Here comes spring! And you probably want to get rid of your thick-knit sweaters, flannel pants and fluffy coats to make space for sundresses, shorts, and Ts.
Here are some storage ideas to stow away your out-of-season apparels so you keep them protected and help make them last longer for the next winter season according to About Home:
Clean and repair
One of the effective storage ideas for your winter clothes is to clean and repair them before you stuff them in the depths of your closet shelves. Make sure to wash your clothing, resew buttons that have fallen off, and stitch holes together (they could become bigger if you don't). Bugs are attracted to the scents that we infuse in our clothing like perfume, sweat and food, so washing them clean will lift those scents away. Also, never ever pack your winter clothes without drying them out completely - moisture could promote mold growth.
Buy bins and bags
Plastic bins and 100% cotton bags are great winter clothes storage ideas. Plastic bins with lids are perfect storage for your bulky garments as they offer enough space and air to let your clothing breathe. They are also durable which makes them okay for stacking and they could last you through many moves. Cotton bags are perfect for your high quality fabrics such as silk and cashmere as they require extra care. They won't harm the fabric and they also allow them to breathe. Don't scrunch the bag when you put them away and instead make sure that it sits nicely to prevent wrinkles.
Keep it smelling nice
While mothballs will keep bugs from crawling all over your stuff, they don't really smell that nice. One of the best storage ideas to keep your garments smelling nice is using fabric drawstring pouch with dried lavender to put in your storage container. Cedar block also works as well.
Fold, don't hang
If you don't want your clothing to stretch and have those odd poked areas (from the irregular shape of the hanger), one of the most effective storage ideas is to fold instead of hang. Folding helps your garment to maintain its form so they still fit you well the next time you use them. However, if you have a garment with real fur, hanging is the best way to store them or better yet, have it professionally stored (that's some expensive piece of clothing, so don't mess with fur).
Pick your storage space wisely
It is important to make sure that your storage space is in a dry, cool, dark, and clean spot so you prevent garment degeneration caused by sunlight, moisture and bugs. One of the wisest storage ideas you should keep in mind is keeping away from the water heater or anywhere near water lines.
