how much to buy

I know not everyone reading this will have multiple children or hugely tight budgets. But, these are the constraints I live with right now, so this is something that dictates my shopping strategies. I get carried away and sucked in when I see a good deal, so I have to keep count of how many of each item I'm buying for each child and for each season. I have a checklist for each child, and twice a year I take a current tally of what is in their clothing bins (just large plastic storage bins from Walmart) and then I have that with me when I shop, so I know what they need. What you see below is a SAMPLE. Please don't take it as etched in stone. It's a guideline. It's a good starting point. You will have to edit and adjust for what is best for your situation. I make sure I write the sizes I'm looking for at the top of their lists because juggling 4 kids and 2 seasons all at once makes me forgetful!

Child #1
*Tops XL, Bottoms 14
Summer tops (7)
Summer bottoms (5)
Summer church outfit (2)
Summer sleep shorts (2)
Ankle socks (1 pack)
Swimsuit (1)
Flip flops (2)
Keen sandals (1)
Zip-up hoodie (1)
Winter tops (7)
Winter bottoms (5)
Winter church outfit (2)
Sweats for sleep (2)
Sweatshirts-pullover (2)
Crew Socks (2 packs)
Dress socks (1 tan, 1 black)

Child #2
*Tops XL, Bottoms 12
Summer tops (7)
Summer bottoms (5)
Summer dresses (3)
Summer pjs (2)
Ankle socks (1 pack)
Swimsuit (1)
Flip flops (2)
Keen sandals (1)
Zip-up hoodie (1)
Winter tops (7)
Winter bottoms (5)
Winter church outfit (3)
Winter pjs (2)
Winter play coat (1)
Winter dress coat (1)
Winter tights (2)
Crew Socks (2 packs)

Child #3
*Tops 5/6, Bottoms 5
Summer tops (7)
Summer bottoms (5)
Summer church outfit (2)
Summer pjs (2)
Ankle socks (1 pack)
Swimsuit (1)
Flip flops (2)
Keen sandals (1)
Zip-up hoodie (1)
Winter tops (7)
Winter bottoms (5)
Winter church outfit (2)
Winter pjs (2)
Winter play coat (1)
Sweatshirts-pullover (2)
Crew Socks (2 packs)
Dress socks (1 tan, 1 black)

Child #4
*Tops 3T,bottoms 2T&3T
Summer tops (10)
Summer bottoms (7)
Summer church outfit (3)
Summer pjs (3)
Swimsuit (1)
Flip flops (2)
Keen sandals (1)
Zip-up hoodie (2)
Lightweight tights (1)
Winter tops (10)
Winter bottoms (7)
Winter church outfit (3)
Winter pjs (3)
Winter play coat (1)
Winter dress coat (1)
Winter tights (2)
Crew Socks (10)