Store Your Summer Clothes Like a Pro

If spring cleaning is the harbinger of nicer, warmer weather, then surely its cool weather counterpart is the inevitable storing of summer clothes to make way for the chillier days ahead. A chore definitely on par with getting your space warm-weather ready, storing your less seasonally appropriate garments can be a hassle, to say the least — especially for those of us who are short on space.

Sorting your clothes by season might seem like a daunting task at first, but the effort will be well worth it once you’re able to access the clothes you need most in a timely fashion. And while fall is sometimes a great time for overlap (yes, those short-sleeve shirts and tanks are still relevant), it won’t be long now until most of us are reaching for cuddly sweaters and extra layers as the days get shorter.

Follow these tips to store your summer clothes like a pro. When warmer weather comes knocking, they’ll be easily accessible and all ready to use.

Sort Your Summer Clothes

Organizing is always the first step in a successful storage project — especially when it comes to clothes that may or may not be important come next season. This does require a discerning, realistic eye as to what should stay and what should go, so be sure to channel your inner Marie Kondo before diving in.

While your individual categories may differ, a good place to start is by dividing summer clothes into three basic categories: keep, donate, and trash. Still holding onto those shorts that you haven’t worn in at least two summers, but they’re in wearable condition with no holes or tears? Donate. That holey t-shirt that’s seen better days and is one wash away from unraveling? Trash. If an item is damaged beyond repair, it may be time to throw in the (figurative) towel.

Get Washing

This may seem obvious, but once you’ve settled on your pile of keepers, make sure that everything’s clean before storing it away. Even if you’ve only worn it once, it’s still a good idea to give it a good washing. Dirty clothes can attract bugs like moths who are more than happy to eat right through them, so do your due diligence and make sure your summer clothes are stain and odor-free. This includes summer all-stars like bathing suits — just make sure they’re completely dry before storing them away, as extra moisture can also lead to mold and mildew.

Store Your Summer Clothes

Once your clothes are organized, clean, and dry, you can finally tackle the fun part: the storage! There are several options for storing your summer clothes, all of which can be used depending on the amount of space you have available. Those with extra space on the rack will most likely want to hang items like dresses and jackets, while people with less space may opt for plastic storage bins. The key is finding solutions that work for you — there’s no right or wrong answer here.

Hangers

Not all hangers are created equal. Different types of hangers work better for different things. Try to avoid thin wire hangers for long-term storage, as they may discolor certain fabrics over time. Instead, opt for sturdy, garment-appropriate options to maximize space, like shaped hangers for jackets; padded hangers for delicate, lightweight fabrics; skirt hangers for skirts and structured shorts; and multi-tiered hangers for summer scarves, belts, and lightweight handbags.

Storage Bags

Go for cloth hanging bags over plastic bags, as plastic has been known to cause unwanted moisture build-up. Be sure that the bags themselves are also clean and dry. You may even want to run them through the washer before putting anything inside of them. Hanging storage bags like these work best for summer dresses, and for more delicate items that need extra protection.

Storage Containers

Storage containers come in all shapes and sizes, but it’s hard to beat a sturdy plastic bin. Not only are they perfect for stacking, but many come with sealable lids that keep insects, allergens, and moisture far away from your clothes. For extra protection, line the bottom with a clean cotton sheet to keep your clothes from touching the plastic.

More Pro Storage Tips

With proper planning, these storage methods can be applied not only to summer clothes, but to all your seasonal items. After all, winter clothes will eventually need to be packed away, too.

Folding Your Clothes

To maximize space and prevent delicate fabrics like linens and silks from creasing and wrinkling, try rolling them instead of folding them.

Keep It Bug-Free

No one wants bugs getting into their clothes. To keep insects at bay, place cedar balls or lavender sachets inside your storage containers. They’re all-natural and won’t cause your wardrobe to smell like mothballs. These items also come with hanging options, so don’t forget to moth-proof those garment bags, too.

Storing your summer clothes is a tedious but necessary chore, especially for apartment dwellers looking to save space. While it may seem like a lot of work to properly put away your warm weather clothes, you’ll be glad you did when you can easily pick a good winter outfit out of your closet every morning.