One of the best ways to make room in your closet is to store seasonal clothing when it’s not in use. But if you aren’t careful, you may find that storage damages clothing you were hoping to use year after year. To make sure you’re storing your items correctly, follow these five home organization tips.

How to Store Seasonal Clothing

1. Clean Everything First

Don’t just move items from your closet to storage. Check every item over for dirt, stains, and damage, and wash it before you store it away. This ensures the clothing will be as fresh as possible and won’t introduce dirt or pests, like moths, to your storage area.

2. Choose a Cool, Dry Location

Heat, moisture, and light can all damage clothes or create ideal conditions for pests. Your storage area should be dry and enclosed to prevent this possibility. You may want to hire a contractor to create a custom closet if your home is short on storage.

3. Be Careful What You Hang

It might seem like a good idea to hang all your clothing to prevent wrinkles, but long-term hanging can stretch knits, sometimes causing permanent damage. Any item which uses knit fabrics or elastic should be allowed to rest by folding it or laying it flat.

4. Repel Pests Carefully

Moth balls have been used for decades to repel bugs from stored clothes, but they can be dangerous for children or pets who may eat them. Cedar wood is a better home organization option to deter pests and give stored clothes a pleasant aroma.

5. Clean Everything Again

When the seasons change, and you bring your items out of storage, you should go over them again to check for damage, mold, and moths. Wash everything again to make sure it’s ready to wear.

With care and planning, you can make sure your clothes will survive the changing seasons without damage or mess. Start gathering supplies today to store this year’s winter clothing, and make sure you have enough storage space for the task.

For almost 30 years, Cincinnati Closets® in Covington, KY, has served the Tri-State area with custom closets. If you want to improve your home organization, their storage solutions provide the perfect way to declutter your space and protect your clothing. For more information, call (513) 631-7939 or send a message online.