Storing winter clothes properly is key to keeping them clean, protected, and ready to wear when the cold weather returns. Follow these tips to store your winter wardrobe the right way.

Clean Everything Thoroughly Before Storing

The first step in storing winter clothes is giving them a deep clean. This removes stains, odors, and dust that can accumulate over the winter.

Wash coats, jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves according to the care instructions. Use a gentle detergent and wash on a cold, delicate cycle. Check the pockets before washing to avoid damaging tissues or receipts left inside.

Dry clean wool, cashmere, silk, or delicate fabric winter clothes. This professional cleaning thoroughly removes soils and stains from delicate fabrics.

Hand wash sweaters and delicate knits using a mild detergent and cool water. Don’t agitate too much, just gently move garments up and down. Lay flat to dry.

Disinfect coats, jackets, hats, and scarves by spraying a disinfectant spray. Hang and let fully dry. This kills germs and odors that can linger in fabrics.

Use stain removers and treat any set-in stains on washable fabrics before laundering. Check cuffs and collars for dirt build up. Pretreat to avoid stains setting permanently.

Thoroughly cleaning winter clothes before storage allows you to pack them away fresh, odor-free, and stain-free.

Make Any Needed Repairs

Inspect each winter clothing item carefully as you clean it. Make note of any needed repairs:

Missing buttons, snaps, or zippers
Torn seams or hems
Pilling or holes in knit fabrics
Split leather gloves
Broken boot/shoe buckles

Take items to a tailor or seamstress for quality repairs before storing. This prevents further damage and allows you to wear the item next winter.

For minor repairs, sew split seams, replace missing buttons, use fabric glue for small holes in knits or leather. Darning can close small holes in wool or knit socks.

Making repairs before storage means your winter clothes will be ready to wear next season.

Fold Sweaters and Knits Properly

Sweaters and knits should be folded neatly using proper technique:

Lay the sweater face down on a flat surface.
Fold in each sleeve so seam edges meet at center.
Fold sweater in half from bottom to top. Continue folding into thirds or quarters for compact storage.

Avoid hanging sweaters as the weight can stretch them out. Folding properly prevents misshaping.

Store knits in breathable cotton or mesh bags. This allows air circulation and absorption of moisture to avoid mildew.

Folding sweaters and knits makes them easy to stack and store without creating creases or stretching.

Use Garment Bags for Hanging Items

For coats, jackets, and other items that should be hung, use sturdy garment bags:

Plastic zippered garment bags protect from dust, moisture, and moths. Ensure bag is large enough for the garment to hang freely.
Breathable cotton garment bags allow airflow to prevent mildew and moisture buildup. Zip or button closure secures the bag.
Clear vinyl garment bags let you easily see the stored item while protecting from dust and dirt.

Before placing in a garment bag, button or zip up the garment and turn right side out. Use twist ties or garment straps inside the bag to properly secure the hanger.

Garment bags keep hung winter clothes clean and prevent creasing during off-season storage.

Store in Cool, Dry Location

The proper storage location is key for protecting winter garments:

Attic or basement: Popular options, ensure area is cool and well-ventilated. Avoid direct sunlight which can damage fabrics.
Closet: Use space in back that isn’t accessed frequently. Add cedar blocks to deter moths. Keep closet door closed.
Under bed: Use garment bags to prevent direct contact with floor or dust. Ensure no moisture buildup.
Climate controlled storage: Professional units regulate temperature and humidity year-round for ultimate garment protection.

Wherever you store winter clothes, maintain a consistent cool temperature between 55°F-68°F and low humidity around 40%-50%. Heat, light, and moisture can damage fibers, cause yellowing, or allow mold/mildew growth in storage.

A proper storage location helps extend the life of winter garments while packed away for the warmer months.

Use Cedar Chips, Cubes, or Blocks

Cedar naturally repels moths, insects, and other pests that can damage natural textiles like wool, cashmere, silk, fur, etc.

Cedar chips or cubes can be placed in boxes or bags to protect folded sweaters and accessories. Do not allow cedar to directly touch clothing.
Cedar blocks can be hung in closets, placed on shelves, or tucked in garment bags to keep pests at bay. Recharge blocks yearly by sanding lightly.
Cedar sprays or oils can be sprayed around storage areas or lightly misted onto garment bags. Avoid direct application onto clothing as oil stains can set.

Refresh cedar periodically as the aromatic oils that naturally repel pests can fade over time. Proper use of cedar helps prevent insect damage during off-season storage.

Take Inventory Before Storing

Before sealing up garments for storage, take an inventory:

List each item and any repairs needed so you can check on condition next season
Note any gaps in your winter wardrobe that need filling to plan purchases for next year
Organize similar items together – for example, sweaters, coats, gloves, hats, etc. to make seasonal changeover easier
Photograph items to remember useful details like fit, color, style to help simplify seasonal shopping

Keeping an inventory list ensures you store each item properly and can find specific pieces easily the following winter.

