It's Time for the Wardrobe Swap! A How To
- Lisa Wright Burbach
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
Spring Cleaning: How to Store Your Winter Clothes the Right Way
Spring is here! The flowers are blooming, the days are getting longer, and that heavy winter coat? It’s time to retire it for the season. But before you shove your cold-weather gear into a box and call it a day, let’s chat about how to store winter clothes properly—because doing it the right way means your favorite cozy sweaters and snow boots will be fresh and ready when the cold creeps back in.
Why Swap Out Your Wardrobe?
You might be tempted to leave everything in your closet year-round, but trust me—there are real benefits to rotating your wardrobe:
✔ More space – Who doesn’t love a clutter-free closet?
✔ Less wear and tear – Fabrics last longer when they’re stored properly.
✔ Easier outfit choices – No more digging through bulky jackets when you just need a t-shirt.
✔ A fresh seasonal reset – There’s something refreshing about packing away winter and embracing lighter, brighter clothing! And the joy of pulling out things you'd forgotten about, sort of like a surprise.
So, let’s dive into how to store everything the right way.
Step 1: Wash Before You Store
No matter how clean your clothes look, always wash everything before packing it away. Invisible body oils, perfumes, and even tiny food particles can attract pests (no thank you!). Here’s a quick guide:
Sweaters & Wool Items – Hand wash or use a gentle cycle with cold water and lay flat to dry. Wool loves fresh air!
Winter Boots & Shoes – Wipe off dirt, dry completely, and sprinkle a little baking soda inside to absorb odors before storing
Puffy Coats & Parkas – Wash on a delicate cycle with mild detergent. Toss in a few clean tennis balls when drying to keep the fluff!
Scarves, Gloves, & Hats – These need a wash too! Hand wash or use a mesh laundry bag to keep everything in shape.
Step 2: Fold or Hang?
How you store each item matters:
Sweaters & Knits – Fold them! Hanging can stretch them out.
Puffy Jackets – Store loosely in breathable fabric bags.
Leather & Suede – Keep in a cool, dry place with proper conditioning beforehand. Winter Accessories – Use small bins to keep gloves, scarves, and hats together.
Step 3: Choose the Right Storage Method
Say no to plastic bags and mothballs! Instead, go for:
Cotton storage bags – Allow fabrics to breathe.
Vacuum-seal bags – Great for saving space but avoid for delicate knits.
Cedar blocks or lavender sachets – Natural moth deterrents that smell amazing! Breathable bins – Perfect for boots and coats.
Step 4: Store Smart
Best Places to Store:
✔ Under-bed storage bins
✔ A cool, dry closet
✔ Attic or basement (if it’s temperature-controlled)
🚫 Avoid:
❌ Damp basements (hello, mildew!)
❌ Hot attics (extreme temps can damage fabrics)
❌ Plastic tubs without ventilation (traps moisture)
A Little Extra Freshness Goes a Long Way
Before sealing everything up, slip in a few DIY freshness boosters:
Lavender sachets – Naturally repel moths while keeping clothes smelling lovely.
Dried lemon peels – Great for absorbing odors.
Cedarwood blocks – A classic for keeping pests away. This is one of our favorites
Keep It Clean & Green
If you don't already, now is a great time to switch to safe, non-toxic cleaners. Shaklee’s Get Clean line is my go-to for washing winter gear without harsh chemicals. From laundry detergent to all-purpose cleaners, it keeps everything fresh without fake fragrances (Harmful VOC's) or harmful residues—just good, clean results. If you want to refresh your winter gear before storing it, this is the perfect solution!
Now, go forth and pack up winter with confidence! And tell me—do you swap out your wardrobe each season, or do you keep everything in rotation? Let’s chat in the comments!
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