How to Store Winter Clothes For Maximum Protection
Learning how to store winter clothes can be a real necessity as temperatures are steadily increasing and closet space is rapidly decreasing. However, storing your winter clothes and making room for your spring wardrobe doesn’t have to be stressful.
Take a few minutes, read through this step-by-step guide and then get started storing your seasonal winter clothes to properly prepare for spring.
How to Store Winter Clothes in 7 Steps
1. Cull Your Winter Wardrobe
The first step in preparing your winter clothes for storage is to donate, resell or throw out items you no longer wear. At this point, you should divide your entire winter wardrobe into two piles: “keep” and “don’t keep.” From here, you can move the “don’t keep” pile to another room while you continue prepping your remaining clothes.
After you finish storing your winter clothes, you can return to your “don’t keep” pile and further differentiate between “donate,” “resell” and “toss” garments.
2. Launder Your Wardrobe
We know you already washed your winter clothes the last time you wore them. However, you should still make a point of washing your entire wardrobe before storing it away. This step is essential to ensuring your wardrobe remains in pristine condition.
Dirty clothes are prone to damage from body oils, dirt and grime. Furthermore, dirty clothes that are stored until next winter will likely produce an odor. This odor will be nearly impossible to remove and may attract moths and other pests.
3. Divide Foldables and Delicates
Next, you should divide your wardrobe into two piles: foldable and delicate. Foldables will include all the items you can fold for storage like sweaters, while delicates will include items such as dress shirts that should be stored otherwise.
Once you have a good idea of what clothes you can fold and which you can’t, you can purchase storage containers to accommodate your entire winter wardrobe.
4. Utilize Plastic Containers
Plastic containers are the best choice for storing foldable winter clothes. These containers won’t attract pests like cardboard boxes do, and clear, see-through containers make it easy to identify what is stored in each individual container.
When folding your clothes for storage, place a sheet of acid-free tissue paper between folded areas. This will protect synthetic fibers from damage.
At this point, you should also place a deodorizer in each container. You can either add a few drops of an essential oil or a dryer sheet. This will keep your seasonal clothes from getting musty during their storage hibernation.
Use plastic containers or drawer organizers to store neckties.
5. Purchase Cotton Garment Bags
To safely store your most delicate items, you should purchase cotton garment bags. These will keep items made from natural fibers, fur and leather well protected while they are stored during the off season.
Before placing your most sensitive items in a garment bag, consider wrapping these garments in acid-free tissue paper for the best storage results.
6. Pick the Best Storage Location
The best storage location for winter coats and other seasonal clothes is cool, dry and dark. If you own an extensive winter wardrobe that holds serious value, you may want to consider storing your clothes in a storage unit. However, smaller wardrobes can be stored within your home.
Cool and dry are the most important factor for clothing storage. This most likely eliminates your garage or attic. However, your extra closet, the space under your bed or that standing wardrobe rack you had your eye on are all viable options.
7. Label Each of Your Storage Containers
The final step in how to store winter clothes perfectly is to label each of your containers. This includes plastic containers, garment bags and any other containers you utilized for winter gloves or other seasonal accessories.
Make sure to write on a piece of tape or another label instead of the container. This will allow you the freedom to reuse and rotate the contents of each storage container for seasons to come.
Winter Clothes Storage FAQS
Q: How do you Store Winter Clothes in Small Spaces?
A: Storing winter clothes in a small space can be challenging. However, with a little effort and creativity, you can store your entire winter wardrobe perfectly. Make sure to utilize any space you have. This includes space under your bed or a particular section of a room that is otherwise underutilized. Purchase storage containers that are long and short to store winter clothes under your bed. If you do purchase a rolling wardrobe for your room, hang winter coats and clothes on padded hangers for added protection.
Q: How do you Store Winter Clothes in the Garage?
A: Storing winter clothes in your garage is never recommended because of the area’s propensity to become damp and humid. However, if you have no other place to store your winter clothes, you can make it work with a little effort. After you follow our guide and have your clothes packed in plastic storage containers or cotton garment bags, you will need to find the best place in your garage for these containers. Storing these containers off the floor, away from heat sources and away from any windows is your best bet. Your plastic containers should keep the pests at bay, but you will need to do something about the humidity. Purchasing a dehumidifier is an acceptable solution, but it will cost you.
Q: How do you Store Winter Clothes in Summer?
To store winter clothes in summer, you will need to start by pairing down your winter wardrobe. Divide your seasonal clothes into two piles: “keep” and “get rid of.” Next, clean your clothes and then store them in plastic containers or cotton garment bags. Plastic containers are great for foldable clothes, while garment bags should be used for delicate items. Include a dryer sheet or a few drops of essential oil in every container to keep your wardrobe smelling fresh throughout and after the offseason. Finally, find a cool, dry and dark place to store your winter wardrobe.
Wrapping Up: How to Store Winter Clothes
Get ready for spring by storing your winter clothes today. Have a small closet and need tips for organizing your winter clothes? Check out our guide for organizing small closets.
If you have decided you need a professional, climate-controlled storage solution to accommodate your winter wardrobe, we can help with that as well!
Just use our storage location finder to find the Store Space Self Storage facility nearest you!
