There are many Montessori wardrobe ideas around on Pinterest and on blogs. There is no one right way to create a Montessori wardrobe.  Today I would like to share with you the key elements to a Montessori wardrobe and what works for us.

Montessori Children's Wardrobe at Hello Bee #2

1. All of the children’s clothing, with the exception of ‘special occasion’ clothing is to be comfortable, of natural fibres if possible and easy for the child to put on. Zippers and buttons are fine if the child is able to open and close them independently.

2. Keep out of season clothing and special occasion clothing out of reach. Put them in storage or on higher shelving.

3. Allow the child to have as much choice as possible in the clothing they are going to wear. For some children this will mean the parent providing a choice between two or three outfits. Some children depending on their age can select their own clothing out of their wardrobe. We need to from a young age talk to our children about the season, weather conditions and what is appropriate clothing.

4. Less is more. Children can get overwhelmed by choice. If they are independently dressing themselves, ensure their wardrobe isn’t overflowing. If there is too much clothing the wardrobe is difficult for the child to use.

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5. Keep it orderly. Baskets and drawers are useful for folded clothes. Some families like to label or have pictures on the drawers so the child knows where each type of clothing is stored. We like to hang shirts so they don’t get crumpled.

Montessori Children's Wardrobe at Hello Bee #3

6. Make it accessible. If the child is dressing independently, ensure they can easily reach and access all the clothing they need. Use low drawers, baskets or low hangers. If needed, step stools can be used to allow children to reach what they need. We have used a wardrobe extender to allow our youngest child to reach his hanging clothes.

Montessori Wardrobe at Hello Bee

7. Encourage the child to take responsibility for managing their own clothes. They may like to take dirty clothes to the laundry or fold and put away freshly washed clothes.

Montessori Children's Wardrobe Basket at Hello Bee

Allow the child to take pride in their environment by keeping it clean and orderly. Allow the child to take pride in themselves by independently dressing as much as possible.

Montessori Children's Wardrobe at Hello Bee

A low chair or stool next to the wardrobe can assist a young child to dress independently. They can sit down to put on pants and shoes. I also love the idea of having a full length mirror nearby (we have one on the back of the children’s bedroom door) so the child can take a look over their clothing and ensure everything is pulled up and on the right way!