As the seasons change, so does our wardrobe. When winter gives way to the warmer months, it’s time to pack away all those cozy sweaters, jackets, and mittens until next year. To keep them in great shape and ready to wear when the cold weather returns, we’ll show you the best way to store winter clothes.
By the end of this article, you will know how to store your winter attire and get some tips to keep it fresh and well-organized.
When To Put Away Winter Clothes?
The best time to put away winter clothes is when you are sure you won’t need them anymore. It depends on where you live and the weather in your area.
Generally, many start packing their winter clothes in late spring or early summer, when the temperature rises and the days get longer. However, you should also check the weather forecast and keep some winter essentials handy in case of unexpected cold snaps or rainy days.
Also, as the trend of buying winter clothes in summer rises, the storage process becomes more crucial to keep your attire in good condition throughout spring and summer.
Prepare The Clothes For Storage
Before exploring how to store winter clothes, you must prepare them carefully. Follow these steps:
- Wash or dry-clean your winter clothes: Dirt, stains, sweat, and oils can attract moths, mold, and bacteria and damage your clothes over time. Washing or dry-cleaning your winter items will remove any odors and make them smell fresh when you take them out of storage.
- Repair any tears, holes, or loose buttons: This step prevents your clothing from getting worse during storage and extends its lifespan.
- Prevent moths: To keep moths away, use cedar blocks or rings or place lavender sachets on hangers and among wool clothes in your winter wardrobe. Get them at Amazon today for a discounted price.
- Fold or hang your clothes properly: We want to avoid wrinkles and creases and maintain the shape of our winter clothes. So, fold bulky items and hang delicate items. Use acid-free tissue paper to separate layers of folded clothes or wrap fragile items.
Choose Places To Store Winter Clothes
After preparing the clothes, you must decide where to store winter clothes. The best place for storing clothing is somewhere that is cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated. Remember to avoid hot, humid, bright, or damp areas, as these conditions can cause fading, shrinking, mildew, or mold.
An example of a good place to store your winter clothes is a spare closet or a wardrobe. This option is ideal if you have enough closet space and hangers for your winter attire. Also, use garment bags or covers to protect your winter clothes from dust and light.
Another way to go is choosing a dresser or a chest of drawers. It suits those with mostly folded items or small accessories. Consider using dividers or organizers to separate different types of winter clothes.
But how to store winter clothes in a small space? In these cases, a storage bin or a box can help. They are also helpful for storing your winter clothes under the bed or in the attic. Also, use vacuum bags or compression bags to save space and keep your winter clothes fresh.
What Is The Best Way To Store Winter Clothes?
The answer depends on the type of winter clothes you have. Each sort of winter clothes has various needs and requires different storage methods.
For example, storing delicate items like silk, lace, chiffon, or velvet needs extra care and attention. As mentioned above, you should hang them on padded hangers or wrap them in tissue paper before storing them in storage bags.
Speaking of the best way to store winter coats, these items are bulky, heavy, and need a lot of storage space. So, hang them on sturdy hangers or coat racks and cover them with garment bags or covers. Also, avoid stuffing them or folding them.
Meanwhile, sweaters are prone to stretching, sagging, and pilling when storing them. The right way to store these items is to fold them neatly and stack them loosely in a drawer or a box. Do not hang them or put any pressure on them.
But that’s not all – Shoes are hard to store because they can lose their shape, color, or smell when preserving them. Then, how to store winter shoes effectively? We recommend cleaning them thoroughly and stuffing them with tissue paper or shoe trees before storing them in shoe boxes or racks. Ensure to avoid exposing your winter boots to light or moisture.
Finally, accessories like hats, gloves, scarves, or belts are easy to store because they don’t take up much space or need much maintenance when storing them. Fold them neatly and place them in small boxes or bags before keeping them in drawers or shelves.
See more: Where To Buy Summer Clothes In Winter?
Mistakes to Avoid When Storing Winter Clothing
Storing winter clothing is not a difficult task, but there are some common mistakes that you should avoid when doing it. These mistakes might ruin your winter clothes and make them unusable for the next season:
- Not protecting against moths: Moths are the enemy of winter clothes, especially wool, cashmere, or fur. They can eat holes in your clothing and ruin them beyond repair. Hence, protect your clothing against moths by using mothballs, cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or other natural repellents.
- Packing too many items: Here is another mistake you should try. Cramming too many things into one container can cause wrinkles, creases, and loss of shape. You should always leave some space and air circulation in your containers and avoid overfilling them.
- Store in the wrong spot: Storing in the wrong location can expose your clothing to harmful conditions like heat, humidity, light, or dampness. So, avoid storage places like the basement, the garage, or the bathroom.
Takeaway
Storing winter clothes is a crucial task you should do every year to keep your winter clothes fresh and ready for the next season. By following our guidelines on the best way to store winter clothes, you can store them properly and avoid any mistakes that can damage them.
Remember to choose the right time and place to finish this task. Don’t wait – start preserving your winter wardrobe today!
