How To Store Summer Clothes for the Winter
As winter approaches, it’s time to say goodbye to your summer dresses, shorts, and tank tops until the start of spring. Storing your summer clothes is more than just making space for sweaters and coats in the front of your closet, though. It’s about preserving the condition of your warm-weather attire until the sun comes out again.
The experts at Go Store It are here to help you understand how to store your summer clothes for the winter so you can easily swap them back into your closet in the spring. This blog post will guide you through the process of cleaning, organizing, and packaging your summer wardrobe to ensure everything from delicate fabrics to accessories and footwear remains in top shape.
Start With a Wash
The first step in properly storing your summer clothes is to make sure they’re clean. Invisible stains like perspiration or deodorant can darken and set in over time, making them difficult to remove later. Moreover, insects are attracted to stained clothes, which could lead to unwanted damage. Save yourself some trouble and wash everything thoroughly before you start packing.
Organize by Material
Different materials require different storage methods, so here are some good clothing storage ideas to keep in mind:
- Sensitive fabrics such as silk and lace should be gently folded and wrapped in acid-free tissue paper to prevent any creasing or damage.
- Delicate items like blazers, suits, or linens should be stored in cloth garment bags and hung vertically.
- Heavier items like denim or cotton can be neatly folded up and packed together without the need for wrapping.
- Shoes should be stored in their original boxes or in a specially designed shoe organizer.
For more information, check out our packing and storage tips page.
Use Strong Boxes and Bags
When it comes to storing clothes, it’s important to invest in proper containers. While plastic bins might seem like a good idea, they can trap humidity and cause mildew. Instead, consider using breathable fabric storage bags for clothes. These will allow for better air circulation in addition to being sturdy.
Label and Index Everything
Once you’ve packed your clothes, make sure to label each box or bag clearly. You can even create an index list of what’s in each box, which will save you from rummaging through everything when you need something down the road. This is also one of our top decluttering tips, as listing everything will allow you to see how much stuff you have and determine what can be donated or handed down.
Invest in Climate-Controlled Storage
One often overlooked aspect of clothing storage is the environment in which you keep your things. Attics and basements can fluctuate in temperature frequently, which can damage clothing over time. For the best protection, invest in a climate-controlled storage unit for your clothes. These spaces are kept within a steady range of temperatures year-round to prevent mildew accumulation and other damage from impacting your things.
Rent Reliable Clothing Storage From Go Store It
Storing your seasonal clothing items at home often simply isn’t practical due to issues with space. If you need a place to keep your summer clothes warm through the winter, come to Go Store It. We offer self storage units in many convenient sizes that can store boxes and bags of your clothes. Many of our storage facilities offer climate-controlled storage options, and we exclusively offer month-to-month leases so you can decide how long you keep your space.
Ready to get started? Use our unit size guide to calculate how much clothing storage space you need to rent. You can also explore our blog and list of frequently asked questions to learn more. Renting affordable clothing storage is easy with Go Store It!