Tips For Storing Seasonal Clothes
Looking for a way to store your seasonal clothes until next year? We’ll look at how to store and protect that clothing so you can wear it again!
Clean And Dry All Clothing
It is a good idea to wash and dry any clothing that is ready to be stored, including clothing that you don’t normally wash. You may want to consider taking the clothing to a dry cleaner for a full cleaning instead of washing it yourself. The first benefit of doing this is that it helps get rid of any dirt or food bits that might be attractive to insects. Second, it will get rid of oils and stains that can build up over the off-season, causing them to show up even if you can’t see them right now. Therefore, you must clean the clothes thoroughly and make sure they are completely dry before you pack them away.
Get A Little Maintenance Done
Your clothes may need some attention if they’ve been through a lot. Replace missing buttons, iron out deep wrinkles, and remove fabric pills from winter sweaters. Do this now rather than wait until next year.
You Control The Temperature
Select a place that won’t get too hot in the summer or too cold in the winter when storing seasonal clothes. The best storage space is a climate-controlled one, but this isn’t always an option. If you can, keep your clothes inside your insulated house and away from less protected areas. Secondary closets or under-bed storage are some of the best spots.
Baking Soda Fights Stubborn Odors
Summer clothes, especially those made of absorbent activewear, can start to smell toward the end of the season. They can be hard to remove even after washing. You can wash the clothes again with baking soda and immediately put them in the dryer to stop new bacteria blooms (vinegar helps too and doesn’t damage most activewear). A couple of cycles of this process usually eliminate the smell.
Storage With A Clear Top
Choose your storage bins wisely if your attic is suitable for storing clothes. Never store clothes in cardboard for too long. It can damage delicate fabrics and attract pests. Use plastic storage containers instead. You can see inside, and they’re better for your clothes.
Packing Suitcases? Just Go
It can be convenient to store seasonal clothes in unused suitcases (and takes up no extra space). Make loose bundles of clothes like shirts, sweaters, and pants before storing them. You’ll save space and they’ll breathe better.
Using The Basement? Stay Dry
Although basements have free space, they are risky. When the basement is unfinished, it may experience moisture and humidity problems, and the last thing you want is a problem with mold or decay. Make sure you don’t stack bins directly against the floor or wall if you’re using the basement for clothes storage. For absorbing moisture from the air, you may use desiccant packs.
Cloth Garment Bags For Delicate Clothing
Store delicate and expensive clothes in cloth garment bags. Never use plastic bags for dry cleaning, for example. Remember, your clothes must breathe too, so don’t use this plastic long-term.
Moths Problems? Deny Them
A mothball only works in closed spaces. Avoid them as much as possible. Make sure you prevent moths from getting into your clothing. Keep your clothes out of the moth’s reach. Now is a great time to seal or screen your attic or storage areas. Drying and ironing thoroughly will destroy moth eggs in clothing. Another reason to always wash and dry clothes first!
Create A Separate Leather Clothing Area
Do you store leather for months at a time? Use light leather oil to protect it. Always store leather clothing and accessories away from other clothes where they can breathe. Other fabrics don’t like the protective oil.
Keep Clothes Fresh By Using Cedar
In order to keep fabrics as fresh as possible, there are many methods that can be used. We prefer cedar as one of our go-to options because it gives off a natural scent that works well to keep insects away (however, cedarwood should not be directly in contact with clothing). The same effect can also be achieved by adding dried lavender or dryer sheets.
How To Prepare Shoes
The best way to give your shoes and boots maximum protection is to work a little extra on them. To remove dirt and grime, brush your shoes down (or wash them). If you want to get rid of an odor, you can add a pinch of baking soda inside. Use a shoe tree when cleaning a pair of shoes or boots that are more delicate so they keep their shape.
Build A Trunk Or Shelves To Save Space
Adding additional storage space for seasonal clothes is also an option. Trunks are ideal for storage and can double as decorative pieces. Maybe adding more shelves to an attic or closet would be better. Then you will have seasonal storage space.
Make Sure You Label As You Go
With plastic bins, it can be difficult to keep track of what goes where. So you know exactly what type of clothing to expecting next year, label your bins and storage spaces.Click Here
