By Sam Iontton -05/08/2021
It’s impossible to live in the UK without having a seasonal wardrobe. And while the changing weather means most of us can never have too many clothes, wardrobe space can be a squeeze. So, how do you properly store clothes between seasons?
You may be tempted to move out of season clothes to the loft or garage to free up some space, but this can damage your clothes. So to keep your clothes in great condition, we’ve explored our top tips for how to properly store clothes.
1. Clean your clothes before storing them
Firstly, when organising which clothes to store away, make sure you clean and repair any seasonal garments. Leaving stains and odours on clothes for months at a time can cause more problems when you next want to wear them. Stubborn stains will set in the fabrics, and repairs can worsen when packed away tightly. There’s also a risk that any perfume odours will attract pests, such as moths.
Investing the time in preparing your clothes for storage will save you time next season and ensure the longevity of your cherished clothing.
2. Choose breathable storage boxes and bags
The way clothes are stored affects their condition. It’d be a shame to take time to store winter clothes and unwittingly use the wrong containers. When storing clothes, always choose breathable clothes storage. Even dry clothes retain moisture, but breathable storage boxes allow air to circulate, preventing mould or mildew.
A fabric clothes storage box made from cotton, canvas or polypropylene is ideal to properly store clothes. Clothing can breathe to avoid damage while protecting it from moths. Stackable boxes are also a great option for storing clothing away tidily at the top of a walk-in wardrobe or cupboard.
3. Fold stretchy fabrics to keep their shape
When deciding how to store seasonal clothes, consider the fabrics and types of garments you’ll be storing. For example, jumpers and sweaters can stretch on clothes hangers, especially cashmere or wool. Other materials containing elastane, such as t-shirts, can also lose their shape over time. This type of garment should be appropriately stored by carefully folding each item. With expensive cashmere, use tissue paper to separate it from other fabrics and protect it from damage.
4. Use sturdy coat hangers to avoid damage
Not all clothes are suitable for folding and packing away in boxes or bags. Some items are best left on hangers to help them retain their shape. For example, you should ideally store coats, ball gowns and shirts, hanging on clothes rails.
When storing seasonal clothes, avoid using flimsy metal hangers, which over time may damage your clothes. Instead, choose sturdy clothes hangers, such as wooden or velvet hangers. A sturdy hanger will prevent clothes from falling and becoming creased. The friction of a velvet hanger will also keep your garments in place, preventing slipping.
5. Don’t overpack your storage boxes or clothes rails
When packing your clothes for storage, avoid overpacking. Squashing too many garments into a container or onto a rail can damage delicate fabrics like silk and wool. While some creasing is expected after a season or two in storage, giving your clothes room to breathe will keep them safe. Also, be careful not to overpack clothing with zips and buttons as these can tear other clothing.
6. Store seasonal clothes in cool, dry places
Once you’ve packed away your seasonal clothes, be extremely careful where you store them. Make sure you keep them in a cool, dry place away from damp or humid conditions. The loft, garage or basement can be a suitable location for storing clothes if they’re dry. However, if any moisture gets into your clothes storage, you can say goodbye to your cherished possessions - so proceed with caution.
The ideal location for storing winter or seasonal clothes is in your house—for example, store garments at the top of your wardrobe or bedroom closet. Or even better, in a spare room. Here you can also check your clothes occasionally to make sure they remain in good condition.
7. Save space with vacuum storage bags
If storage space is limited, vacuum storage bags will double your storage capacity. They’re perfect for storing items safely away from dirt, dust and pests. Provided you’ve used your vacuum storage bags correctly; there’s virtually no chance of any nasty surprises when you open them.
However, not all clothes are suitable for storing in vacuum bags long-term. For example, never store silk or cashmere. And avoid storing puffy or bulky items, leather, wool, fur, and other delicate fabrics for long periods. Instead, use your vacuum storage bags for a few months at a time or use them for storing t-shirts and underwear.
If you’re unsure how to store seasonal clothes, following our tips should help to keep your clothes in excellent condition for next season. Here at Displaysense, we stock a wide range of affordable clothes storage and organisers perfect for storing your winter clothes.
