The end of summer often marks a return to a more sustained pace: school, work, activities... and up-to-date wardrobe! Between busy mornings and multiple appointments, it's easy to end up with overly long pants, a creased skirt, or shoes that could use a makeover. Here's a simple guide to getting your clothes (and your children's) ready now and getting back to school on the right foot.
1. Sort your clothes and your children's clothes into three categories
First of all, do a great deal of sorting. Take out your office, school, and fall clothes and then sort them into three stacks:
To give
The clothes you no longer wear can still make people happy. To help you identify which coins to donate:
If you haven't worn them in the past year, they may go away.
Use a visual system: turn the hanger after wearing a piece of clothing to see what's left unused.
Clothes that are too small or too big.
Golden rule: donate a piece every time a new one comes into the wardrobe.
To know : Jacob offers a free clothing collection and distribution service to donate when you place an order online or come to the store. No more trash bags to carry to the thrift store — we'll take care of that for you.
To clean and/or repair/adjust
When you inspect your clothing:
To be cleaned : check cuffs, collars, elbows, pockets and underarms — deodorant stains, marks and dirt are sometimes discreet but present. For tough stains, apply a stain remover, let it soak in warm water for a few hours before machine washing. Also, think about smells: clothes that have spent the summer in a bin or a cover may need a complete refresh.
To be repaired or adjusted : Inspect areas of wear such as the underarms, the elbows of jackets, the crotch of the pants. Check zippers and buttons. If you've gained or lost weight, try on your clothes and adjust the size of pants, shirts, or jackets.
For your children : make sure their school clothes are ready and fitted properly (hems, skirts, sleeves).
💡 Special tip for children : To extend the life of school pants, make a double hem on the inside. So when they grow up, all they have to do is undo it rather than buy something new.
Ready to wear
These pieces are clean, in good condition and can be worn immediately. Keep them handy to save time in the morning.
2. Treat and polish your shoes
A well-maintained pair of shoes can last for years and be comfortable for you.
Recommended frequency : clean them at least once a month if you wear them regularly, and protect them with shoe polish or waterproofing two to three times per season.
Home cleaning for regular shoes (canvas, synthetic, sports) :
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of dish soap and a little bit of warm water.
Use a clean toothbrush to gently scrub the surface, focusing on stains.
Wipe dry with a damp cloth and allow to air dry.
For leather shoes :
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove dust.
Apply a specialized product like Sapphire Gold Medal Or Kiwi Shoe Polish, adapted to the color and type of leather.
Polish with a soft brush or clean cloth.
3. Maintain your leather bags and accessories
Bags, belts, and wallets are often overlooked, even though they are an integral part of your style.
Home cleaning :
Wipe the surface dry with a soft, slightly damp cloth.
Use a special leather soap (glycerine soap) to remove dirt.
Hydration :
Apply a nourishing leather cream (e.g. Sapphire Surfine Cream Or Lexol Leather Conditioner) by massaging lightly.
Let it penetrate then polish with a clean cloth.
This prevents cracking and keeps the leather soft and shiny.
4. The essential accessories according to your cleaner
In our experience, some small tools make all the difference in keeping your clothes flawless on a daily basis:
Stain remover pen : to immediately treat a stain before it becomes embedded.
Steamer (steamer) : ideal for quickly removing wrinkles on a shirt or skirt without taking out the ironing board.
Anti-hair roller : essential for keeping your dark clothes clean and neat, especially if you have an animal.
Pilling machine : gives wool, sweaters and coats a new look.
Our recommendations :
Stain remover pen : Tide to Go
Steamer : Philips Steam&Go Or Rowenta X-Cel Steam
Anti-hair roller : Scotch-Brite Lint Roller or reusable silicone rolls
Pilling machine : Philips Fabric Shaver Or Beautural Lint Remover
💡 Final tip: To avoid piling up on touch-ups and laundry, plan your cleaning services in advance. A scheduled pickup every month ensures you always have a wardrobe ready, with no extra effort.
Conclusion
Back to school is often synonymous with renewal. Taking the time to prepare your clothes, shoes, and accessories means investing in your comfort, your confidence, and the life of your wardrobe. With a few simple actions, a bit of organization, and the right tools, you'll start each day off on the right foot — perfectly ready for fall.