When the seasons change, so do our closets – and organizing pros know exactly how to make the switch seamless.
From breathable under-bed bags to clever pest prevention, picking the right seasonal storage essentials makes packing away your warm-weather wardrobe a breeze.
These are the seven fall decluttering must-haves for keeping clothes fresh, accessible, and ready for next year.
Seasonal Clothes Storage Essentials
1. Breathable Garment Bags
When storing clothes long-term, you should prioritize breathability, especially for natural fiber or delicate garments. For Angelia York, VP of Saint Louis Closet Co., this means breathable garment bags, available at Amazon.
She shares, ‘breathable garment bags hung on a designated seasonal rod keep items safe without wrinkling.’
Plus, they are a great way to organize a closet if you don’t have seasonal storage, keeping all of your clothes in one place without your summer garments getting in the way of fall and winter styling.
2. Vacuum Storage Bags
There are several genius ways to use vacuum storage bags around a home, and seasonal clothing is at the top of the list – especially when trying to organize a house with no storage.
Laurie Hise, founder of Passionate Penny Pincher, says, ‘These are a common and economical solution for maximizing your closet space and doubling your storage capacity by compressing clothes. They offer protection against moisture, insects, and dust, keeping your summer clothing safe and ready to go next time around.
‘Alternatively, roll-up compression bags [from Amazon] offer a free and simple solution, compacting items without the need for a vacuum or electricity. Both are easy to label [the Dymo label maker from Walmart makes it simple and uniform] so you know exactly where everything is when the time comes.’
3. Plastic Bins
High-quality plastic storage totes, available at The Container Store, can help you swerve common storage mistakes such as fabric exposure to moisture or pests, especially if you are storing your summer clothing and accessories on garage shelving or in attic storage.
Laurie explains, ‘Plastic bins need to have tight-fitting lids and can be a best friend when it comes to summer clothing storage. They’re stackable, reusable, and practically pest-proof, which means you can pile them high in a closet or garage without worrying about damage.
‘Add a strip of painter’s tape [from Walmart] and a marker to know what is in each bin,’ she adds. ‘It’s easy to remove or update next season, and you won’t have to purchase any new storage.’
4. Stackable Shoe Boxes
To maximize space on your shoe rack for thicker winter footwear, keep summer-specific shoes in stacking shoe boxes, available at The Container Store, Angelia continues.
She explains, ‘Shoes stay in their best condition when stored in clear, stackable boxes within custom cubbies.’
For smaller shoes, consider doubling up in boxes to help save space and hide shoe clutter in small spaces.
5. Bag Dividers
It isn’t just your clothes and shoes that will need rotating; summer-specific bags need to be stashed away, too.
When organizing purses for long-term storage, Aneglia advises, ‘Handbags can sit upright in divided shelving to maintain their shape. High shelving is perfect.’ The shelf dividers from Amazon are ideal for this.
You should avoid cramming bags into storage bins, and certainly never leave them in vacuum bags, as this can damage the shape. Investing in some handbag stuffers from Amazon can help keep them looking their best while stashed out of the way for the cold season.
6. Scented Liners
Anything stored for long periods of time is at risk of smelling musty when you get it out again next spring. To help combat this, Michelle Kolozetti, professional home organizer and owner of Simple Sanctuary Home Organization, suggests taking a tip from what people with nice-smelling closets do and investing in scented storage liners from Walmart. Not only will it ward off odors, but it can prevent pests, too.
She says, ‘You can line the containers with scented drawer paper to keep them smelling great! If you're storing them in a basement or attic, consider adding a few cedar sachets or cedar blocks [also from Walmart] to prevent any unwanted visitors near your clothes.’
Feeling crafty? You can make DIY scented drawer liners with essential oils.
7. Old Pillowcases
Looking to organize your home without spending any money? Laurie suggests reusing old pillowcases could be just what you need for storing summer clothes.
‘How many old pillowcases or cotton sheets do you have in your closets or junk drawers? They can be an unexpectedly effective and budget-friendly summer clothing storage solution.
‘The best part is they are a free solution and great for shoes, sandals, bags, and hats. Their softness and natural fibers provide cushioning for fragile items, protecting summer fabrics from scratches or stress.’
What to Shop
Garment bags are ideal when you do not have storage space to keep seasonal items out of your closet, dividing up summer items to keep your fall wardrobe more accessible.
Measuring 8x10x11 inches, these handwoven water hyacinth baskets are ideal for keeping closet shelves neat while promoting ease of access.
Vacuum storage bags are ideal for seasonal storage, keeping clothes and household linens safe from pests and moisture, without them taking up valuable storage real estate.
For items you cannot hang such as sweaters, use zip up garment boxes with clear fronts so you can still see and access items easily, while protecting delicate items from pests.
These under-bed storage bags on wheels are easy to pull out, and maintain good ventilation for items to prevent mold or musty bedroom smells.
You would be hard-pressed to find a pro organizer who doesn't love velvet slimline hangars to organize a closet. They keep clothes in place without taking up too much space.
Meet the Experts
Before packing everything away, check the seasonal items you should always clean before storing to keep your belongings in top condition until next season.
