With the change of the season it can be so fun to start wearing cozy sweaters and jeans or comfortable tanks and shorts. But that simple switch can comes with a lot of questions like,
How should I store my clothes for three months?
And, What is the most efficient way to store them?
I’m going to answer those questions and more with my best tips on how to store seasonal clothes. Gather your off-season clothes and let’s get started.
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Smart Tips for Storing Seasonal Clothes
If you have the closet space, you can simply rearrange your closet to feature the current season’s clothes. But if you have a small closet or your closet is overflowing, storing your seasonal clothes is a great way to maximize your space.
When Should I Switch My Closet?
The best time to switch your closet is at the start of Fall for the cooler months ahead and the beginning of Spring to prepare for the warmer weather. Storing your off-season clothes allows you to:
- Maximize space in your closet for the current season. That way you can see and access all of your clothes and potentially create more outfit options.
- Reduce visual clutter – Seeing clothes crammed together, falling off hangers, or piled on the floor is a mental burden. Eventually, you get used to it, but your subconscious absorbs the visual clutter every. single. day.
- Save money by allowing you to see exactly what clothes you have as you sort through winter clothes to store and as you pull out summer clothes you take inventory. Note what you need to replace or what you still need to fill out your wardrobe. This will help you avoid buying duplicates or forgetting about that new blouse bought.
- Save time getting dressed every day because your choices are more visible and readily available
The Best Way to Store Clothes
The best way to store seasonal clothing is the way that makes the most sense for you and is based on the space you have, how many clothes you’re storing, and your budget. Regardless, there are a couple of mainstays on how to store seasonal clothes.
- Choose a space that is cool, dark and dry like under the bed, in drawers, in bins on the top shelf of your closet, or in another bedroom closet. It is not a good idea to store clothes in the attic, garage or basement due to heat, moisture and humidity.
- Choosing the best clothes storage containers – plastic or fabric bins with lids or garment bags all do a good job of protecting your clothes. Take the amount of space you have into consideration when choosing long term clothing storage boxes.
- Choose containers based on how many items you’ll be storing and what type of clothing you’re putting in them. For example, a stack of sweaters will need a larger bin than long sleeve shirts.
No matter what method of storing clothes you use, be sure to follow these useful tips to keep your clothes fresh.
How to Keep Clothes Fresh in Storage Bins
Since you’re storing clothes for three months or maybe even more long term, it’s important to keep them fresh. So, here are a couple of tips to keep in mind to as you prepare to store your seasonal clothes.
- First, make sure your clothes are not wet or damp and that they’re clean before you store them.
- Then, choose the right container for storing clothes
Best Containers for Storing Clothes
Choosing the right container goes a long way in keeping your clothes fresh and preventing damage.
- Fabric storage bins – Fabric bins are, in my opinion, the best containers for storing clothes. They come in a range of styles ands size for all types of clothing. I suggest getting bins with lids to further protect your clothes.
- Plastic containers – It’s okay to use plastic bins, but if you do, I recommend adding an acid free liner for added protection.
- Garment bags for storage– garment bags are great for storing dresses, suits, jackets and coats.
- Vacuum seal bags for clothing – vacuum seal bags are perfect for storing bulky clothing items like chunky knit sweaters
- Cardboard boxes – are not a good idea due to poor ventilation. They can also attract bugs.
As you pack your clothes, add wooden cedar balls or acid free liner to prevent damage.
Out of Season Clothes Storage Ideas
Use the tips below to help you store your clothes by season.
How to Store Winter Clothes
- How to Store Sweaters in Summer – Before putting your sweaters away, be sure to clean them. Then, if they have fabric pills (those little balls of fabric) shave them off with a fabric shaver or razor blade. Once they’re clean and cared for, fold them, and store them in a storage bin.
- One note before putting your sweaters away for the Summer: I like to keep one out for styling over a tank top, to wear on an airplane or in a cooler climate when traveling.
- How to Store Sweatshirts – You can store sweatshirts the same way you as I’ve recommended storing sweaters. Or, you can move your sweatshirts and sweatpants to a lower drawer in your dresser and rotate Summer clothing, like shorts, to a more easily accessible dresser drawer. I prefer rotate them to a lower drawer to keep them handy for those chilly rainy Summer days or for traveling to a cooler climate.
- Store winter coats in another bedroom, an armoire, or the entry closet if you have one. Some people use vacuum storage bags to store coats and bulky items to save on space.
Summer Clothes Storage Ideas
Summer clothes tend to made of lighter weight fabrics that wrinkle easily. For those types of items, I recommend rolling them rather than folding to reduce wrinkles. Of course, be sure to clean all your Summer clothes before putting them away, especially swim suits.
- How to store swimsuits – Regarding storing swim suits, I keep mine in a dresser drawer year round. However, if you prefer to put them away, be sure to store them in a fabric storage container. Plastic containers can cause mildew.
How to Store Off Season Shoes
My favorite way to store off season shoes is in plastic shoe bins. Keep the bins tucked away on the top shelf, in another closet, or even under your bed.
How to Store Off Season Accessories
Store heavy winter scarves in fabric or plastic bins. Put winter hats in a box and store on a top shelf, or hang them on hooks. The goal is to have them out of the way so the current season accessories are front and center.
How to Organize Seasonal Clothes
Now that all your seasonal clothes are cleaned and contained, it’s time to put them away. Here are several options for organizing off-season clothes.
- I recommend placing bins on the top shelves of your closet
- You can also store items on lower shelves, in bottom drawers, or on the floor as long as they are not in the way or visible. For instance, I used to keep my winter booties stored on the floor below hanging clothes.
- Storing seasonal clothes in under bed storage bins also works well.
- Another option for storing seasonal clothes is to hang them in a spare closet.
Once you’ve put away your out of season clothes, your closet will look much more spacious and you’ll be able to enjoy your wardrobe for the current season.
For more closet organization tips and tricks, read:
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