Methods for Storing Out-of-Season Garments: Six Strategies
Whether you're residing in a compact dwelling or boasting a vast collection of apparel, you might encounter difficulties in organizing your out-of-season clothes efficiently. The subsequent time you trade out pieces for summer or winter, consider the following advice from professional organizers to streamline the packing (and ultimately, unpacking) procedure.
Employ Breathable Storage Containers
When purchasing bags to store your clothing, pick ones fabricated from linen or cotton, suggests Lindsay Melvin, the proprietor of Orchid Organizing, which spans Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, among other locations. "Such materials promote air circulation, reducing the likelihood of mold or mildew," she explains. "Integrate cedar blocks or lavender sachets to ward off pests."
Segregate by Category
Avoid haphazardly scattering your belongings by stuffing them into a bin and calling it a day. Instead, categorize your garments, such as grouping swimsuits and skirts separately, as Melvin recommends. Specialists also advocate labeling your storage containers for effortless access during the next season.
Prevent Overcrowding
Avoid compressing clothing excessively as it can result in negative consequences. "Blocking air circulation can lead to moisture buildup and the attraction of pests," explains Jayna Lattimore, the creator of Ordered, LLC, founded in Charlotte, North Carolina. "However, it is acceptable to seal the appropriate amount of your possessions in an airtight bag to shield them from dust and critters." Karen Windholz, the founder of Sort Toss Repeat in Northern Virginia, recommends enclosing sealed airtight bags within larger bins for additional safety.
Opt for Closets and Under-Bed Storage When Possible
If space permits, store off-season clothing in the back of your main closet, in another closet, or under the bed, recommends Libby Huffines, the founder of Libby and Labels in Dallas, Texas. "This safety allows items to remain on hangers, facilitating easy transfer between closets during seasonal changes," she explains. Windolz advises considering the storage of garments situated under the bed. "Given that most under-the-bed storage bins are shallow, I recommend cutting items into flat bundles, ensuring ease of access if required during an off-season event," she suggests.
Store Clothing in a Temperature-Controlled Environment
Avoid storing clothing in a garage or shed when possible, opting instead for a temperature-controlled space sheltered from the elements.
Engage in Periodic Decluttering
There's no purpose in saving garments that you have no intention of wearing again. Allocate some time for evaluating each piece, donating anything you no longer cherish or finds itself ill-fitting. "Decluttering and donating your clothes will make the subsequent year's process far less cumbersome," says Windholz.
After decluttering your wardrobe, store the remaining items in a temperature-controlled environment, such as a closet, following the advice of Libby Huffines. To efficiently organize your out-of-season clothes, consider using Home Organization tips from SouthernLiving, like categorizing your garments and employing breathable storage containers with cedar blocks or lavender sachets.
