As summer begins to wind down, many of us anxiously await the crisp cool air, colorful leaves, and cozy lattes that accompany fall. With fall also comes flannels, sweaters, jackets, and boots. That means it’s time to change out our summer clothes for our fall wardrobe. Let’s face it, most people end up shoving their out of season clothes to the back of the closet to make room for their current wardrobe. However, this leads to cluttered closets and a disorganized mess. Let this be the year you store your seasonal clothes so you can effortlessly find the clothes you are looking for. There’s more to clothing storage, however, than just tossing clothes into plastic bins. With the right technique, you can maintain the integrity of your clothing while also maximizing space in your closet. Consider these helpful tips for storing your clothes the right way.

Simple Tips for Storing Your Seasonal Clothing

As the seasons change, our wardrobe changes as well. The tank tops, shorts, skirts, and swimsuits we enjoyed all summer end up getting shoved in the back of the closet or tossed into boxes and placed in the attic. The problem with this technique is that temperature changes can cause staining and mildew and critters might even end up burrowing in your boxes. Unless you plan to replace your entire wardrobe each season, consider these tips for properly storing your seasonal clothing.

1. Thin Out Your Wardrobe

Switching out your wardrobe presents the perfect opportunity to go through and get rid of clothing you no longer wear. There is undoubtedly going to be clothes that don’t fit, are out of style, or are torn and tattered and this is the perfect time to part ways. There is no need to store away clothing that you don’t like or is in need of mending or repair. Not only will this make the storing process easier, but it will also simplify things when you go to unpack your wardrobe next year.

2. Wash Your Clothes Before Storage

Any clothing that you plan to store should be washed and thoroughly dried prior to storage. This means taking the time to treat stains and even making a trip to the dry cleaner for those delicate items. Body oils, lotions, perfumes, and colognes that are left on clothing can be difficult to get rid of later on and they can also attract unwanted pests.

3. Use Plastic Storage Containers

You should always opt for plastic storage containers with lids instead of boxes when storing clothing. Not only is cardboard flimsy and more likely to fall apart, but it’s inevitable that pests and critters will eventually find their way inside those boxes. Furthermore, clothing that is stored in boxes is more likely to develop stains over a long period of time. Do be sure that all clothing is completely dry before storing it in plastic containers, as any excess moisture can cause staining and mildew. In addition, it can be beneficial to wrap delicate items such as silks and cashmere in acid-free tissue prior to storage.

4. Use Vacuum Sealed Bags for Bulky Items

When it comes time to change out your winter clothes, you might have a hard time squeezing coats and sweaters into plastic containers. Luckily, you can save a tremendous amount of space and keep your clothing well protected by using vacuum sealed bags. Keep in mind , however, that not every item should be vacuum sealed. For instance, down jackets, cashmere, silk, and wool should not be placed in vacuum sealed bags.

5. Don’t Hang Certain Items

It’s understandable that some people might prefer to hang their clothing if they have room, but certain items should not be hung for long periods of time. Sweaters and other delicate knits for example, tend to lose their shape if they are hung up for too long. You can prevent these items from stretching by folding them and packing them in plastic storage containers.

6. Choose the Right Storage Location

Many people pack up their clothing and stack the excess bins in their attic. The problem is that clothing doesn’t tolerate extreme temperatures changes very well. Outdoor storage sheds or attics can be too hot, too cold, or too damp and these conditions can end up ruining your clothing. When it comes to ideal storage conditions, you want some place that is clean, cool, dark, and dry. A dark area will prevent clothing from fading while a stable climate will ensure the clothing is not exposed to excess moisture. Some great places to store clothing include under the bed, in closets, or in a climate controlled storage unit.

You invest a great deal of time and money into selecting your clothing items so protect your wardrobe with proper storage techniques. With a little extra effort, you can make the most of your closet space while also ensuring your clothing looks good as new this time next year. Once you see how simple it is to properly store your clothing, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do this sooner!