With the changing seasons, it’s finally time to put away your winter clothes and make room for your spring and summer clothes. While it may be tempting to quickly pack away your heavy winter wear and sweaters without much thought, taking the time and effort to properly store your winter clothes will extend the life of your wardrobe investment. Follow these tips on how to store your winter clothes.
Clean Your Clothes Before Storing Them
Launder or dry clean all your winter garments before storage. Dirty garments stored for an extended period of time can lead to various problems:
- Dirty clothes will attract bugs and pests, which could permanently damage your garments.
- Dirty garments left for an extended period of time can lead to yellowing and discoloration of garments. Lotions, perfumes, oils, and perspiration should be cleaned out of your garments before storage.
- The stains on your garments will set with time, making removing the stains more difficult.
We recommend professional dry cleaning if you want your clothes thoroughly cleaned and ready for storage. It will prolong your garment’s life and save you the hassle and time.
Store Clothes in Dark & Cool Spaces
Store your clothes in a dark, dry, and cool location away from the sun. Some of the best places to store your winter clothes are under the bed or on the top shelves of your closet. Avoid storage locations such as the garage or attic since the temperature extremes could lead to fiber damage.
Use Plastic Containers Rather Than Cardboard
Plastic storage containers are the ideal solution for storing seasonal clothing. Plastic does a great job repelling moisture, mold, and bugs. While storing your clothes in plastic containers, take the following two precautions:
- Make sure there is no residual moisture in the plastic containers. While plastic can keep out moisture, it will also retain moisture which could lead to mold and mildew.
- Leave some room for your clothes to breathe; natural fibers need space to breathe. Plus, your garments won’t wrinkle as much.
Hanging Vs Folding
When determining whether to hang or fold a garment for storage, it is essential to consider its fabric composition and construction. Below are some general guidelines to follow:
Garments to fold:
- Fold garments that easily stretch or lose their shape when hung
- Fibers such as wool, cashmere, and acrylic should typically be folded to avoid unwanted stretching
- When folding a garment, use acid-free tissue paper to prevent wrinkling
Garments to hang:
- Hang structured garments such as blazers and jackets to prevent wrinkles and preserve their structure
- Always Hang very delicate flowy items such as silk or chiffon to avoid wrinkling
- Consider different sorts of hangers for different garments. For instance, a sturdy wooden hanger would be best for a heavy suit jacket, whereas a padded or velvet hanger would be ideal for a silk blouse.