How to Store Your Seasonal Clothes

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

As the weather begins to change, it may be time for you to rotate your seasonal clothes in or out of storage. To ensure that your garments stay in good shape during the off season, proper storage is key! We gathered the best clothing storage tips we could find to keep your clothes looking their finest.

Wash Before Storage

Experts recommend cleaning all clothing before putting them into storage. This includes everything from machine or hand washing to dry cleaning and pressing. Any stains that are left on your clothes will darken and may further set into the fabric. Plus, clean clothes are also less likely to attract insects!

Get Rid of Non-Essentials

We’ve all done it—a sale calls our name, or we find a perfect attire during the off season that we think we’ll wear forever… just to have it stay in the back of our closets without being worn. Seasonal changes provide a great opportunity to sort through your clothing for donations or secondhand sales.

If you’re unsure how to begin, ask yourself, “when was the last time I wore this item?” If it’s been more than a year, it's just taking up space! Bring any unwanted items to donation centers or bins. If possible, avoid fully trashing clothes, as the United States Environmental Protection Agency reports 10 million tons of textiles are sent to landfills annually.

Storage Containers Matter

The containers you store your clothes in should protect them. Avoid tossing your garments into a plastic bag or cardboard box. Cardboard can easily create mildew when exposed to a bit of moisture, can cause deep wrinkling, and aren’t the best protection against nibbling pests.

Experts recommend using an empty suitcase for your clothing storage. If one isn’t available, you may also use large, plastic bins. Be sure they have tight fitting or locking lids. Any moisture that enters the container could cause mold and mildew. For extra protection, use acid-free tissue paper between each item of clothing within the container.

Storage Location Matters, Too!

When choosing where to keep your stored clothing, it’s best to choose a cool, dark, and dry space. Clear storage containers that are kept close to sunny windows may cause color or pattern fading. You may also want to inspect them every few months to ensure no problems have arose.

Hanging or Folding, which is Best?

Hanging sweaters or other knit items can cause misshaping over time—especially in storage. When storing these garments, experts recommend placing the heaviest items at the bottom and the lightest at the top. Cramming these items into boxes or bins can cause difficult-to-remove wrinkles during long-term storage.

If there are certain pieces that you typically hang in your closet, get a garment rack for your storage. This will keep your items in the same condition as your closet. You may also wish to use a fabric garment bag around precious outfits to provide them enough air circulation and lower the risk of mildew, mold, and creasing.

Natural Pest Control

Although mothballs were previously the tried-and-true method of pest control, research shows that they often contain toxic pesticides that can be harmful to children and pets. Cedar blocks, mint, or lavender provide natural protection against insects. You can put a few drops of essential oil on a laundry ball or place a sachet with dried cuttings into your garment’s pockets or its storage location. Plus, it’ll keep your clothes from smelling like they’ve been in storage. Experts recommend replacing these methods every six months or the scent disappears.

Clothing TLC

Properly caring for your clothing is the best way to ensure they can continue being worn for years to come, much like how we take care of our vehicles or homes. If you need home financing this season, contact us! One of our experienced and licensed Loan Originators will walk you through every step to guarantee your home success.