Winter Storage done right
It certainly took a while but spring has finally sprung and summer is right around the corner. New Englanders are no strangers to the seasons and we know that each change comes with a new wardrobe. While many of us do not have the closet space to accommodate mother nature, here are some great tips on how to keep your clothes looking their best while on their seasonal hiatus.
1. The less you store the better. A change of season is a great time to trim your wardrobe. Haven’t worn that sweater in years? Give it to Goodwill or your local homeless shelter, or give it to your friend who looks much better in maroon than you do.
2. Dry clean and wash your clothes before you store them. Storing clothing with stains, even the kind you can’t see, can attract bugs who will make a meal of your clothes in your closet. Any stain that’s there now will also have plenty of time to sink in, and be even worse when you next pull it out to wear. Drop your clothes off at Best for dry cleaning and wash what needs to be washed in very hot water before storing, making sure to skip fabric softeners and starch, as they can attract beetles and moths.
3. Mothballs? Just say NO! You don’t want your clothes smelling like musty old moth balls, right? Try blocks or bags of lavender that work just as well for keeping critters at bay, and are much more pleasant to the nose.
4. Storage containers do matter. When choosing a container to store your clothing, we recommend plastic containers over cardboard, and the more airtight the better. Cardboard boxes do not have the same protection against bugs or humidity. We also like resealable vacuum bags for keeping the bad things out and maximizing storage space.
5. Fold sweaters and knits. Hang heavier things like coats. If you’re storing something that you’d normally hang, roll it up tightly to avoid creases. For coats, be sure to choose hangers that can support their weight.
6. Store similar pieces together. To make it easy to find your coats or your sweaters when the weather turns, bundle them together off season. To avoid creases and wrinkles, place heavier things at the bottom of containers.
7. The best climate for clothing storage is well-ventilated, cool, dark, and dry. Warm, moist places are a critter’s paradise. Storing clothes in an area with good air circulation will also ward off mildew. You should also try to keep clothing away from sunlight as it can fade your clothes during storage.
8. Give your clothes a mid-summer checkup. No one wants to think about that thick turtleneck while bathing in the sun. But it’s a good idea to take a look once in a while, checking for cracks or leaks in your storage containers and making sure unwelcome visitors are not snacking on your clothes.
