Summer is a time for light, breezy clothing and enjoying the sunny weather. But when those hot summer months come to an end, you’re faced with the question of how to properly store all those shorts, tank tops, and swimsuits so they’ll be in great shape when you take them out again next year. Follow this step-by-step guide to learn the best practices for storing summer clothes.
Clean Everything Thoroughly
The first step in storing summer clothes is giving them a good, deep clean. This removes stains, odors, and any pest eggs or larvae that could hatch and ruin your stored clothes while they’re put away.
Wash clothes according to the care labels. Use the warmest recommended water temperature to kill bacteria. Clean gym clothes, swimsuits, and sweaty shirts separately.
Check for stains and treat them accordingly before washing. For light stains, pre-treat with a paste of baking soda and water or an eco-friendly stain remover stick. For tougher stains, try pre-soaking in vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
Clean out pockets to remove crumbs and debris. Turn clothes inside out to wash. Empty lint traps in the washer and dryer before each load.
Air dry when possible to avoid heat damage. Lay clothing flat or hang it. For quicker drying indoors, use a fan.
Repair Any Damage
Inspect each garment carefully as you launder it. Make any needed repairs now so clothes are ready to wear next season.
Check seams and hems and re-stitch as needed. Hand sewing will create an invisible mend.
Replace missing buttons and tighten loose ones. Match thread color to the button.
Patch small holes in fabrics by hand or with iron-on patches. Cut patch edges with pinking shears to prevent fraying.
Remove pills and fuzz from sweaters with a fabric shaver. Avoid over-shaving to prevent holes.
Touch up faded fabrics with all-natural plant-based dyes. Follow package directions closely.
Fold and Organize by Type
Once laundry is fully dry, begin folding and organizing. Similar garment types should be stored together for easy retrieval later.
Fold shirts neatly along the seams and place in labeled acid-free boxes or breathable containers. Arrange by sleeve length.
Roll up tank tops and camisoles to minimize wrinkles. Store together in a lidded tote or bin.
Fold pants over hangers with the waistband just draped over the bottom hook. Group by length.
Stack sweaters flat in a lidded plastic bin, with acid-free tissue between each layer. Don’t overfill.
Roll socks together in pairs. Store in breathable mesh bags or bins by color, style, or thickness.
Place lingerie in mesh bags. Use padded hangers for bras to maintain cup shape.
Drape delicate fabrics like silk over hangers to avoid creases. Add cloth covers for protection.
Store suits fully assembled on wide padded hangers. Cover with a suit bag.
Use Proper Storage Containers
Choosing the right storage containers is key to keeping fabrics safe from moisture, pests, and damage while packed away.
Plastic bins or tubs with tight sealing lids prevent dust and pests. Look for BPA-free materials. Avoid overly large bins which crush contents.
Acid-free cardboard boxes are ideal for protecting sweaters and preventing yellowing. Seal edges with tape.
Mesh bags allow airflow to prevent mildew and moth larva growth. Useful for delicates, socks, and accessories.
Natural fiber baskets like seagrass, bamboo, and rattan are breathable options. Line with linen or acid-free tissue paper first for stability.
Vacuum storage bags compress items to save space and prevent water damage. Avoid for knits which can lose shape.
Garment bags are essential for suits, coats, and long dresses. Look for thick, opaque plastic with ventilation holes.
Cedar products like chests and closet liner planks contain oils that naturally repel moths. Use cedar balls or strips only if odor is not an issue.
Avoid cardboard. It attracts roaches and silverfish. Also avoid storage bags and boxes with harmful chemicals in the materials.
Store in Cool, Dry Locations
Proper temperature, humidity, and airflow are vital for safe storage and preventing fabric damage.
Attics and basements often have ideal conditions. Look for areas that are elevated, insulated, and free from leaks and condensation. Avoid direct sun exposure.
Coat closets by entry doors work well since used clothing gets added and removed frequently. Install ventilated shelving and avoid overcrowding space.
Dry cleaners may offer affordable seasonal storage for garments requiring special care like suits and gowns. Ask about climate control, security, insurance, and any protection against pests.
Self storage units with climate control allow adjusting temperature and humidity levels. Look for ones with 24/7 security monitoring and pest control. Avoid ground floor units.
Avoid humid areas like laundry rooms and garages which can cause mold, mildew, and decay. Damp basements and crawlspaces also nurture pests like moths and silverfish.
Maintain consistent cool temperatures between 50-68°F. Avoid extreme shifts below freezing or above 80°F which can damage fibers.
Use Protective Layering
Layer your storage containers properly to protect clothes and prevent damage.
Use breathable fabric between layers, like acid-free tissue, muslin, or linen. This prevents snags and stains while allowing airflow.
Tuck acid-free, pH balanced tissue inside sleeves, waistbands, and other garment folds to help items hold their shape.
For extra moth protection, place sachets containing cedar chips, dried lavender, rosemary or mint leaves between layers. You can also use natural pest deterrents like neem oil. Replace monthly.
Wrap sweaters and delicates in acid-free packing paper before placing inside bins. This prevents snagging and adds a moisture barrier.
Alternate item direction when stacking bins. For example, face pants up in one bin, then down in the next. This helps maintain shape and support.
Don’t overfill containers. Overstuffing causes wrinkles and damage. Give contents room to breathe.
Add Identifying Labels
Clearly labeling storage containers will save time and frustration when unpacking next season. Include these details:
- Type of clothing items inside
- Sizes or size range
- Date sealed for storage
- Ideal storage time or expiry date
- Any special care or handling instructions
Use quality labels that won’t fade or fall off after months in storage. Self-adhesive vinyl and removable gel labels work well.
Label both the lid and bin so contents are identified even if lids get separated. Mark directly on plastic bins using permanent marker.
