How to Store Winter + Seasonal Clothes Like a Pro

We. Made It. It’s finally spring—and almost summer—in Wisconsin. It’s the time for boating, biking, and sunbathing on the shores of Lake Monona. And, now that it’s time to dress for warmer weather, unneeded winter clothes tend to get in the way. That’s why we’ve gathered our favorite tips and tricks on how to store winter and seasonal clothes. Keep reading!

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1| Use clean, dry plastic

Cardboard boxes can work for some, but insects can sometimes work their way through cardboard. Plastic is a solid bet, but make sure the containers are dry and clean to avoid mold and staining. Target has a wide selection of clothing storage container options. Another option to try is breathable linen, but keep in mind that it’s not waterproof.

2| Skip mothballs

If you’ve heard that it’s important to use mothballs, we encourage you to avoid that long-standing advice. According to the organization oracles at The Spruce, mothballs contain a toxic pesticide that can be deadly to children and pets. If you’re worried about moths, consider packing clothes with cedar blocks as a natural deterrent.

3| Stay dark and cool

No, we’re not talking about rocking a black leather jacket. The best storage areas are dark, cool, and dry places like closets and under the bed. 

4| Make vacuum sealing work for you

Have you ever seen those oversized plastic bags with a spout on the side? The idea there is to fold and stack clothes, zipper the bag shut, then hook a vacuum up to the spout to remove air and maximize storage space. So. Handy. 

However, not everything should be vacuum packed. Organized Interiors says items made of natural fibers, delicates, and puffy/fluffy items should never be vacuum-sealed. 

5| Look for specialty storage items

Many engineers and organization geniuses have thought about new ways to make storing seasonal clothes easier. Case in point: the folks at Ziploc have created a stand-up, extra large plastic bag that’s perfect for bulky items like winter jackets.

Did you find these tips useful? See what other cleaning and organization we’ve been covering on our blog. Recent articles include … 

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