How To Store Off-Season Clothes For A Fresh Start Every Season
There’s no better time to freshen up your closet and give your wardrobe a new life than when the seasons change. I’m not talking about treating yourself to all-new clothes, though that would be nice!
I’m talking about knowing how to store seasonal clothing properly. Keeping bulky sweaters in your closet when springtime arrives takes up precious space, and storing sweaters incorrectly can ruin them. Plus, who wants to look at heavy winter clothes when it’s spring – Depressing!
If you’re looking for the best seasonal clothing storage hacks, read on! I’m sharing my best tips for how to store off-season clothing efficiently so you can keep your wardrobe fresh and ready, no professional organizer necessary!
How To Store Off-Season Clothes The Right Way
How do you know which pieces are considered seasonal? I’ll talk more about this before jumping into the proper way to store clothes. Knowing which items are appropriate for specific seasons can take the stress off of trying to figure it out yourself! Because, let’s be honest, as I talked about in my closet cleanout post, purging your closet is no walk in the park.
What Are Seasonal Clothes?
Seasonal clothing includes any items we only wear when the weather calls for them, like cozy wool scarves in the winter or breezy linen dresses in the summer. These aren’t your everyday capsule wardrobe pieces. Seasonal clothing is what you reach for to keep you comfortable and stylish when the temperatures change.
When To Switch Seasonal Clothes
Switch your clothes when it feels right for you where you live. I’m in Toronto, which has the same weather as New York, so I like to start to transition in late March early April. If you live somewhere like California, you’ll probably trade in your winter coat, etc., a lot sooner!
When you notice a section of your closet pushed to the side with clothes you haven’t worn in while, it’s time to store them away until next season. Or, you may be like me, and get so sick of wearing winter clothes that you transition early, even though it’s still a bit early. Some years I transition March 1st, just to give myself a mental boost! ( Of course, those are the years we end up getting a surprise snowstorm in March! LOL! – You can’t win)
Now, let’s get into the good stuff! Here is a list of the best tips to remember while storing your off-season clothes:
How To Store Seasonal Clothes: Tips for Organizing Your Closet and Keeping Your Wardrobe in Top Shape
Step 1: Clean your clothes.
The most important step in storing seasonal clothing is making sure that everything is properly cleaned according to its labels, whether that means throwing it in the wash at home or taking it to be dry cleaned. Dirt and oils from previous wear can cause the fabric to deteriorate over time, so storing unwashed clothes damages fabric health.
Aside from this, don’t you want to have clean clothes when you pull them out again? Make sure your pieces are completely dry before storing them so retained moisture doesn’t lead to mildew or unpleasant odors.
Step 2: Sort and organize.
As you begin to put off-season clothing into long-term storage, it’s the perfect time to check out my post on how to organize a messy closet. You kill two birds with one stone! Purge anything that no longer fits or you no longer wear. If unsure, ask yourself: “When’s the last time I wore this? Do I see myself wearing it next year?” If the answer is no, it’s time to toss it out. That just means more room for new clothes, LOL!
Once you’ve gotten rid of anything unnecessary, organize your clothes and put them into categories such as winter coats, warm-weather dresses, thick-tailored blazers, etc. This makes it easier to grab exactly what you need when you need it.
Step 3: Choose the right storage containers.
Invest in good-quality storage containers and cardboard boxes, which won’t cut it this time, gals. You need something that will protect your clothes from dirt, dust, and moisture. Using a clear plastic storage bin is ideal so you can see which garments are packed inside rather than digging through and ruffling everything up. These fabric bins are some of the best for storing off-season clothing under your bed!
You may want to use vacuum-sealed bags or a clear plastic bag for thicker fabrics to keep them compact, but I don’t recommend this! It can damage delicate fabrics and could even lead to discoloration. For dresses or tailored pieces, use a garment bag instead so they keep their shape.
Step 4: Fold and pack neatly.
When packing your clothes, avoid overstuffing your storage bags. Fold each item neatly and arrange them carefully to prevent wrinkles or unnecessary creases. For clothing that’s prone to damage by overfolding, always opt for a garment bag that is better safe than sorry!
Step 5: Label each container.
To save yourself some later on, label each storage container. Be specific! Instead of labeling a container “Winter Clothes,” write “Winter Coats and Jackets.” Even if you’re using a clear plastic storage container and you think there’s no way you’ll forget what it holds, it can be easy to mix things up, especially if it’s been a handful of months since you’ve revisited these items.
Step 6: Store items in a proper place.
Once your items are packed and ready to go, it’s time to find the right place to store them. For clothing, it’s crucial to keep it in a cool, dry place. If you’re running low on closet space, use fabric bins that can effortlessly fit under the bed. You can also use a spare hallway closet or the closet in an extra bedroom… take advantage of every space you have!
Avoid areas with high humidity or constant temperature fluctuations, like attics. These areas can eventually damage fabrics and potentially ruin clothing.
Step 7: Use precautions for proper storage.
For extra precaution, you can do a few things to protect your wardrobe’s lifespan. First, switch from wire hangers to velvet hangers. This seems like a small change, but you’d be surprised! Not only do they look and feel elegant, but they’re much lighter and have a better grip.
Next, place cedar blocks in your containers for some added peace of mind, even if you’re storing your clothes in your bedroom closet. Cedar blocks keep pests away and eliminate mildew, so you won’t have to worry about opening your storage back up to a moldy mess. Finally, use a couple of lavender sachets to keep your clothes smelling clean and fresh.
Step 8: Check in occasionally.
Every few months, check your off-season clothing storage to make sure everything is holding up in good, clean condition. Replace any moisture-absorbing bags and, if things are starting to smell stale, exchange old lavender satchels for new ones. This keeps moisture and pests from creeping their way into your clothes!
Properly storing off-season clothes keeps your closet organized and your wardrobe pristine!
Starting the season off with a fresh and clean closet makes you feel clear headed and lighter! Dressing feels less stressful and more exciting because everything is clean, organized, and as in great condition as the day your stored them!
Make sure you’re keeping up with my LTK storefront to see all my favorite outfit ideas, from cozy winter looks to airy and light summertime styles. You can also join my private Facebook group, Fabulous After 40 Dressing Room, to chat about any helpful hacks you may have for storing your seasonal clothing!
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