How To Store Seasonal Clothing
If you or like in my case your family has a lot of clothes to sort through and store as the seasons change you can greatly benefit from having a plan when you settle in to switch your clothes as the new season rolls in.
While it may be wishful thinking I certainly can not wait for swapping out the winter sweaters and such for warm-weather clothes soon. This guide will help make the process easier if you are new to storing your seasonal clothing.
Why how you store your seasonal clothing is important
How you store your seasonal clothing can greatly affect how long your clothing lasts, how much room it takes up in storage, and how protected your clothing is from damage caused by moisture, pests, and other factors.
How you store your seasonal wardrobe can affect how easy it is to get things out when you are ready to switch everything out for the next season and if you have kids even swap out sizes of clothing.
How to prepare your clothing for storage
Storing seasonal clothing properly is essential to keeping them in good condition and making sure they are ready to wear when the season comes around again. Whether you are storing clothes for the winter or for the summer, the process of preparing clothes for storage is relatively similar.
The first step in preparing your clothing for storage is to make sure that they are clean. This means washing or dry-cleaning clothes as necessary, and ensuring that they are completely dry before storing them. Storing dirty or damp clothes can cause mildew, mold, and odors to develop, which can be difficult to remove and can damage the clothes.
Next, check for any damages such as holes, tears, or missing buttons and repair or mend them before storing. This will help to ensure that clothes are in the best possible condition when you take them out of storage, and prevent any further damage from occurring while they are stored.
Properly folding and hanging clothes is also an important step in preparing clothes for storage. Hang items that can be hung, such as dresses and suits, on padded hangers to keep them from becoming misshapen.
Fold other items, such as sweaters, pants, and t-shirts, and stack them neatly. This will prevent wrinkles and creases and help clothes maintain their shape.
To help prevent odors and protect clothes from pests, use sachets such as lavender sachets, cedar blocks, or other natural deodorizers. These items help to keep clothes smelling fresh and can also help to protect them from pests such as moths and silverfish.
What are your clothing storage options?
You have many great options for seasonal clothing storage available to you including:
Hanging Clothes: Hanging clothes is a great option for items that are prone to wrinkling or losing their shape, such as suits, dresses, and coats. It is also a good option for items that can be hung, such as skirts and trousers. This option allows you to easily see and access your clothes and they will be less likely to become wrinkled or misshapen.
Plastic Storage Bins: These are a great option for protecting clothes from dust, moisture and pests. Clear plastic containers allow you to see what’s inside, and you can label them for easy identification of their contents. These bins also stack well and make it easy to save space.
This is my favorite clothing storage option for the kid’s clothes. I can label by size and season so that when we pass clothes down to another child they are set and ready for size changes. The bins stack well in the basement and are completely water and pest-proof. Proper clothing storage when setting up hand-me-downs is a great way to save money on kids’ clothes.
Vacuum-sealed bags: These bags are an ideal option for storing bulky items such as winter coats, comforters, and other bedding. They can be sealed tight to prevent dust, moisture, and insects from getting in while compressing the clothes down to save space in your storage area.
These vacuum-sealed storage bags are not only great for storing your seasonal clothing but clothing in your emergency kit and go bags as well. The same goes for packing your bags for a trip.
Fabric storage bins: These are similar to plastic storage bins but are made from a breathable fabric and often come with a handle for easy portability. They are great for clothes that are not easily folded, such as shoes and purses, and for items, you want to keep visible for easy access.
Drawer and Shelving Units: Adding shelving or drawers to your closet or storage room is a great way to create more space for clothes. They offer easy access and visibility to your clothes, making it easy to find and grab what you need.
Clothing Racks: Clothing racks are an option for those who have limited closet space. They offer a great way to organize clothes by type and can be easily assembled and disassembled to fit in any room.
Clothing Bags: Clothing bags are great for items that need to be protected from dust and pests, but don’t want to be compressed such as suits and gowns.
Organizing and labeling seasonal clothing
Begin by sorting clothes into categories such as seasonal, formal, casual, etc. Then, use clear containers, such as plastic bins or garment bags, to store them.
Label each container with the type of clothing it holds, such as “Summer Shorts” or “Formal Dresses.” For extra organization, consider color coding the labels to match the clothing inside.
Try to keep clothing stored in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. This will help keep your clothing in good condition and make it easier to find when you need it.
How to maintain and rotate your seasonal wardrobe
Keeping your wardrobe organized and up to date can be a challenge, especially when it comes to seasonal clothing. With the changing of the seasons, you may find yourself wanting to switch out your clothing to match the weather and current trends.
Here are some tips to help you maintain and rotate your seasonal wardrobe:
Make a list of clothing items you want to add to your wardrobe. This will help you stay focused when you’re out shopping and limit the amount of impulse purchases.
Invest in timeless pieces that can be worn year-round. This will reduce the amount of clothing you need to purchase for each season and help you save money in the long run.
Keep your current wardrobe organized and store seasonal items that you’re not currently using. This will help you easily switch out clothing as the seasons change and make getting dressed easier.
Store seasonal items in a sealed, airtight container with cedar chips to repel moths and other pests.
Once a season, take out all of your clothing and inspect each item for wear and tear. Repair or replace any clothing that needs it. This will help you keep your wardrobe in the best condition possible.
