As the chill of winter melts away and we welcome the longer, sunnier days of spring, it’s time to make room in our closets for lighter layers and brighter colors. But before you toss your chunky knits and heavy coats into the nearest bin, it’s worth taking care to store your winter clothes properly. (A little effort now means your favorite pieces will be just as cozy and beautiful when the cold weather rolls around again.)
To help you safely store your winter clothes, we consulted organizational experts who shared their best tips for seasonal clothing storage. With these simple strategies and cardinal rules, you’ll be able to maximize your space and protect your winter wardrobe for when its time comes around again.
Meet the Expert
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Emily DeForge, realtor and professional home stager
Related: How to Maximize Your Closet Space, According to Professional Organizers
Choose Air-Tight Storage Solutions
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Moisture, insects, and rodents are all common reasons clothes can be ruined in storage. Ensuring none of the above can get near fabrics will help ensure your clothes remain in perfect condition until next winter.
“I highly recommend air-tight or vacuum-seal containers to allow for no moisture, critters, or bugs to pierce through and destroy fabrics or fragile materials,” says Aaron Shirley, an organizational expert, event coordinator, and owner of Memory Lane Events. As a bonus, vacuum bags also save space.
“Just be sure not to vacuum-seal delicate or embellished garments; they won’t hold up under pressure,” says Emily DeForge, a realtor and professional home stager.
Label Every Container
Labeling your storage containers is a vital step in keeping your seasonal wardrobe organized. Clearly marked bins will help you easily locate specific items as needed. “When helping my clients streamline their storage for staging,” explains DeForge, “I label each container with a numbered index card.”
On her phone, DeForge keeps a list of what items have gone into which numbered box and sends it to her client. “If they need something before the next wardrobe switch, they can quickly locate the item and box without digging through everything they own,” she says.
Related: Why You Need a Label Maker and How to Use It to Simplify Your Life
Consider Your Climate
Shirley emphasizes that choosing a temperature-controlled area in your home or, at the very least, a sturdy plastic bin that can withstand seasonal changes is essential in maintaining the integrity of your garments. Avoid cardboard boxes which can warp, and consider packing dry moisture absorbers with your storage items if they’ll be exposed to humidity.
It’s also wise to keep your winter wardrobe accessible if your region is prone to unpredictable weather. Choose a storage solution that allows you to quickly grab a sweater or coat in the event of a sudden chill—without having to dig through vacuum-sealed bags or stacks of boxes.
Maximize Wasted Space
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“If space is limited, use under-the-bed clear storage with wheels for easy access to swap items out as needed,” Shirley suggests. Opting for clear rollable bins makes it simple to swap out seasonal pieces. (The transparent plastic helps you see what’s inside, and the wheels make maneuvering around tight spaces easier.)
Another often-overlooked storage space is your luggage. “A neatly stored set of luggage looks nice in a closet, but there is no reason they have to sit empty,” says DeForge. “Storing seasonal clothing items in your luggage keeps them organized, out of sight, and accessible.”
Related: 7 Things You Should Never Store Under Your Bed—But Probably Are
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