first to come off when the kids come in from the snow. Depending on the type of snow it could be really wet or just stick to the gear. Either way, the winter snow jackets will end up wet once in the warm house.
You likely have a designated place for all coats and jackets to hang up. If this is suitable for wet gear, then you are good to go.
If not, then you might need a temporary solution to have wet snow jackets while they dry out. Coat racks and trees are perfect for this, or you can get an over-the-door rack.
Snow Pants
The legs of snow pants get super wet when kids are out playing in the snow. If you have a spot to hang this gear up near the snow jackets, then that is the best option. Be sure to put a towel or absorbent mat below them as they drip.
If snow pants are extra wet, then this is when you can toss all that wet snow gear into a designated laundry basket.
Mittens & Gloves
There is nothing worse than getting ready to head out into the snow than wet gloves. These are also the item that seems to be the toughest to get dry and keep dry.
My number one favorite snow organizer for mittens & gloves is my wrought iron glove & mitten rack.
Place one of these on an absorbent mat in front of the heat and your gloves, mittens, and hats will not only be DRY but will be WARM.
There are some great ECO dryers that are now available too. Friends use these and give rave reviews of how well they work.
Choosing one of these options is perfect to handle your kid’s wet snow gear and warm hands & heads when the kids head back out to the snow.
Hats, Scarfs & Face Masks
Where do you hang your hats? This snow gear item can get pretty wet when the kids are out there in the snow. You can pop these onto the same rack with the mittens & gloves if you have space. Otherwise, hang them over your “wet gear basket.”
With cold weather face masks, you need a solution other than just drying. These are amazing for keeping chins and cheeks warm and dry, but they can get a little stinky and dirty with kids’ sweat and mouths.
At the end of the day, I typically put these into my “wet gear basket” for a good wash.
Boots
Boots track in the most water and mud. Thankfully they are one of the first items to come off quick so be sure to have a spot for them!
To keep your floors dry, I have found a few great options! I have several of the boot trays to put the wet boots on once they are off little feet.
However, first, you need that absorbent entryway rug. Getting a large entry rug will ensure you catch all of the initial drips of snow as the kids come in the door.
If you can place the boot tray near some heat helps too. This way they will dry out and be ready for the next snow excursion.
Looking for Fun snow ideas? Grab this Winter Scavenger Hunt or Snow Science Study
Soggy socks
It seems that no matter how great the boots are, some kids just get that snow in every crevice while playing. Their feet get cold and wet when the snow gets in boots. This can be pretty dangerous if you have tile floors, since they can slip when moving too quickly.
To avoid slips and wet feet, take those soggy sock right off and pop them into your “wet gear basket.” Have some dry socks or slipper socks nearby for the kids to put on too.
