Lynn O’Rourke: ‘The big black bin bags are coming out’

IT feels horribly like we may have skipped a season and lurched from so-called summer straight into winter.

Summery clothes are redundant, although try telling that to my three-year-old who likes nothing more than a beach dress, woolly tights and shorts combo when left to her own devices. Summer tops need packed away, and the hats, scarves and gloves dragged out from wherever I might have stashed them, oh probably sometime in June. It has been a less-than-balmy year.

I know there are some people who enjoy nothing more than clearing a cupboard or two, but I’m not one of them. I would really rather prefer someone to do it all for me, presenting me with drawers full of clean, ironed clothing that fits.

Despite my inner minimalist cravings, I find it difficult being ruthless when it comes to the kids’ stuff, sentimentally hanging on to pretty things they will never properly fit into again. Of course, if they see me removing anything it suddenly becomes the favourite top/dress/skirt and will be forced on regardless of whether or not it cuts off their circulation. However, as I have to rely on brute force to get drawers shut, I’m going to have to be ruthless. The big black bin bags are going to be out today and the kids sent off with their dad, and when they all return they will be greeted by floor space and drawers that open and close. It will be such a novelty, they might even open and close them themselves once in a while.