One of the best parts of fall is that it’s finally cool enough to throw on warm clothes like cozy sweaters and flannels. But when bulky coats and chunky sweaters compete for space in your closet, it can start to feel cramped. It’s helpful to pack up summer shorts, bathing suits, and tees so you can refresh your wardrobe for the cooler season without taking up more space.
How To Organize Summer Clothes
It might seem like a hefty task to go through your clothes, but if you set aside a few hours, it can be done quickly and easily. Here are seven tips to make packing up your summer clothes a breeze.
1. Purge
Before you even begin to pack, decide which clothes should be stored and which items don’t have much of a place in your wardrobe anymore. As you rifle through your drawers and closets, make a pile of clothes you didn’t wear this past summer. Chances are, if you didn’t put it on, it’s time to donate it, sell it, or repurpose it. Although it’s not always easy to say goodbye, it’s helpful to know that all the items you’re packing up will be worn in the future.
2. Clean Your Clothes Before Packing
After taking the time to separate your clothes into a giveaway pile and a keep pile, throw the keep pile into the laundry. Not only will your clothes smell better as you pack them up, but you’ll also wash off any dust, crumbs, or stains before they’re stored for an extended time. For valuable pieces, like wedding guest clothing, consider getting them dry-cleaned.
3. Decide if You Should Roll, Fold, or Hang Your Clothes
Casual clothing like shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits should be folded into thirds or rolled up to save space. Rolling results in fewer creases, which could be a better option for tops and tanks. For more delicate and fragile pieces, it’s best to hang them on a hanger, ideally one without notches near the shoulders, so the material lays flat.
4. Obtain Boxes, Airtight Containers, or Garment Bags
Now it’s time to temporarily say goodbye to your summer clothes! After folding or rolling them, place them into their container. If you plan to store your containers in a hall or guest closet, a cardboard box or fabric case will likely do the trick. However, if you store them in a garage, tool shed, or storage unit, put them in an airtight container to keep out dust, pests, and cold air. For the more valuable clothing items on hangers, purchase some garment bags that close up entirely with zippers or snap buttons.
5. Label Your Bins and Boxes
One reason some people might be reluctant to pack up and store their clothes is a concern that their things may get lost or misplaced. However, if you take a few minutes to label and organize your items, it’ll make them easy to find in case you need to access them—like if you go on a tropical vacation during the wintertime. For those who don’t want to spend a lot of time on this step, you can make it simple by applying colorful stickers and utilizing a color-coding system. For instance, use blue stickers for shirts and red stickers for shorts. For detail-oriented packers, use oversized labels to write down the items in the box.
6. Add Scents
After a few months in storage, chances are even though you washed your clothes before packing them up, they won’t smell as fresh. To combat this, add some scents to the containers. You can purchase or DIY simple sachets using your favorite scents or toss some dryer sheets between items. Don’t use any liquids, though, as you don’t want anything to leak onto your clothes.
7. Make Sure Clothes Are Dry and Protected
Ensure you store your clothes in a place that’s unlikely to get wet, humid, or too cold. If you put them in a closet at home, avoid storing them near a bathroom. If you store them in your garage or storage unit, use airtight containers or shelving so your clothes stay off the floor.
Storing Summer Clothes
Clothes should be stored in a cool, dry place to ensure they stay in good condition while in storage for the winter season. If you have limited space in your apartment or home, storing these items in a storage unit can be a great way to create additional room. Luckily, 10 Federal Self Storage has many convenient locations so you can find your perfect unit. Contact us today to rent your unit and make room for your cozy winter clothes!
