As spring gets ready to spring, the time has come to talk about storing coats and winter hats. It'll soon be time to swap out your winter clothing for summer garb. But now you may wonder how to store winter clothes? It's tempting to shove everything into a big storage bin and put it away until next year comes creeping in. But while that's the easiest way to go, it could mean ruined clothing next winter. Here are some options for where and how to best store your winter clothing.
Prepare to store winter clothes
Storing the clothing improperly could lead to damage and even completely ruin your winter clothes. Moths could eat holes in your clothes or give them an unpleasant smell. The best way to prevent this is to obviously prep and store them correctly from the get-go. Here are some steps to take to best prepare for your winter clothes storage.
Purge and donate
Do you have that one coat that you never wear but keep anyway? Or, the gloves that are cute but lack warmth? One of the best ways to start prepping for storage is to go through your clothing and donate what you know you'll no longer wear. Not only does it allow you more space for what you do wear, but it also helps others who are in need of cozy clothing.
Wash, wash, wash
Washing your items before you store them is an essential step unless you want to rock a funky, musty smell next year. Cleaning them ensures that when you go back to get them next winter season, they're all fresh and ready to go. It also helps keep them in their best condition.
Keep in mind that certain products, such as fabric softeners, can attract pests, so it's best to keep to your basic laundry soap when you do your final wash before storage time. In addition to washing your clothes before storage, you should also take a quick second to wipe the snow and salt off your shoes and boots.
Store your winter clothes
Now that you have prepped you're clothes and you're ready to go, it's time to store them. There are different ways to approach the storage process.
To fold or not to fold
One of the first things you need to decide is if you're planning on hanging or folding your winter clothes. Usually, hanging your clothes requires more closet space, whereas folding your clothes gives you a little more room for the next seasons' clothes.
If you don't know which to do, don't worry, we've got you covered! It's as simple as this: if it can wrinkle, you'll want to hang it and if it will get stretched on a hanger, fold it.
Also, consider your space when making this decision. If you have the room to hang your winter coats and clothing, then do so. If not, then folding is probably best for you. If you hang clothing, such as expensive coats, consider putting a garment bag around them to keep them safe and clean. Another tip is to use acid-free tissue paper when folding clothes such as delicates or special items.
Vacuum sealed bags
Another option for winter clothes storage is to use vacuum-sealed bags as they take up less space. Put your winter clothing into the bags and then remove all the air and seal them tight. Certain clothes — like puffy coats — aren't well suited for sealed bags.
If you want to get really organized, you can place them into a plastic bin for easy storage once you have the bags sealed.
Boxes or bins?
While it's tempting to store your clothes inside cardboard boxes, it isn't the best option for a couple of reasons. First, they're susceptible to water damage. Second, the glue that keeps them together can attract pests, which could ruin your clothes. Your best bet is to go with plastic bins.
As mentioned earlier, if you're going to go the bin route, it's best to not just throw everything in them. Keep them organized and neat by folding your items before placing them in the bin. Don't stuff the bins too tight or you'll create unnecessary wrinkles later on. Things like shoes, boots and large sweaters keep very well in bins.
Once you pack all of your clothes, you can put the bin away. If you have the room in a closet or under the bed, you can always put the bin there. Just make sure to keep them organized and in a place that's easy to get to next year. You can even label them in case you forget what's in each bin next year.
Small spaces
If you live in a small apartment or house and don't have a lot of room for large bins, there are still options for you! Consider vertical storage or wall storage. Get an empty rack, hang your items there and place it against an empty or unused wall. Store some of the clothing in your unused luggage as a way to save space. You can also get bins that will fit under your bed.
Where to store winter clothes
So, you've figured out the best way to store your winter clothes and now you need to know where to put the storage. Many wonder if you can store your clothing in the attic or garage? The short answer is, it depends. A good trick to keep in mind is this C-C-D-D rule when deciding where to put your clothes. You want to keep them in a place that's clean, cool, dry and dark. If your garage or attic fits, then sure, go right ahead and store them there. If not, you should probably find another place for them. You can also store them on top shelves of closets or under the bed.
Keep your winter clothes in tip-top shape
Switching out your closet from one season to the next is a hassle for everyone. It takes a lot of time and patience. However, if done right, you'll have a much easier time when you need the clothing again. Use these tips to store your winter clothes this season.
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