My coat closet has been working overtime for several months, storing all my winter jackets, boots and other cold-weather accessories. It is not doing a great job. One ski glove that my son bought recently is one of the casualties in our overburdened coat closet. Now that spring is here, I am ready to reduce the load by getting rid of our bulky winter gear and possibly even finding that glove.

But storing seasonal clothes is more complex than just putting everything in a box and putting them in the attic. If you don’t want to reduce its lifespan, then neither should you. These are five tips to store your out-of-season clothing in a proper manner.

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1. Before you put them away, wash your clothes.

Is it possible to see what is inside your closet? Start by reaching into your closet to grab every piece of clothing that you love. Not adore an item if you stop to look at it for more than a second.
1Stay in your favourite clothes. Sort the clothes by type, such as jeans, pants, shirts and so forth.
Although it may seem obvious, many seasonal garments such as sweaters and coats don’t need to be washed after every use. Make sure to wash them or dry-clean them before you store them for the season. Body oils, perfumes, sweat, and body oils all attract insects, even the fearsome Enemy No. Moths are the number 1 enemy in your closet. Stains that aren’t treated will eventually darken over time. This also applies to bedding. Don’t dry clean your bedding if you don’t want pests.

2. Find out how to hang it right.

Think about this: What is the most important component you are missing? Are you able to assemble several outfits by going back to your closet and finding a jacket, blouse or pants you regret? If so, grab it.
It was fine to hang your cardigan on a hanger if you only used it once a week. But, when it comes to storage, it is better to fold it. Any item that is susceptible to losing its shape, such as knits or synthetics, should be folded for long-term storage. Hanging outerwear can be done. Avoid metal hangers and opt for wooden or cushioned hanging options. Hanging your pants on hangers with 2 boards to secure the hem and cuff is a good idea so that they don’t wrinkle.

3. Avoid using cardboard or plastic as packaging materials.

You must keep your clothing breathable. To prevent mildew, insects and discolouration, keep your clothes in plastic bags, cardboard packaging, or plastic bins from the dry cleaner. Linen or cotton are the best storage containers for seasonal clothing.

4. Mothproof your home

Put everything else in your closet into deep storage. Sort them by season when it is time to get rid of these items. You might have a spare closet in your guest room that you can temporarily store. You can store more clothes in a smaller space by using squish bags. Three months later, you can take your clothes out and pick your favourites for next season.

For additional moth protection, you might consider adding lavender sachets into your seasonal clothing stack. Although lavender is pleasant to the nose, moths hate it. Mothballs are not good for sweaters.

5. They should be kept in a dry, dark place.

This means that you can’t go in the basement or attic as they are both damp and musty. You can store out-of-season clothes on a shelf in many closets.

To conclude:

After the cleanout, it’s Day 3. It is a pleasant feeling. Even though my closet is still full of clothes, I am wearing the exact same pants and tops that I would have worn. It’s clear that keeping less stuff looking great will require more ironing, frequent washing, and fewer stains from the messy lunches I eat at work.
How about my closet? A closet that is almost empty seems peaceful and beautiful.