Follow Special Storage Steps for Accessories

Hats, gloves, scarves, and other winter accessories have some unique storage needs:

Hats

Stuff with unbleached tissue or crumpled acid-free paper to hold shape
If hat has fold creases, store flat
Store in hat boxes or breathable cotton bags

Gloves + Mittens

Wash leather gloves and apply leather conditioner before storing
Place a crumpled ball of acid-free tissue inside gloves to hold shape
Store together on shelf or in breathable box

Scarves

Fold using no or minimal creases
Wrap around acid-free tissue rolls or cardboard tubes to prevent creasing
Hang delicate scarves in garment bags

Boots + Shoes

Remove insoles & stuff boots with newspaper or shoe forms to hold shape
Store leather shoes with shoetrees inserted
Place in boxes lined with acid-free tissue paper

Follow specialty steps for hats, gloves, scarves, and winter footwear allows them to keep their shape and stay clean when packed away for the warmer months.

Check Stored Clothes Periodically

Every few months, check your stored winter clothes:

Inspect for pests like moths or carpet beetles. Look closely for any signs of holes, webbing, larvae, or insects.
Check for dampness by feeling for moisture and smelling for musty odors. Mildew can start growing if storage area gets too humid.
Refresh cedar blocks, chips, or bags to restore pest protection if needed. Cedar scent fades over time.
Hang or unpack any stored garments that need to air out, rewash if musty smells are present.
Spot clean to remove any dust, dirt, or stains that appear over storage time.

Periodic checks let you spot and address any moisture, odor, or pest issues promptly to avoid permanent damage to your stored winter clothes.

Have a Game Plan for Changing Seasons

To make seasonal wardrobe transitions smooth:

Set reminders in your calendar for when to swap seasonal clothing in spring and fall
Make it a family event – have all household members changeover their cold weather gear together
Do wardrobe changeover in stages – tackle coats first, then accessories, sweaters, heavy shirts, etc
Try on cold weather wear in fall to ensure items still fit and are in good shape
Review your inventory list to ensure all pieces are switching out of storage as expected

Planning ahead for seasonal wardrobe changeovers ensures you transition your family’s clothing smoothly and efficiently between winter and summer each year.

How to Store Winter Clothes: Key Takeaways

Properly storing winter clothes keeps them clean, protected, and ready to wear next year. Follow these key tips:

Clean all garments thoroughly before packing away
Use garment bags and acid-free tissue paper
Store in cool, dry, dark location
Use cedar products to deter insects and pests
Fold knits neatly and refold before wearing again
Make any needed repairs before storing
Periodically check stored items during off-season months
Have a plan in place for easy wardrobe changeovers

With the right storage methods, your winter clothes will stay like new in storage so they are ready to keep you cozy and warm when the cold weather returns next season!

Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Winter Clothes

Storing your winter wardrobe properly during the warmer months helps keep it clean and damage-free. Here are answers to some common questions about how to store winter clothing:

What temperature should you store winter clothes at?

Ideally, you should store winter clothes at a consistent cool temperature between 55°F-68°F. Avoid temperature extremes. Heat can damage fibers and cause yellowing. Cold temperatures under 55°F can make fabrics stiff and brittle over time.

Where is the best place to store winter coats and jackets?

The optimal place to store winter coats and jackets is in breathable garment bags in a closet, attic, or basement that maintains the ideal 55°F-68°F temperature range. Hanging them ensures the fabric drapes properly and avoids creases.

How do you store wool clothing over the summer?

Wool winter clothing like sweaters, dresses, suits, and coats should be cleaned, then folded neatly and stored in breathable cotton or mesh storage bags. Store in a cool, dry place. Use cedar blocks in storage containers to deter moths which can damage wool fabrics.

Should you store winter clothes in vacuum seal bags?

Vacuum sealing is not recommended for long-term storage of winter clothes. It compresses fabrics and can cause creasing or misshaping. Vacuum sealed bags also do not allow fabrics to breathe, which can lead to mildew growth. Use breathable garment bags instead.

How do you store winter accessories?

Hats should be stuffed with acid-free tissue and stored in hat boxes. Gloves and mittens should be stuffed with tissue to hold their shape and stored together in a box or shelf compartment. Winter boots need shoe forms inserted so they hold their shape. Scarves can be rolled around acid-free cardboard tubes then stored in bins or stacked on shelves.

How often should you check on stored winter clothes?

It’s a good idea to check stored winter clothes every 2-3 months. Look for any signs of moisture, mildew, moths, beetles, or other pests. Feel for dampness and smell for mustiness. Spot treat any stains appearing and move items to allow air circulation. This periodic checking allows you to catch any storage issues promptly.

How do you keep winter clothes from getting musty while stored?

To prevent musty odors in winter clothes storage: wash or dry clean items thoroughly before storage, use breathable storage containers like cotton garment bags, avoid excessive heat or humidity in the storage area, unpack and air out clothing periodically, and make sure storage areas have adequate ventilation. Cedar also helps absorb moisture and odors.

Proper winter clothing storage takes a bit of time and effort upfront, but it ensures your garments stay fresh and damage-free so you get the most value from your seasonal wardrobe. Follow these tips diligently each year as the seasons change.

Conclusion

Storing your winter wardrobe with care over the warmer months takes some time and diligence, but is well worth it. Taking steps like cleaning, proper folding and hanging, breathable storage containers, cedar protection, and checking periodically allows your winter clothes to stay fresh, pest-free, and ready to wear when cold weather returns. Investing effort in proper storage means your winter garments will last for many years to come, saving you money and keeping you cozy and stylish every winter.