Dress to Impress: A Practical Guide to Seasonal Clothing Storage
As the seasons change, so should your wardrobe. To keep your closet organized and make room for all of your seasonal clothing, you must store away the clothing from the previous season. Not only does this include bulky winter coats, but it also means you must figure out a way to store all of your lighter, looser, less-warm-weather clothes like the linen pants that you have in your wardrobe. This guide serves (in much the same way as a closet organizer) to help you navigate the not-so-straightforward process of putting your clothing into storage, as well as some staging techniques to get your winter clothes properly packed away without damaging either them or your leather shoes and other warm-weather wardrobe pieces.
**Categorizing and Sorting ** Prior to delving into methods for storing clothing, it is vital to assess and direct the sorts of garments in question. They must be divided among and into groups that include, but are not limited to, the following categories: shoes, accessories, and the discriminating classifications of winter or summer attire.
Have labels or masking tape and a sharpie on hand for easy labeling once everything is properly sorted. Your future self will thank you when rummaging through 10+ boxes and garment bags to find where you put that sweater. Overall, labeling your clothes before storing them will make the packing and unpacking process more efficient and allow you to easily access what you need when the seasons change.
**Winter Clothes ** Apparel destined for winter wear—jacket, coat, and ski gear—seldom ranks among the sleekest silhouettes. To ensure that they reside comfortably in the closet (or under the bed, if the space is really tight), invest in sturdy hangers. Even if you have perfectly adequate hangers already, you might want to consider swapping them out for these if you plan to put any of your winter garb on display. Breathing is key: No part of your winter ensemble should be forced to labor under the heavy, compressed, and musty conditions that too-tight storage imposes.
Think about using padded hangers for coats and jackets to keep their form while they are in storage. Beyond that, putting your skis and poles in specially made containers or bags will keep them safe from scratches and dents.
If you have ski or snowboard boots to store, you should buckle them lightly and put them in a climate-controlled space to keep them safe.}}
**Shoes and Boots ** Boots and shoes need special care to maintain their quality and shape. Before storage, they should be cleaned and polished because dirt and stains can set in and ruin them. If the footwear is made of leather or is a dress shoe, then shoe trees should be used to keep the shoe in form. If shoe trees are not affordable, then the stuffing that comes with the shoebox can be used instead.
When it comes to tall boots, invest in boot shapers or use rolled-up magazines to maintain their structure and prevent creasing. Place a silica gel packet in each shoebox to absorb excess moisture, and prevent mold. Use clear plastic shoe boxes to keep pairs together and easily visible. This not only protects them but also simplifies the process of locating specific pairs when you need them.
**Storage Unit Types ** For clothing storage within a storage unit, the best bet is to choose climate-controlled units—especially for delicate fabrics and leather items. Extreme temperatures and high humidity can lead to mold, mildew, and general fabric deterioration. A stable environment is a must for such garments. If you must store clothing at home, avoid any exposure to the sun, which can and will bleach and otherwise damage clothing. Use only plastic or wooden hangers to ensure that order and another kind of "appearance" are maintained within the unit.
Knits and delicate garments should be folded and stored within the unit. Use clear, airtight, and otherwise impenetrable containers to ensure that such items are safeguarded from dust, pests, and other unwanted intrusions.
**Impact of Vacuum Sealing ** Storing clothes can have mixed results when using a vacuum seal. It's great that it compresses things down and reduces their space and allows for moisture not to be present, but not all types of fabrics can handle the vacuum sealing. If you have natural fibers, like wool or silk, the vacuum can actually degrade them and not allow them to hold their shape or elasticity.
Vacuum sealing should be reserved for textiles such as bedding and synthetic items. For delicate fabrics and garments with intricate detailing, choose alternative storage methods to preserve their quality.
Storing your seasonal clothing properly takes categorization, good materials, and strategic storage. To ensure that your clothes and shoes remain in pristine condition and are ready to be seamlessly reintegrated into your wardrobe when the seasons change, follow these guidelines.
- Use climate-controlled storage.
- Consider the impact of vacuum sealing on different fabrics.
- Ensure proper categorization.