How to switch out your closet for the seasons
It’s getting cold here in Utah so that means me sweaters, puffer coats, and boots are about to take over my closet. To make room for your winter wardrobe, you’ll need to put away your shorts, sandals, and sundresses. However, this does not mean cramming stained or unloved items into a box and stowing them away under your bed. For clothes to look their best—and to ensure they last for seasons to come—it’s important to prep and store them the right way. Here are a few of my favorite tips for storing your seasonal clothes, no matter what time of year it is. You might want to read steps to take before getting organized.
Wash Clothing and Attend to Stains
You don’t want to pull your white pants out of the closet next year only to realize that it still has a grease stain. Give each and every item a thorough once-over to make sure that it’s clean before putting it away. I can’t tell you how many shirts have been ruined from sweat stains or little stains that I missed. Another reason to wash your clothes before storing them away is to avoid bugs, as household pests feed on sweat, body oil, and perfume. YUCK
Spruce Up Your Shoes
I use to just shove all my summer shoes in a large box at the top of my closet, but I ruined my favorite pair of flats this year because the shoes on top of them were so dirty. Mucky sandals will rub off on other items if they share a bin. Use a soft bristle brush to rub off any caked on dirt, then clean the shoes with detergent and water, baby wipes, or with a cleaner made specifically for the material. this doesn’t take as long as it sounds and is totally worth it. you also might like
Donate, Recycle, or Resell Unwanted Items
While you are going through each item in your closet this is perfect time to sort out the old or unwanted items. Not loving that shirt or bathing suit anymore? Find a new home for it. Clothing free of stains, holes, or rips can be donated or sold. You never regret letting go of an item when you know it has gone to a good home! Did you know that H&M is a textile recycler? They even gave me a 15% discount on the clothes I was buying for my son. Once you’ve gone through your closet, you’ll most likely have a lot less to store.
Store Clothing in a Dry, Dark Space
Storing your out-of-season clothes in a clean, unused suitcase is a great use of space, as is sticking them in attractive storage containers on the upper shelves of your closet. I use semi clear plastic containers so that I can stack them. I have a lot of unused vertical space in my closet. In order to prevent delicate dresses and blouses from getting crushed, hang them in a single garment bag to keep them protected and contained. This is a great idea if you have an extra closet in a guest room, it’s easy to get to if you need it throughout the year. Never store the item in a dry-cleaning bag as they trap in moisture, and the cleaning solutions they use seem a little toxic, I like my clothes to breath.
Unpack In-Season Clothes
If you didn’t do a thorough review of your winter wardrobe last year, do it before putting the clothes back in your closet and on your hangers. Check for stains and tears, and determine whether someone else might get more use out of the items. Do the Mari Kondo test and see if you are excited to see this piece and are ready to wear it. And if you find that you’re cramming your coats and boots back into your closet, it might be time to give something up. remember you only wear about 20% of your wardrobe 80% of the time. I try to pare down my wardrobe to the best of the best every season, pretty soon you will love everything in your closet.
