With the weather turning, most of us are thinking about swapping floaty summer dresses for chunky jumpers. But before you start cramming things into a bag, professional organiser and founder of A Tidy Mind, Caroline Watterson says it’s worth doing it properly.
“A great first step is to declutter and pack away only those items which you love, feel fabulous in and are likely to wear next summer,” she explains. “Anything too stained or unloved should go, rather than taking up space until next year.”
Where you store clothes is just as important as how you pack them. Basements, attics and garages are often damp or exposed to fluctuating temperatures, which can damage fabrics. Whenever possible, keep clothing in a cool, dry space inside your home.
How to store summer clothes for winter
“Make sure everything is freshly washed or dry-cleaned before storage, as stains can set over time and attract pests,” warns Caroline. Overstuffing boxes is another problem: “This can prevent fabrics from being able to breathe.”
Vacuum bags can save space, but she only uses them for hardy fabrics like cotton or polyester. “Avoid overfilling them as this can result in the seams ripping and always store them laid flat.” Plastic tubs stack neatly but can trap condensation, so natural fibres are better suited to breathable fabric boxes.
Before packing your clothes away for good, consider setting a reminder to rotate your wardrobe. Leaving clothes packed away too long can lead to mustiness, so try to bring them out each year even if you don’t end up wearing them.
Refreshing winter jumpers and coats
Before pulling out knitwear and coats, check for moth damage. “I once unpacked my favourite jumper only to find it had been eaten alive by moths — now I’m fastidious about storage,” says Watterson. Washing or dry-cleaning before use and storing with lavender sachets or cedar balls helps deter pests.
To revive knitwear, a gentle steam or specialist wool wash can restore softness and shape. Fabric shavers or de-bobblers remove bobbles safely. “Never use scissors,” Watterson stresses.
Coats and jackets should be aired before wear. If they look creased after months in storage, steaming works better than ironing to refresh the fabric without damaging fibres.
Caring for clothes in daily rotation
Once winter clothing is back in your wardrobe, day-to-day care makes a difference. Jumpers should be folded on shelves or in drawers rather than hung, as hanging can stretch the shoulders. Coats, blazers and dresses belong on sturdy hangers.
Even when garments are in daily use, moths can still be a risk. Sachets or cedar hangers placed inside wardrobes and drawers help keep pests away. Leaving a small gap between items improves airflow and prevents clothes from becoming musty.
Storing winter clothes when spring arrives
As temperatures rise, the process works in reverse. Wash everything before packing away, as dirt and sweat can set and attract pests over months in storage. Puffer jackets should be stored loosely to keep the filling fluffy, while wool coats benefit from sturdy hangers inside breathable garment bags.
Plastic tubs are fine for stacking but can trap condensation, so breathable fabric boxes are preferable for natural fibres. Under-bed storage also works well for smaller homes: “Shallow lidded boxes or fabric cases under our beds can be the perfect place to store out of season clothes,” Watterson advises. Adding lavender sachets and labels makes access easier and offers an extra layer of protection.
