How to Store Your Winter Clothes: 10 Clever Tips
Properly putting your clothes in the wardrobe or closet to get them ready for a new season requires work. You need to put extra effort into packing away the unneeded items and retrieving the clothing that you actually require.
That being said, as the seasons change, so does our wardrobe. Storing winter clothing efficiently is crucial for freeing up closet space and keeping your garments in top condition. You don't want your priceless cashmere wool to get damaged. Thus, keep your treasured winter clothes in the best condition to get them ready for the winter returns. So, how to store winter clothes in summer?
In this guide, we'll explore how to store winter clothes using the best ways and how urBin Storage can make this process seamless and stress-free.
Clever Tips to Store Winter Clothes
The best answer to how to store winter clothes in summer is to throw winter sweaters and woolen coats into a big plastic bin. But that's not an effective way to do it. Put in a little effort and take time to store winter clothes, and they will last longer. Here are some clever tips that will answer how to store clothes for the winter effectively.
Sorting and Decluttering
Before storing your winter clothes, it's essential to sort and declutter. Create three piles: keep, donate, and repair. This not only helps in organizing but also in making conscious decisions about what stays and what goes. Goodwill is a great place to donate gently used clothing.
Preparing Clothes for Storage
Ensure your clothes are clean and dry before storage. For delicate items, consider special care instructions. Vacuum-sealing bulky items like coats can save space and protect them from moisture and pests. Repair any loose buttons, seams, or hems to prevent further deterioration while in storage. It's also a good idea to use breathable storage containers or garment bags to allow air circulation and prevent musty odors or mold growth.
Choosing the Right Storage Solutions
Selecting the right storage containers is crucial. Use breathable fabric bags for delicate items and sturdy plastic bins for bulkier garments. Labeling each container makes it easier to find what you need later. For more tips on selecting storage containers, check out The Container Store.
Utilizing urBin Storage
For those who lack space at home, urBin offers a convenient and flexible storage solution. Their climate-controlled units ensure your winter clothes are protected from temperature fluctuations and humidity. Learn more about our storage services here.
Seasonal Rotation
Rotating your wardrobe seasonally is a great way to maximize closet space. Store winter clothes in easily accessible locations if you need them unexpectedly. Websites like Real Simple offer great advice on wardrobe rotation.
Innovative Storage Ideas
Don't overlook spaces like under the bed or the back of the closet for storage. Products like under-bed storage containers can be a game-changer. For more innovative storage ideas, visit Martha Stewart.
Folding and Packing Tricks
Folding and packing techniques significantly play a role in maximizing the space. Several techniques used for long-term storage are -
Hanging
Use wardrobe boxes to hang your clothing. Folding your clothes is doesn't necessary here. So, you are away from all the hassle. Just organize and hang the clothing items in the boxes and you are good to go.
Interlocking
Interlocking folds are an apt method for organizing clothing like thermal underwear or long-sleeve shirts. Overlap two edges of the fabric and then fold them into a neat stack. Now, place them vertically or horizontally.
Bundle Wrapping
This method starts with folding your clothes in a neat square shape form. Now, keep the clothing items secured with an elastic band and put them in the storage unit. Bubble wrap every item before placing all the clothes inside a box. Label the bundles so that you can know what kind of things are inside without having to take out every bundle.
Plan for Pests
How do you feel if you pull out your favorite sweater from the wardrobe only to find out that it is filled with the holes from moths? Bad, right. Use things like charcoal bags, lavender sachets and cedar pieces to protect your favorite clothes.
Monitor Regularly
Keep a check on your winter clothing periodically to ensure that they are in good condition throughout the storage period. Make a list of schedules to know the dates on which you will inspect your stored items every few months. Tracking the winter clothes at regular intervals helps you make necessary adjustments to the storage conditions.
While inspecting, check the clothes for any signs of stains, pest infestations, and tears and address these issues promptly. Also, look for any changes in the humidity levels and temperature in the areas where you have stored your clothes. Because fluctuations in the storage areas can really affect the integrity of your clothing.
Use Mothballs Sparingly
Mothballs are not only great in repelling moths but also an effective method to protect your winter clothing. But here is the catch: there are toxic chemicals in naphthalene/mothballs that come with many health risks if you use them excessively in poorly ventilated areas. So, to minimize the health risks and exposure to hazardous chemicals, use mothballs strategically in your storage areas. Keep adequate space between the mothballs and ensure that they are not in direct contact with your clothing.
There are other alternatives, too. Put lavender sachets or cedar blocks that don't have any harmful effects from the chemicals and also provide similar pest-repelling benefits. Don't forget to follow the instructions of the manufacturers carefully while using the mothballs. Keep them away from the reach of children, and don't place them near food items or pets. Also, when you retrieve your winter clothing, air out the clothes in a ventilated area so that the residual odor from the mothballs is dissipated before you wear them.
Important Space-Saving Tips
If you are short on space, here are some ideas to expand your storage -
If you don't use much of your storage space on the top shelf, put that into use. Stash your clothes into the vacuum bags and let it go to the perfect spot.
Repurpose your shoe boxes to store small winter accessories in an organized manner, like hats, gloves, and socks.
Choose the dual purpose furniture pieces with built-in storage compartments like benches or ottomans. Storing winter clothing becomes easier with them.
Install wall-mounted hooks to install heavy woolen clothing like coats, hats, and scarves.
One of the best hacks for storing winter clothes is to buy some rolling storage totes with wheels. You can easily store winter clothing in them and move them to your desired place.
How urBin Helps You into Store Winter Clothes
Storing winter clothes efficiently is key to a clutter-free and organized home. You don't want your favorite pieces of clothing to get damaged. So, protect them with the tips as mentioned above.
Having said that, utilizing urBin Storage's convenient solutions can easily transition your wardrobe between seasons while keeping your clothes in pristine condition. The professionals at urBin are here to reimagine the world of storage for you. Also, our smart storage application will help you store your winter clothes better and keep track of them. Contact us to receive a free quote.
FAQs
What's the best way to store clothes long-term?
The best way to store winter clothes for a long time is to fold them nicely and put them in plastic containers. Put these bins in a cool and dark space with temperature controls. Add mothballs or lavender sachets to keep the pest away from the clothes.
Is it better to store clothes in plastic or cardboard?
Yes, it is generally the best choice to store clothes in plastic containers. The reasons are easy handling, they stack well, and they are a good choice when it comes to keeping moisture at bay.
Can I store my winter clothes in the garage?
Not at all. Storing winter clothing in the garage is a very bad idea to make sure your clothes stay protected, choose a temperature-controlled location that is dry, dark, and cool.