Unless you want to be wearing smelly, moldy, or even holey tank tops and shorts next year, it’s important to store your summer wardrobe the right way.
In this post
How should I store my summer clothes?
Summer clothing is best rolled rather than folded. Rolling prevents hard creases from forming. Summer knits, especially, benefit from rolling (or possibly folding) rather than hanging in a garment bag. Using the right cardboard or plastic boxes can save your summer wardrobe.
Should I store seasonal clothes?
Any seasonal clothing should be properly washed and folded before being packed away for several months. For your more delicate items, round everything up for a visit to your dry cleaner. Leaving an untreated stain on an item of clothing that’s being stored for awhile will usually create more problems for you later on.
How do you get rid of seasonal clothes?
Say no to plastic or cardboard packaging.
Your clothing needs to breathe. Plastic bags from the dry cleaner, plastic bins, cardboard packaging—keep your clothes trapped in them, and you’ll risk mildew, insects, and yellowing. The best storage container for your seasonal clothing is made of either linen or cotton.
Should I store clothes in plastic bins?
The best way to store clothes in storage is to place all your clothes in plastic containers with clip-on lids. These will protect your clothes from moisture, dust, mould and mildew. Make sure you give your plastic containers a good clean and dry them thoroughly before you place any clothes inside.
Is it OK to store clothes in plastic bins?
Plastic bins are a practical choice for storing clothes because they’re easy to handle, stack well, and are good at keeping moisture and bugs out (for more on that, see our next step).
Is it okay to leave clothes in suitcase?
Store in Suitcases
Suitcases can keep your clothes safely stored and easily transportable. When storing clothing in suitcases, make sure to sort them by type and label the outside of the suitcases for easy identification.
How should I store my summer sweaters?
More specifically, consider the following: Sweaters – Fold and place in plastic bins or fabric storage bags. Don’t cram lots of sweaters in one container or mold and mildew could form. Winter coats – Zip up zippers, button the buttons, and gently fold coats made of leather, wool, or faux fur so they keep their shape.
How should I store my clothes for 6 months?
The best bet is to use lidded plastic containers. These are great for protecting against any vermin as well as protecting your clothes from moisture. If you want to take extra care, and we recommend you do, line the plastic storage boxes with old, clean cotton sheets first.
How do you organize winter and summer clothes?
The best way to store off-season clothing is in large plastic bins. Use a different color for each season, but still be sure to label each bin its contents. Careful labeling allows you to find your clothing quickly. For example, all your winter sweaters should go in a bin color-coded for winter.
Is it OK to store sweaters in plastic bags?
Plastic Makes Perfect
The best way to protect winter garments such as sweaters, scarves, or even bedding, is to store them in tightly sealed plastic containers. Resealable plastic bags or small plastic bins work wonderfully for keeping garments bug-free.
Can you store seasonal clothes in garage?
By moving your winter clothes to garage storage, you can free up closet space and enjoy an uncluttered closet. In the fall, it will be easier to pack up summer clothing and start the cycle again. And if you’ve properly stored winter clothes away from light, dust, and humidity at a cool temperature, they’ll last longer.
How do you store clothes so they don’t get moldy?
Avoid storing clothes in sealed containers like plastic tubs. Keep them in breathable packaging like a cotton sheet. Don’t store items on the closet floor to prevent trapping moisture underneath them. Choose plastic-coated wire shelves instead of solid shelves to improve air circulation.
How do you keep your clothes from smelling in storage?
10 Ways to Keep Clothes Smelling Fresh in Storage
- Invest in a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit.
- Purchase a Dehumidifier.
- Deodorize Before Storing Clothes.
- Pack With Dryer Sheets.
- Protect with Essential Oils.
- Store with Baking Soda.
- Include Perfumed Tissue Paper.
- Hang Some Activated Charcoal.
How do I protect my clothes from humidity?
Store clothing in an air- and water-tight plastic container with a tight-fitting lid, instead of cardboard boxes or paper bags, to keep moisture away from the clothing.
Do clothes get moldy in storage?
Clean and dry items before storing.
Clothing and upholstery that get put in storage while damp can attract mold, and metals and woodwork can rust or rot. Moisture can easily migrate to other items, so set your cleanliness standards high while packing.
Will clothes get ruined in a storage unit?
If you leave that on during storage, it can stain and even ruin the delicate fabrics. That’s why washing your clothes before you store them is essential. Also, they need to be as dry as possible before storage. Any leftover moisture can cause mold and mildew, which can also ruin the fabrics and cause odors.
Is it OK to store clothes in cardboard boxes?
Never store clothing in plastic bags or cardboard boxes. Plastic bags trap moisture and cause mildew to form or cause the yellowing of fabrics, which quickly transfers to your clothing. Cardboard boxes are easily infiltrated by vermin and pests like silverfish.
Where should I store my old clothes?
Store clothing in a dry, dark, and cool environment. If the environment is bright, the light can cause fading in your fabrics. Many people choose to store their clothing in attics or garages, but these areas are susceptible to extreme temperature changes, which can damage clothing.
Why do clothes get moldy in wardrobes?
A lot of clothes pushed up together in a wardrobe minimises the air flow. This results in poor air circulation and would enable the mould to grow and spread easily. Consider options to reduce the number of contents in order to improve air circulation.
Is it better to roll or fold clothes in a suitcase?
Rolling your clothes in your suitcase will generally save space. This is because it squeezes air from between folds and means the most of available space is used. If done correctly, rolling can also ensure less wrinkles in your clothes.