The warming breeze and flowering trees can only mean one thing — summertime. Except in my closet, light summer dresses, colorfully patterned skirts, and airy linen pants are widely obstructed by bulky sweaters, knit cardigans, and cozy heat-tech (a London essential).
But no longer, as I spent this past long weekend tuning my wardrobe to the season with the help of clever storage and closet organization ideas. But my wardrobe and I also have these expert tips from professional home organizers to thank.
And now, I pass on these tips, so that you, too, can sort through your fabulous wardrobe and make way for some fresh seasonal additions. It's all in the strategy — here's how to store winter clothes away until you need them again in the fall.
1. Edit First, Store Second
As you relieve your closet of your winter clothes, home organization expert Meaghan Kessman recommends giving each item of clothing a good look to identify if it deserves a space in your closet or not.
"I find that it's best to edit before you store," she explains. "If you didn’t wear it this winter, you probably won’t next year either. So donate it now instead of packing it away."
So, before you get to planning out your winter clothes storage, shortlist the things to throw out of your closet and decide on repurposing, donating, or recycling them in the moment, to avoid further procrastination.
2. Trust Vacuum-Sealed Bags for Bulky Knits
"You must choose the right storage method for your winter clothes," says Amalie Ankersen, co-founder of Ankersen Drake. "For example, I recommend using vacuum-seal bags for bulky items like puffers and wool coats."
She explains that enlisting help from vacuum-sealed bags helps drastically reduce the amount of space these fuzzy clothes would otherwise take up, and she's not wrong. In fact, this is especially beneficial for small bedroom clothes storage.
Personally, I swear by these Amazon Basics Vacuum Compression Zipper Storage Bags. They work perfectly, and they come with a hand pump for ease of use.
3. Utilize Garment Bags for Delicate Fabrics
"Nice coats and wool or cashmere pieces should be hung in breathable fabric garment bags instead of plastic," says closet organization expert Jennifer Q. Williams. "This keeps them protected without trapping moisture.
"Just make sure to dry clean these delicates before storing them. And also take care of any fur coats you may own, as these require special cleaning and conditioning prior to storage."
These Space-Saving Hanging Garment Bags from Light In The Box are a brilliant addition to any home. Plus, the beige set lends an air of elegance to the clothes, even when tucked away during your closet overhaul.
4. Try Clear Bins Over Cardboard Boxes
Meaghan tells me that a common mistake made when storing away clothes for winter involves relying on cardboard boxes for safe storage. Apart from them being rather unsightly and often unhygienic, she points out that there are other issues to worry about, too.
"Cardboard can attract moisture and pests, especially in basements or attics," she points out. "Whereas, plastic bins keep clothes dry and safe from dust or bugs, and you can see what’s inside."
So, instead of storing your clothes in clunky cardboard boxes, neatly pack them away in quality plastic bins like these Large Stackable Storage Boxes from Amazon, or even these Clear Plastic Storage Bags for easy handling.
5. Unfailingly Label Everything
The experts are big believers in the power of a closet labeling system for winter clothes storage — and, indeed, labelling is an easy home organization idea that can be applied to every other space in your home.
"I find it incredibly helpful to use labels so you know exactly what’s inside," says Amalie. "It may seem obvious, but when you’re digging for that one jumper next November, you’ll thank yourself."
Get yourself this Self-Adhesive Sticker Roll from Amazon and write out the contents before you stow your boxes away. Or if you want to indulge in a chicer e-alternative, you can't go wrong with this sleek Mini Bluetooth Label Maker Machine.
6. Stow in Hard-to-Reach, Otherwise Empty Spots
"Winter clothes can take up a ton of space, so tuck them out of the way and remove the bulk from your closet," says Jennifer. "High closet shelves or under-bed drawers are great spots."
Meaghan also recommends that your winter wear be relocated to hard-to-reach storage spaces that typically sit empty. "Free up your prime closet space by stashing off-season stuff in out-of-reach areas like top shelves, under beds, or storage ottomans," she suggests.
If you've got the space and are looking to spruce up your bedroom, this charming Ottoman Bench Seat from Amazon opens up for extra storage. But if you're trying to make the most of a small bedroom, then put your faith in these Vacuum Storage Bags and a high shelf.
FAQs
What Is the Best Container for Storing Clothes for Winter?
With sustainability and biophilic decluttering on the rise, it's important to opt for more eco-friendly storage options where possible. And unfortunately, since winter clothes are generally stored in tall cupboards and high shelves, glass-made and fragile organizers are out of the question.
So, plastic containers are ideal. Now, you can still be sustainable by using recycled plastic containers or by reusing other storage containers you might already have in your home. And as far as cardboard boxes go, it's a no from us.
And if you have plans to jetset, let me leave you with my two essentials of the moment. A guide to packing clothes for travel, so you can live that 'fly in economy for Birkin bag budget' life. Plus, a list of slow living holiday destinations the Livingetc team is loving of late.
