How to Store Winter Clothes

Spring is right around the corner, which means that it is the perfect time to discuss how to store your winter clothes.

Winter clothes storage is an important step in preparing for the warmer seasons. Your winter garments (think heavy parkas, bulky sweaters, and furs) take up a lot of room in your closet. Instead of sacrificing space and having to push garments aside when you’re searching for your favorite summer sundress, storage helps keep them out of sight and out of mind until you need them again.

The best way to store winter clothes isn’t necessarily what you might think. Many people store off-season clothing in trunks or containers in their basement and attic, but that can lead to musty and moth-eaten garments when they come out of storage in the fall.

So how do you do it right? Keep your cold weather wear safe and in perfect condition with our expert tips for storing winter clothes.

Keep in mind though, these tips aren’t guaranteed to work perfectly. Winter clothing tends to carry hefty price tags, and you shouldn’t risk your important belongings. While these tips are meant to help you, it’s best to contact a professional, luxury cleaner like Arthur Copeland, who can provide specialized storage.

Tip #1: Sort and organize

Make the job easier on yourself by using this occasion as an opportunity to edit down your winter wardrobe and donate (or otherwise properly dispose of) the items that you no longer want or need. Gloves that are missing their mates, coats you haven’t worn in years, and sweaters that are a size too big or small are all good fits for the “get rid of it” pile.

Tip #2: If it’s dirty, get it cleaned before storing it

To ensure your clothes stay in the best condition possible during storage, get them cleaned before stowing them away. If it’s something you can’t clean at home (like that dry clean only pea coat), drop it off for a professional clean. And make sure you clean all of your winter items, not just the obvious ones. Boots, scarves, and gloves should all be looking shiny and new before they go in to storage. As an added tip, go through all pockets and check for items that need to be removed—you don’t want to accidentally store your driver’s license for the winter along with your heavy winter purse.

Tip #3: Put hanging items in garment bags

If an item goes on a hanger for the winter, it should also go on a hanger for storage. Folding garments that need to be hung, especially for a long time, can lead to unwanted creases and wrinkles. Use canvas garment bags instead of plastic ones, which can trap moisture over time.

Tip #4: Stack folding items in plastic bins

Plastic bins will keep out moths and other pests a lot better than cardboard ones. Carefully fold each item that will be packed in a bin, and separate items with a sheet of white tissue paper.

Tip #5: Use moth protectant

The first step to protecting your clothes from moths is making sure they’re free of stains and debris. The other step is using a designated moth protectant, such as a moth spray or powder packet. If you’re not sure what the best protectant to use is, ask your dry cleaner.

The easiest way to store winter clothes

If simply don’t have the space necessary to store your winter items or accommodate these tips, then let us handle the safe storage of your winter garments! Our climate controlled storage facility is perfectly optimized for keeping your winter clothing items pristine and damage-free until you need them again. Contact us today to learn more.