10 Easy Seasonal Clothing Storage Tips to Know This Winter

Winter is here, and your daily clothing options will change with it, which means that all out-of-season clothing must give way to winter clothing to keep things tidy. 

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Unfortunately, many do not prepare the ideal storage options for their off-season clothes, so they get damaged in storage or create a mess in the closet. You, on the other hand, can do better. There are several ways to optimize your storage methods and conditions to ensure your seasonal clothes are stored optimally and ready to hand when you need them in a few months.

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Below are some helpful tips for storing clothing during the colder months.

1: Wash Before Storing

It may feel easier to put away all your dirty summer clothing to wash them in a few months than to wash them right away, but if you don't remove stains on fabrics before storing them, you may never be able to. Also, smears from organic materials such as soups, food, and drinks may draw insects and microbes that will aggravate the stain and infest other nearby clothing. To avoid this, make sure your clothes are spotless before storing them.

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2: Declutter Your Storage Units

Before putting away your off-season clothing, one of the first things to do is clean your closet, plastic bins, and other clothing storage alternatives. Get rid of items you no longer use to gain additional room to store your off-season clothes and prevent the spread of stains and pests.

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3: Line Your Storage Container

To prevent wrinkles from forming over time and ensure your clothes come out fresh when you need them, line your storage box with cotton sheets before keeping your folded and rolled clothes inside.

4: Choose Comfortable Storage Options

Your choice of clothing storage determines whether you'll start the next season with fresh, clean clothes or pest-damaged and heavily-stained ones. Hence, the best storage options for your off-season clothes are breathable, dark-colored bags, bins, cabinets, and suitcases, as they guarantee optimal storage and protection from harsh weather conditions. 

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Cardboard containers are common options too, but given that they frequently draw insects and encourage mold and mildew growth, especially in garages and attics, you should avoid them. Also, storing garments in sealed plastic containers may make them more susceptible to dampness and pests.

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No matter what container you decide on, ensure it is dry by wiping it down with a dry cloth or piece of tissue paper before placing your clothes inside.

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5: Label Containers Properly

Using tags to mark the contents of clothing storage boxes helps you to easily find the items you need during or after winter without having to rummage through your living space. 

6; Choose A Suitable Storage Location

It would be counterproductive to choose the perfect storage container for your clothes but store them just anywhere. You should ensure that the storage space is in excellent condition, which in this case, means cool, dark, and dry. The basement, attic, and under your bed are a few well-liked locations. However, you must exercise caution when using these areas, as they could expose your stored clothing to moisture, heat, and bugs.

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Consider transforming your garage into a perfect storage space with Webfoot cabinets which will keep your clothes tidy and safe while ensuring that your space stays even more attractive.

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7: Use Pest Repellant

Never underestimate clothing pests such as termites, moths, cockroaches, and beetles. They are incredibly invasive and can find their way into your clothing storage area to cause significant damage. One of the best preventative measures is to use pest repellants such as cedar and mothballs.

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Note that moth balls function best in vacuum-sealed bags and other airtight containers, and cedar balls are the safest alternative as they are organic and less poisonous.

8: Avoid Overloading Storage Bins

Cramming your storage boxes full of clothes is not a good idea. It could cause the clothes to get roughed up or prevent the container from closing correctly, exposing the clothes to external elements. Forcibly closing the zipper can also cause it to tear through the stored clothes.

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Instead of stuffing your storage bins full of clothes, you can try folding or rolling them properly to create more space. And if you run out of room, just find another storage option for the rest.

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9: Hang Your Clothes - But Not All Of Them

Not every piece of clothing requires hanging. Sweaters, for example, may lose their shape and stretch when hung for long periods, so it's best to fold them. On the other hand, fancy clothes like gowns and Tuxedos shouldn't be rolled and folded into a box; a hanger and garment bag are best suited for such wear. In addition, it's best to invest in garment bags made of fabric. The other options (like plastic bags) may predispose the clothes to damage over time. 

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10: Conduct Regular Checks

Never abandon your clothes in their storage containers for too long. Check them regularly and make sure nothing is out of place. This way, you can quickly determine if you need to change your storage location, possibly due to moisture level, insect infestation, or structural damage to the storage boxes.

Consider Maximizing Your Seasonal Storage

With winter just around the corner, it's time to get everything ready so that when it arrives, you are good and ready to go. Custom garage cabinets by Webfoot can equip your garage with the seasonal clothing storage you need. 

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