Closet space is precious! When the weather starts getting cooler you will need to know how to store summer items in the winter to make room for your cozy clothes and boots. Use the following tips to get your closet ready for the colder weather.
By storing your off season clothes, shoes, and accessories properly, you will make them last year after year. Taking care of your clothes will save you so much money in the long run.
When you keep your clothes in pristine condition, it also makes them easier to sell. You can turn unwanted clothes into cash if you need to update your wardrobe next season.
Use these tips and tricks to store summer clothes in the winter and keep them looking brand new.
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How to Store Summer Clothes in the Winter
Before you Box Things Up
Before you start packing away all of your summer items, go through each one and take out any that don’t fit or need to be mended.
Fix the ones that need mending so they will be ready to wear next season. If they no longer fit, make a donation or to be sold pile.
If you have items that need to be dry cleaned, do so before packing them away. Make sure all items have been washed to keep stains from forming in storage.
If your summer items have buttons or zippers, fasten all of them to help them retain their shape, even when folded.
Storing Summer Clothes
Fold all of your knit items and store them in opaque plastic bins. Don’t use cardboard boxes as they can stain your clothing and aren’t as resistant to bugs. I personally like using under the bed bins because they don’t take up much space.
Keep your boxes away from natural light to ensure that the color of your clothing doesn’t fade.
It’s a good idea to make a little inventory sticker to apply to the front of the box. This way you can easily find something if you need it quickly.
For satin or flowy summer dresses, store them in garment bags instead of boxes to help them keep their shape and become less wrinkled.
Try not to store the boxes in the attic or garage as the temperature can fluctuate and cause some materials to deteriorate over time.
Add Cedar wood or Lavender sachets to the boxes to keep your items fresh and to ward off any insects that may come near the boxes.
How to Store Summer Shoes in the Winter
As you did with your clothing, make sure all of your shoes are clean before storing them away for the winter.
Use leather cleaner to clean any leather shoes.
You can use acid free tissue paper to stuff in the toes and heels of your shoes to help them retain their shape. Use just enough to fill them without making them stretch out.
If you will be storing your summer shoes and sandals in boxes, you may want to add a silica gel packet to remove dampness.
Most sandals and espadrilles are made out of cork so they can deteriorate in the humidity.
By learning how to store summer clothes in the winter, you will have brand new looking clothes every year. This is important for timeless pieces that you can rock year after year.
Deborah Hopper says
I’ll be packing up all my summer clothes, getting ready for winter, good tips, Thank you.
Terry says
I think all the things you have shared IS WONDERFUL.
I was wondering… do you have an idea what would be best to clean the plastic/rubber dashboard in our cars? What would be best to use to put a beautiful shine on the same areas?