Months fly by with seasons coming and going. Trees are shrugging off their snow-covered branches ready for their leafy crowns. Hibernating animals are waking up to roam the lands once more. People, girls, and boys alike are swapping their thick warm winter jackets and reliable Spyder snow pants for cooler shirts and lightweight jeans. Spring and summer are finally coming. But as winter bids goodbye for another seven months, you are faced with the challenge of shoving your cold-weather clothes into every nook and cranny available. Keep your clothes from being damaged with these storage-saving solutions.
1. Consider donating items
The best way to save space is by donating items that no longer fit or don’t agree with your current style. Business Insider has reported the average person only wears 20% of their clothes due to impulse buying. Take time to sort through your clothes and accessories and mark those you don’t need. It is better to bring old sweaters to donation centers like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, and mismatched socks to a local textile recycling center.
2. Use vacuum-sealed bags
Store big coats and other winter gear in vacuum-sealed bags when you have little room. Vacuum sealing clothes and fabrics have become popular due to its space-saving capability. They take the air inside the bag before zip-locked by machine or by hand. Additionally, the growth of bacteria and fungi is regulated due to the decreased amount of oxygen inside the bag. Investing in good quality bags is recommended to avoid ripping during the sealing process and actual storage. For wool and insulated jackets, make sure to air them out occasionally before packing them in vacuum-sealed bags again to keep their structure and natural shape.
3. Tuck small accessories in closet-door organizers
Small accessories like hats, gloves, scarves, and mittens can be hidden away in multi-pocketed closet-door organizers to save space. The individual pockets keep coordinated pieces together, making them easier to find and match unlike a drawer or a basket. Alternatively, towel racks can also be used as a scarf organizer where multi-colored scarves are knotted over the bar. They will look neat and aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
4. Empty luggage is your friend
Maximize the space inside your luggage by packing it with offseason items, and then keeping them in a cool, dry place. Avoid locations like the basement or attic because of the extreme temperature changes that can damage clothing. Don’t also forget to include a few drops of fragrant essential oils or dryer sheets to avoid the musty smell emanating from your clothes.
5. Repurpose wine boxes and soda bottles
The cardboard sleeves of wine boxes make great shoe and boot storage, flexible enough for wider shoes. Soda bottles, on the other hand, can be stuffed inside tall boots to keep their shape while standing in your closet. You can also alternate pairs of boots laid on their side inside a plastic bin with cotton fabric in between for maximum storage.
6. Store storage containers under the bed
Make use of flat plastic containers that can be slipped under the bed or any furniture crevice. Fold and place the heaviest items at the bottom to serve as a good base for lighter items like shirts, skirts, and tights on top. These containers are stackable, perfect for a storage closet, garage shelf, or empty wall space to act as makeshift drawers.
Storing your winter wardrobe doesn’t have to fill you with dread if you’re prepared with storage-saving tips and best practices. Taking the time and effort will help your clothing last longer for many winters to come.