Seal paper labels inside clear resealable plastic bags attached to containers to protect them.
Attach photos showing contents if reusing generic containers. Images help identify contents when labels get misplaced.
List contents on the outside of garment bags, suit bags, and hanging storage. This allows easy browsing without unsealing.
Create a master inventory showing storage locations for easier retrieving and repacking next season.
Additional Tips for Storing Common Summer Items
Summer fashion includes some unique clothing and accessory types that benefit from special storage considerations.
Bathing Suits
- Rinse swimsuits thoroughly after each use to remove chlorine and saltwater.
- Allow wet suits to air dry fully before storing to prevent mildew. Stuff suits lightly with acid-free tissue to retain shape.
- Store suits in breathable mesh bags. Arrange one pieces separately from bikinis to avoid straps tangling.
- Keep goggles and snorkel gear dry then store in protective travel cases or mesh bags.
Straw, Felt, and Woven Hats
- Stuff lightweight hats with tissue to hold their shape. Smooth out brims and crowns.
- Pad hat brims and crowns with acid-free wrapping tissue before stacking to prevent creasing. Avoid over-stacking.
- Store structured hats in hat boxes with tissue dividers and silica gel packs to absorb moisture.
- Use wig stands or stackable hat racks to store unstructured hats without creasing crowns.
Leather and Vinyl Goods
- Clean leather and vinyl items with a conditioner or mild soap before storing. Rinse thoroughly and blot dry with a soft cloth.
- Pad shoulder straps with rolled acid-free tissue to prevent creasing and cracking.
- Stuff empty handbags and totes lightly with tissue to retain shape. Store upright.
- Keep leather and vinyl items out of direct sunlight which can dry them out over time.
Sunglasses
- Clean lenses thoroughly before storing with eyeglass spray and microfiber cloth. Rinse saltwater off frames.
- Place each pair in a firm sunglass case, sleeve, or pouch to prevent scratching.
- Store in a cool, dry drawer away from direct sunlight which can damage lenses and frames over time.
- Avoid over-stacking glasses in drawers. Place protective strips between pairs or dividers in cases.
When to Unpack and Refresh Storage
- Plan to rotate summer clothes out of storage every 6-12 months. Longer storage can damage fabric and harbor pest growth.
- Re-evaluate contents before resealing annually. Discard or donate items no longer needed to avoid overcrowding.
- Remove clothing showing any signs of mold, mildew or moth damage. Wash or dry clean remaining items before re-storing in fresh clean containers.
- Refresh cedar, lavender, and other pest deterrents used in storage annually to maintain effectiveness.
- Briefly air out clothing and re-fold before returning to seasonal storage each year. This helps prevent permanent creases and odor build-up.
Storing summer clothes properly takes some time and effort. But keeping your favorite tropical shirts, swimsuits, shorts and linens in great condition for seasons to come is priceless. Follow these recommendations and you’ll be ready to enjoy endless summers sporting the styles you love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Summer Clothes
Storing summer clothes properly can seem complicated. Here are answers to some of the most common questions people have about getting their warm weather wardrobe ready for long term storage.
How should I wash clothes before storing for the summer?
It’s important to thoroughly launder items first by washing in the warmest recommended water temperature and using a thorough dryer cycle. This helps kill any pest eggs and larvae. Check for stains and pre-treat if needed. Also clean out any crumbs and debris from pockets before washing.
What’s the best way to store cotton, linen, and other natural fabrics?
Fold natural fiber garments neatly along seams and store in breathable boxes or bins, layered with acid-free tissue paper. Avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture. The ideal environment is cool, dry, and pest-free.
How long can I keep clothes in seasonal storage?
Most fabrics can stay safely packed away for 6-12 months. Occasionally refresh storage after a year by unpacking, airing out, and refolding contents before resealing in clean containers. Discard any items showing damage.
What are the signs of damage I should look for when unpacking clothes?
Watch for visible mold, mildew, or pest damage like tiny holes. Fabrics may also have a musty odor and feel overly limp or brittle. Stains around seams and underarm areas can indicate pest activity or excess moisture during storage.
How should I store shoes over the summer months?
Start by cleaning dirt off shoe soles. Store shoes in their original boxes when possible, stuffed lightly with tissue to retain shape. Waterproof boots can be stored upright. Leather shoes prone to slouching are best stored flat or with shoe trees inserted.
Where is the best location to store summer clothes in my home?
Cool, dry basements or attics work well if they are elevated off concrete slabs, insulated, and free of humidity and leaks. Coat closets by entry doors are also convenient since you access them regularly when transitioning seasons.
What’s the benefit of using cedar and lavender in clothing storage?
Cedar releases natural oils that deter moths and other pests but avoid it if the scent bothers you. Lavender and other aromatics like mint and rosemary also repel insects. Use sachets or small fabric pouches filled with these dried plants.
How often should I rotate clothing out of storage?
Ideally once every 6-12 months. This prevents permanent creases from long-term folding and limits possible damage from humidity, pests, or temperature extremes over prolonged storage. Annually unpacking also lets you evaluate condition and continue enjoying all your favorite pieces.
What should I store silk and delicates in?
Drape unstructured silk and delicate fabrics over wide, padded hangers rather than folding when possible. Then cover with a cloth garment bag or sheath to prevent snagging Fabric covers and breathable garment bags also help protect fine fabrics.
Conclusion
Taking proper steps to store summer clothes makes it easy to protect your favorite sunny season garments. By laundering, repairing, thoughtfully organizing, and using archival storage methods, you can keep shorts, swimwear, and other summer essentials looking fresh for years to come. Follow this guide and you’ll be fully prepared to pack away lightweight fashions until warm weather returns again.