Spring is in the air! Warmer weather, flowers blooming, spring break vacations and Spring Cleaning.
Real Simple magazine is a favorite place for Changing Places to gain simple organizing tips. And this months’ edition includes 6 tips to help store your winter clothes.
- SORT AND ORGANIZE
Pull out all your winter clothes and separate into three piles: wash, dry-clean and good to go. Don’t forget hats, scarves and gloves. Ditch anything that is outdated or damaged. Plus, this is a good time to vacuum the closet and wipe down the shelves.
- WASH, THEN PACK EVERYTHING
Washing and dry-cleaning your winter clothes is the best way to prevent bugs creeping in damaging your clothes. Bugs like to munch on food residue and body oils left on clothes. Plus, this helps with removing any stains that may show up later.
- STORE KNITS IN CANVAS BINS
Clothes made from natural fibers need air circulation. Airtight containers can hold moisture in fabrics causing mold, mildew, and yellowing or musty odor. Tip: if you already own a plastic container, poke a few holes in them or cover sweaters with old, clean pillowcases or sheets to protect them from dust if stored on a shelf.
- HANG TAILORED PIECES
If you have room in a closet, stow garments such as dresses, coats and silk or leather items on wooden or padded hangers. Then place in a breathable garment bag or cover with a clean cotton sheet. No room to hang, fold with tissue paper inside bins, and never store anything in dry-cleaning bags – causes yellowing.
- PICK A GOOD SPOT
Store bins and bags in a cool, dark, dry and ventilated area – under a bed or in a guest room. If the basement is the only option, add silica-gel packets to the bins, use a dehumidifier to absorb moisture and place bricks under the bins to keep them off the basement floor. TIP: avoid the attic; high temperatures can cause fiber to become brittle.
- KEEP PESTS AWAY
Drop cedar blocks, balls or sachets into the storage containers and slip cedar rings on hangers. Be careful that the cedar doesn’t touch the fabric as it could stain. Cedar repels insects but only if its strong. Sanding the cedar block lightly every 6 weeks will revive the scent. Or opt for sachets filled with lavender; bugs despise its scent.