Whether you have a smaller closet (relative to your clothing collection) or you are just someone who dislikes clutter, it may be time to swap out the clothing in the closet from your cold-weather gear to your warm-weather gear. The seasons are changing, so the types of clothing you will need are much different, and the space in your closet should be reserved for the things you will be wearing regularly. Of course, winter clothing storage isn’t just tossing your sweaters in a cardboard box and stashing them in the garage for a few months. There is more to it, and we will walk you through it.
Whether you have plenty of extra storage space or are in a tight space, you’ll be able to store away everything from your favorite sweaters to your ski gear in just six simple steps:
- Organization
- Washing
- Hanging and folding
- Storage
- Pest control
- Shoe time
Let’s get into it!
Donation time
First, sift through all your items and decide if anything can be donated. If you haven’t worn a piece all season, it’s probably better off going into your donation pile. For the next season, turn your hangers and fold clothes backward once worn. This is a direct way to figure out which pieces you never wear. If you have any quality or designer clothing pieces, barely worn boots, or other winter gear, you can try selling them online. Sites like Poshmark and Facebook Marketplace make it easy to do so.
Prep your clothes
We’re going to tell you what you probably don’t want to hear, and that’s that you need to make sure all of your clothes are clean before they head into storage. First, send your winter coats and other dry clean items to the dry cleaners. From there, ensure that your clothing items and accessories are free of stains before packing them away (you don’t want these stains to set). If you wash any hats, scarves, or other clothes, make sure you use basic detergent. Pests are attracted to fabric softeners and bleach, so avoid using these products in your load of winter laundry.
Hanging vs. folding
You can generally determine which pieces remain hanging and which can go into clothing storage bins. Anything stretching out on a hanger should be folded, while wrinkle-prone clothes, pleated items, and beaded pieces should remain hung. A garment bag should protect your dry-cleaned coats and other hanging items.
When it comes to your delicate pieces, make sure to use acid-free tissue paper to protect them. While it may be tempting, do not place them in vacuum-sealed bags because that could ruin them. Reserve the vacuum bags for winter comforters and cumbersome snow gear. Once you’ve hung your clothes and wrapped the others, it’s time to tuck them away.
Storage time
Avoid the garage when it comes to storage and opt for a more temperature-controlled location. The back of a closet or under your bed is perfect for winter clothes. Plastic bins work best to keep pests and moisture away; luckily, they come in various sizes. Transparent storage containers are ideal because you can see the pieces inside. If you’re worried about color fading, place your clothing in dark or tinted bins. Thanks to their breathable design, fabric bins or organizers are an excellent option for delicate clothing items.
While you can use cardboard boxes, a general rule of thumb is to avoid them because they don’t block out moisture and can attract bugs. Your delicates and wool sweaters definitely should not be stored in cardboard boxes. If your only storage location option is the garage, avoid cardboard here and opt for sturdy plastic bins.
Pest and water control
In addition to only using detergent when washing your clothes, there are a few other ways to keep them secure. You can use a moth repellent or cedar and lavender sachets for a sweeter and fresher scent. If you have any wool pieces, this step is critical, so don’t skip it! Toss a few moisture absorbers into any bins to prevent water damage. Just make sure you never pack your clothing items too tightly—that’s how mold and mildew form.
What do with your shoes
When it comes to your boots and other winter shoes, give them a good wipe down before putting them away for the season – the last thing you want is mud-caked boots next year. Once your shoes have dried off, store them in a dry place, whether in a plastic bin, their original shoe box, or your designated shelf space. You can also fill the boots with paper so they maintain their shape throughout the year. Add some deodorizer packets to open the boxes to fresh-smelling shoes for a final touch.
What about those bulky winter coats
While these coats are incredibly warm and valuable during the winter months, they can be in the way and rightfully frustrating when summer hits, and they are just taking up room in the closet. If you have a coat closet near the front door and this isn’t an issue for you, then move along.
However, if you are dealing with coats in your closet, here is a helpful tip. Vacuum sealing these garments in a hanging bag allows you to keep them up off the floor and away from any moisture or flooding, prevents them from attracting moths or bugs, and shrinks them down to almost nothing so they are out of the way. It is a wonderfully easy way to store your coats for the six to eight months you don’t need them.
While these seem like daunting and time-consuming steps, you’ll thank yourself the following winter season. You don’t want to open up storage bins and garment bags to unkempt clothes a year from now! Clothing and accessory storage don’t have to be complicated – some pieces need extra love, but you can’t go wrong if you properly fold and cover the others. When the temperature drops for the first time next year, you’ll love being able to pull out your freshly kept gloves and jackets.
