Blunders to Skip While Stowing Away Winter Attire
When the sun starts smiling and heat waves are in the air, it's time to switch up your closet game. Swap out winter wardrobe staples for spring and summer gear to make room for the sunny season. But don't just chuck your warm keepers into a smelly old bin without giving it some thought! Properly storing winter clothes will save you from mold holes and a disheartening sight in six months when you're desperate for a warm sweater.
Avoid these silly mistakes to store your winter clothes like a pro, making them last longer and keeping them moth-free:
1. Lazy Washing
Let's be real here, you're likely not to wear your winter sweaters any time soon, so there's no need to clean them, right? Wrong! Stashing sweaters, warm tights, and the like with food stains and odors on them will make it trickier to remove stains in the future and could even attract pesky bugs. Instead, make sure you wash or dry-clean them and treat any stains before consigning your winter clothes to the shadows of the attic or basement. Believe us; the future you will be eternally grateful to present you!
2. Neglecting Moth Protection
We've all had that moment of despair when we find our fave sweater chewed up by a moth. Avoid the heartbreak and opt for a more natural approach: tuck some lavender or cedar into your storage bin. Both scents keep moths at bay without leaving a strong smell like those mothballs.
3. Crashing the Container Party
Resist the urge to jam every item into one container. Some items, like puffer jackets, may fit neatly into a vacuum-sealed bag, but other items, such as winter boots and shoes, will lose their shape if squished into a tight space. Instead, use boot shapers for tall leather boots and keep them in sturdy plastic bins to save them from getting misshapen or squashed.
4. Picking the Worst Spot
The attic or basement is a classic place for off-season storage. But watch out for extreme temperature swings, which can harm your clothes. Opt for a cool, dry, dim spot in your home, such as a closet or storage area under your bed. Don't forget humid spots cause mold and mildew, and the sunlight can fade and cause temperature fluctuations.
5. Cheap Tissue Paper
For your more delicate items, like vintage dresses or hand-knitted sweaters, invest in acid-free paper to wrap them in. Like breathing, fabrics need air, so don't seal them up in plastic. And forget the regular tissue paper; its acid content can break down fibers over time. Instead, grab some acid-free tissue paper and an archival box for your most cherished items.
So, there you have it! Stowing your winter clothes like a pro will keep them in tip-top shape for next year. Don't ask for anything more; just wash, protect, store, and enjoy a moth-free winter wardrobe in six months!
- To prevent mold holes and preserve the condition of your winter sweaters, ensure they are properly washed or dry-cleaned before storing them.
- To protect your stored clothes from moths, consider using natural alternatives like lavender or cedar instead of strong-smelling mothballs.
- When storing winter items, avoid overcrowding containers, especially for items like boots and shoes that may lose their shape if squished into tight spaces.
- To keep your stored winter clothes in good condition, avoid storing them in areas with extreme temperature swings, humidity, or direct sunlight. Instead, opt for a cool, dry, and dim location in your home.
- For your more delicate items, like vintage dresses and hand-knitted sweaters, invest in acid-free paper to wrap them in and store them in archival boxes to ensure their longevity and prevent fiber damage.
