Storing Summer and Winter Clothing
As a big fan of the seasonal wardrobe, I can’t stress enough how beneficial it is to switch your clothing with the seasons. Admittedly, it’s a bit of a task. It requires logistical planning and time investment, but the reward is daily comfort. A wardrobe filled with clothes you can wear at that moment, without having to sift through thick sweaters to find that light summer dress.
Switching your wardrobe seasonally keeps things organized. The idea that everything you see is immediately wearable brings a sense of calm that’s hard to achieve through other organisational methods. You no longer need to search or quickly iron something crumpled in a corner. In my previous article about the seasonal wardrobe, I delve deeper into this topic, but for now, let’s talk about the process itself and the tips for properly storing your summer or winter clothing.
The Process: A Task, but One with a Reward
I’ll admit, switching your wardrobe isn’t the most fun chore. You need to take everything out, make decisions, and ensure everything is clean before you store it. It’s important to wash clothes you’ve worn before storing them so they’re fresh and ready for use when the next season arrives. Clothing that will be hung up might also need steaming or ironing. Because let’s be honest, you won’t quickly wear a wrinkled blouse, right?
Once everything is neatly stored, it feels amazing to look at your closet and know that everything is ready to wear. There is no hassle with wrinkles or items that need to be refreshed before you can put them on. It might seem time-consuming, but it saves you time and energy daily.
Tips for Storing Your Seasonal Clothing
1. Make sure your clothes are clean
Moths love dirty clothes, so ensure everything is properly washed before storing them. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises when you pull them out again.
2. Use airtight storage
Storing clothes in airtight containers or bags keeps them fresh and dust-free. I love the H&M clothing bags—they’re both practical and stylish.
3. Give your clothes room
Don’t overstuff your containers or bags. Clothes need space to be stored correctly, which helps prevent fabric damage and excessive wrinkles.
4. Be cautious with vacuum bags
While vacuum bags save space, I’m not a fan. The stubborn wrinkles they cause can be challenging to remove, often creating more work. It’s better to store clothing without too much pressure.
5. Store in a dry, clean place
Moisture can damage clothes, so ensure the area where you store your items is dry and clean. Lavender sachets make your clothes smell great and keep moths away.
6. Sort by type
Sort your clothing by type—sweaters with sweaters, dresses with dresses—so you have a clear overview when the next season comes around. Another helpful tip is to label your storage, especially if you have multiple boxes.
7. Keep the kids in mind
For families with children, having a separate “too big/too small” selection is helpful. Clothing that’s too small for one child might fit their younger sibling next year.
The Reward: Daily Peace
Switching your wardrobe with the seasons is a bit of a project, but the comfort and peace you experience daily make it more than worth it. An organized closet, where everything is wearable, saves you time and gives you a sense of satisfaction.