Tips for Putting Away those Winter Clothes
Winter is on the way out, and with the changing of the seasons comes the packing away of those heavy clothes. Before you trade your winter coats for tank tops and flip flops, there are a few things to consider when storing away your winter clothes. What follows is a series of tips to help you get the best preservation for your clothes so there are no surprises waiting for you next time you need them.
Experts recommend the first thing you do before you pack those clothes away is washing and drying everything. Most of us would think this is a no brainer, as far as our clothes go. However, if you need another reason, the oils and perfumes on your clothes could discolor or even ruin clothes over time. Washing helps to diminishing anything lingering and keep everything looking as good as new.
Another important thing to remember is to store your winter stuff in a cool, dry place. Ideally you want the stuff away from direct sunlight and stuffy air. The air and the direct sunlight can cause unwanted wear on your winter essentials, making them hypothetically unusable for the season to come. A clean shelf in your closet or a shelf in the garage works perfectly to store and protect.
It also might be a good idea to invest in some clear plastic containers for your clothes and other winter essentials. This way, you know where everything is and how it is organized, making it easy to access when you need it. Also, some of the containers can protect against direct sunlight, if that is one of your only storing options.
What about winter shoes and other accessories like gloves and hats? Help them keep their shape during storage by stuffing them with tissue paper. This way, nothing can get into the gloves and shoes and they retain their shape, so they are not awkward looking the next time you wear them.
Winter shoes a little stinky? Don’t fear. Before packing them away, sprinkle in a little bit of baking soda. The baking soda will help absorb odors and keep them from possibly spreading to your other clothes. This will keep your clothes smelling fresh for the next time you open them. Simply pour the baking soda out the next time you are ready to wear and then you’re all set.
Lastly, if you are planning on using garment bags to protect your clothes this spring and summer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Use garment bags made out of cotton, rather than the ones that are made out of plastic. Plastic garment bags don’t allow air flow, so humidity can build up and it could be an issue for your wardrobe. Another tip is to store clothes with a couple of drops of essential oils to keep them fresh during storage.
Use these suggestions and more to keep your clothes ready for next winter. Hopefully, you won’t be needing to wear them for a long time, as summer is quickly on its way!
