Tips for Storing Seasonal Clothes

how to store seasonal clothes for a more functional wardrobe

I love it when the seasons change. Whether it’s summer to fall, or winter to spring, each season brings new scenery, new smells, and new feelings. And if you live in a seasonal climate like me, this also includes a change in wardrobe as well.

With fall coming up I’m excited to be pulling out all my cozy sweaters and boots. Which means it’s also time to store away my summer clothes.

I’ll change my wardrobe out typically twice a year. Once during the summer-fall transition, and then again during winter-spring transition.

Summers here in Toronto are quite warm, but the winters here are also quite cold. So there is quite a range of clothing that I don’t wear for half a year at at time.

I usually store only my summer and winter clothes. Spring and fall clothing can often be worn with summer and winter clothes for cooler summer nights, or warmer winter days. So I like to keep lightweight jackets, ankle boots, and a few lighter dresses in rotation in my closet.

I rotate in my seasonal clothes to make the most of my closet space. I believe my close should be a functional space, filled with clothing that I’m actually wearing. Plus, I find it helps to reduce the clutter and make clothing selection easier and less overwhelming.

Additionally, storing away the clothes you’re not wearing keeps them in better shape. And as an added bonus is you basically get a new wardrobe seasonally!

6 tips for how to store clothes

1. Declutter your wardrobe

Before you start storing your clothing, the first thing you should do is to sort through your wardrobe at the end of the season and pare it down.

If it’s worn out or you didn’t wear it this season, you should probably let go of it now, instead of having it take up storage room.

Getting rid of clothing you never wear frees up closet space. Plus, you’ll save a good amount time having fewer non-essential things to go through when you’re looking for something to wear.

2. Clean & repair your clothes before you store them

This sounds pretty basic, but it’s something that’s important to do. Stains and odors become harder to get out over time and attract bugs. My favourite stain remove this one, and I use it on practically everything and it removes stains like magic.

And while you’re at it, fix any loose buttons or broken zippers now. Your future self will thank you for the fresh and ready-to-go clothes when you pull them out next season!

4. What to fold, what to hang—and how to properly do it

Most clothing like shorts, tank tops, dresses, knits and silks and should be folded when you store them. Outerwear can be hung up, but go for supportive wood or padded hangers to avoid awkward shoulder lumps.

Separate out any speciality items like expensive dresses, suits, and other formal wear—then invest in garment bags for them. Opt for cloth garment bags instead of plastic is possible. No only is it better for the environment, plastic can trap moisture and don’t allow your clothes to breathe.

5. Use the Right Storage

I love those giant plastic storage containers for clothing storage. They’re clear and allow me to easily see what’s inside. And great for stacking one on top of another. Plus they do a good job keeping out smells and bugs.

Your want to go plastic free, cardboard boxes are great as well. Just make sure they are clean and sturdy.

While you’re packing your storage bins make sure they’re not overpacked. If the the lid doesn’t fit tightly, you’re allowing room for moisture and pests to get in.

Clothing storage idea: If you’re running out of room, try rolling up items like pants and shirts instead. It saves space and prevents wrinkles. Win-win

6. Where to store your clothes

Store your seasonal clothes in a cool dry indoor place to keep out bugs and mildew.

One of my favourite clothing storage ideas is under the bed. I love how it’s tucked out of site, but still near by if I need to get retrieve something. Other spots I like are are up on the high up shelves in closets that I don’t frequently use.

Try no to store your clothing in the garage, or basement if possible, since bugs and dust are much more likely to get in there.

To keep your clothes protected, it’s smart to put something in the container to repel fabric damaging insects. I try to stay away from mothballs because they can be toxic to both humans and pets. Both lavender satchels and cedar rings are great natural options!

Do you store your clothes that are off-season?
Let me know in the comments below!

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XOXO,