As the summer heat sets in, it’s time to swap out your winter wardrobe and free up some much-needed space. To help you store your winter clothes effectively, online self-storage finder SpareFoot has shared their top tips on packing away your cold-weather gear, ensuring it stays fresh for when winter returns.

Step 1: Clear Out Unwanted Items

Before you start packing, take a moment to declutter your wardrobe. Donate any items you’re unlikely to wear again. A good rule of thumb is to part with anything you haven’t worn since it was last taken out of storage. This not only frees up space but also makes the storage process more manageable.

Step 2: Wash and Dry Thoroughly

While it may seem unnecessary to launder clothes you won’t wear for months, it’s essential to ensure everything is clean before packing it away. Moths and other pests are attracted to scents, so even faint traces of food or sweat can damage your clothing over time. Use a basic laundry detergent rather than scented fabric softeners to avoid lingering odours. Make sure all items are completely dry to prevent any damp smells from developing during storage.

Step 3: Opt for Vacuum-Sealed Bags or Airtight Boxes

For best results, use vacuum-sealed bags and airtight plastic boxes to store your clothes. These options help keep garments in good condition and make it easier to find space to tuck them away. Placing dryer sheets between layers of fabric can help deodorise any potential smells of damp or plastic. Feather or down-filled items, such as coats or ski wear, should be stored in plastic boxes with secured lids. If you have space to hang your clothes, consider using garment bags to avoid packing them too tightly and to minimise wrinkling.

Step 4: Choose a Suitable Storage Location

Avoid storing your clothes in attics or garages, as humidity and fluctuating temperatures in these areas can damage fabric fibres and attract pests. Instead, store your clothes in cool, dry, and dark places such as the top of your wardrobe, under the bed, or in a spare room. If you must use the attic or garage, ensure that all bags are vacuum-sealed, and containers are airtight to protect your garments.

Expert Advice

A spokesperson from SpareFoot emphasises the importance of proper storage: “While it might be tempting to quickly stuff your sweaters and thick pants into any convenient bag, you will soon regret this improper storage when it’s time to get them back out. Improper storage can lead to permanent damp smells, faded colours, or damage from pests such as moths. By following these simple steps, you can save yourself money in the long run, as otherwise, you might face a hefty bill to replace all your ruined items.”

Conclusion

By taking the time to store your winter clothes correctly, you can ensure they remain in good condition and ready to wear when the cold weather returns. Declutter, clean, pack properly, and choose the right storage location to keep your winter wardrobe fresh and free from damage.

For more information, visit https://www.sparefoot.com.