9 Storage Tips That Will Protect Your Winter Clothes

Now that spring is in full swing, I thought it would be an appropriate time to address a task that will be necessary before we know it — storing winter clothing. I don’t know about you, but once summer arrives, I just don’t have enough room in my closet to pull out my shorts and sandals without first packing away my bulky sweaters and boots.

But rather than just stacking them on the shelf out in the garage, it’s important to store clothes properly. There are several threats that clothing can face in storage, including light, moisture, and even insect activity, none of which are going to do your winter clothes any favors!

By taking the time to properly pack away your winter wardrobe, you will not only cut down on the number of items that go missing between seasons, but you’ll also lengthen the lifespan of your clothes. Since many winter items like coats and boots are quite expensive, this can help save you a lot of money over time!

So to ensure that our winter clothes stay in good condition until we need them again in the fall, here are 9 tips for storing winter clothing that can help.

9 Tips For Storing Winter Clothing Properly

1. Wash Before Storing

Wash (or dry clean) your winter clothes BEFORE you pack them away. Lingering oils from deodorants and perfumes can discolor your clothing over time, and no one likes pulling musty-smelling clothes out of storage.

2. Choose A Cool, Dark Place

Clothes fare best when stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and stuffy air, like on a clean shelf in a closet or your garage. Choose an opaque storage container rather than a clear one to keep light out and prevent your clothes from becoming discolored. (Just make sure to label your containers so you know what’s inside.)

3. Stuff Shoes And Accessories

To preserve the shape of your shoes and accessories, stuff them with tissue paper, toilet paper, or paper towels. If you’re using tissue paper, use white tissue paper to avoid any potential issues with color transfer or staining.

4. Absorb Odors With Baking Soda

Before packing boots and shoes away, sprinkle a bit of baking soda into each one to absorb odors and prevent them from spreading to your other clothes. After you pull out your winter wardrobe again, simply dump the baking soda out of your shoes before you wear them.

5. Prevent Color Transfer

To ensure that colors don’t rub off or transfer between your sweaters or pants, place a sheet of white tissue paper between each article of clothing in a stack or container.

6. Fold Natural Fabrics

Clothing made from natural materials like cotton and wool should be folded for storage, rather than hung on a hanger. Items that are hung up can stretch out over time, particularly if they’re made from natural materials.

7. Avoid Plastic Bags

If you’re using garment bags to store winter items, use bags made of muslin or cotton (like this one), rather than plastic. Plastic garment bags don’t allow for air flow, which can trap moisture and lead to musty odors, while muslin and cotton will allow your clothes to “breathe” while still keeping them clean and dry.

8. Deter Moths With DIY Mothballs

Traditional mothballs contain insecticides designed to deter moths, but they can be harmful to children and pets. Lavender sachets make a safer, but still effective, alternative to mothballs that you can easily make at home by following the instructions in this post. Adding one or two while storing winter clothing can help keep moths at bay.

9. Use Luggage To Save Storage Space

If you have suitcases or travel bags you don’t use very often, you can save on storage space by storing winter clothing in them. (But if you travel a lot, this may be more trouble than it’s worth!)

Do you pack your winter wardrobe away each year?