How to Properly Keep Clothes in Storage: A Complete Guide to Saving Space and Preserving Quality

Let’s talk about something I’ve struggled with for years—storing clothes. My house doesn’t have much closet space, and every season, I find myself scrambling to pack away clothes I won’t be wearing for a while. How do I do it without taking up every spare inch of space? And more importantly, how do I keep my clothes safe from fading, moisture, or even insects?

I had to do some research (and get a little creative), but I finally found some solutions that actually work. If you’re looking for ways to keep your clothes fresh and organized while saving space, you’re in the right place. 

Why Proper Clothing Storage Matters

First, let’s explore why storing your clothes properly is so important. Can’t you just toss them in cardboard boxes in your attic or at the back of your closet until the weather changes again? Why all the fuss around “proper” clothing storage?

The answer is: If you care about your clothes looking good and lasting a long time, you have to keep them safe from dust, moisture, and pests. After all, who wants to discover that their favorite sweater has holes when they pull it out on the first chilly day of the year?

Proper clothing storage also means your clothes are accessible when you need them. Plus, they won’t take up precious real estate in your closet when you’re not wearing them—a massive bonus if you’re short on storage space like me.

Essential Prep Work Before Storing Your Clothes

Before organizing your clothes for storage, you’ll need to do some prep work. First, clean your clothes thoroughly to remove dirt, sweat, and oils. These substances not only make your clothes look and smell funky in storage, but they can also attract pests. I love using HeySunday laundry detergent sheets to get my clothes clean and fresh before I put them away for the season. And, as a bonus, they’re sustainable and gentler on my clothes than traditional powder or liquid detergents. Hooray for boosting clothing longevity!

Before throwing your clothes in the washer, sort them by fabric type. Delicate fabrics, like silk or wool, need special care compared to everyday items. Check the laundry symbols on your clothing labels and follow the directions carefully to avoid damaging your favorite blouse or sweater.

Once your clothes are clean and dry, consider sorting them to declutter and donate the items you don’t wear. Storing a blouse you haven’t worn in years takes up precious closet space. You also might need to face some hard decisions—and chuck those slacks that will never come back in style, no matter how hard you insist.

Choosing the Right Storage Solutions for Different Types of Clothes

Prepped and ready? It’s time to get started. Follow these clothes storage ideas and suggestions for short-term versus long-term clothing storage.

Space-Saving Options for Short-Term Storage

Short-term storage is the best option for seasonal clothes that will only be in storage for six months. When you’re storing these items, space-saving is a priority. I use several methods for my seasonal clothing.

I use vacuum-sealed bags for bulky items like winter coats and sweaters. This ensures they occupy less space in my closet, giving me more room for my flowy summer dresses. I also love using stackable clothes storage bins to maximize closet space. I use one bin for bottoms and one for tops and label them accordingly to make it easier to find items when needed. These plastic storage containers can be easily stacked in my linen closet.

I also use hanging clothes organizers for shoes and accessories to free up floor space. I can hang these organizers in the back of my closet so they’re not in the way of the items I wear more often. Then, once the seasons change and I’m ready to switch clothing, I can move the organizer to the front of my closet to easily access my winter shoes, scarves, and other accessories.

Long-Term Clothing Storage Solutions

Storing seasonal clothes for a few months is one thing, but sometimes, you need to store certain clothes for longer. Maybe you want to save your wedding dress to hand down to your daughter, or you inherited a fur coat from your grandma and want to keep it safe. I looked into the best ways to store these clothes long-term and I found several helpful tips.

Use breathable clothes storage bags rather than plastic garment bags for long-term storage. Plastic bags are cheaper but vulnerable to moisture, potentially damaging your clothes beyond repair. Breathable garment bags help protect your clothes from the elements and keep them in mint condition. You can also line your delicate items with acid-free tissue paper to prevent creasing and discoloration.

If you need to store leather or fur items, use breathable covers and, if possible, keep them in a climate-controlled environment. 

The Right Environment for Clothing Storage

Where you store your clothes is as important as how you store them. Ideally, look for a dry, cool, dark space to avoid mold, mildew, and fading. Avoid areas with high humidity, like basements and attics, and keep your stored clothes in your closet instead.

I like to take it a step further and protect my clothes from humidity and moisture damage by using the silica gel packets you get when buying new clothes or shoes. You can also set up dehumidifiers to protect your clothes if necessary.

While sunlight can feel comforting and warm on your skin, it can also fade your clothes and ruin them for good, so keep your stored clothes far away from direct sunlight.

How to Pack Clothes to Maximize Storage Space

If you’re short on storage space like me, it’s essential to properly pack your clothes to make the most of what you’ve got. 

Folding Techniques for Different Clothing Types

Heavy, bulky items like sweaters can take up a lot of real estate in your closet. Fold them neatly to reduce space when they’re in storage.

Thinner clothes like T-shirts and leggings can be rolled to optimize packing space. Rolling your clothes can also help prevent wrinkles.

Some delicate items, like formal wear, must be stored flat to prevent damage. To ensure they’re protected, use garment boxes to store these items.

Use Modular Storage Systems

The right containers and systems let you store your clothes without taking up too much space. I like stacking storage bins to maximize the vertical space in my closets. I also label the boxes to make finding the items I need easier without digging through several layers of T-shirts or sweaters to find what I’m looking for.

You can also use clothes shelves to store your off-season clothes. Standalone shelving units are excellent options if you don’t want your winter clothes cluttering up your closet in the summer, and they can be found at big box stores for a relatively affordable price.

Common Clothing Storage Mistakes to Avoid

In the past, I’ve made a bunch of rookie mistakes when storing my clothes. Luckily, I’ve done plenty of research on what to do—and what not to do—so you won’t do the same. Here are the top clothing storage mistakes to avoid:

• Storing clothes in plastic containers without ventilation, which can lead to moisture buildup
• Leaving clothes unwashed before storing them—this can attract pests
• Overstuffing bins or bags, which can lead to wrinkles and damage

How to Keep Your Clothes Fresh While in Storage

One of the biggest struggles about clothing storage is keeping your garments fresh while in storage. The last thing you want to do when you unpack your summer clothes is to wash everything because they smell musty. Here’s what I’ve learned about keeping your clothes fresh.

Rotate seasonal clothes every six months to check for signs of damage or wear. If you notice any issues, address them immediately by using a DIY fix or taking the damaged items to a seamstress for repair. 

Moths can make your clothes smell musty and old. To keep pests away, use natural moth repellents, like cedar blocks or lavender sachets. It’s also wise to periodically air out your stored garments to prevent musty smells.

Best Products for Storing Clothes

Several must-have products are available if you’re ready to start packing away your summer clothes in favor of cozy sweaters and thermal leggings. Here are some of my favorites.

Vacuum-Seal Bags

Vacuum-seal bags are ideal for storing your clothes without taking up tons of space. I use these bags to store my seasonal items in my closet since I’m limited in space. However, I would not recommend them for long-term storage because they can damage the clothing over time.

Breathable Garment Bags

Cotton garment bags are breathable and can help prevent mold and mildew growth when storing your clothes long-term. They’re great for delicate fabrics like silk or cashmere, though you can use them for any material. However, a garment bag will take up more room than a vacuum-seal bag, so if you’re short on space, it’s best to use breathable bags only for your most delicate clothing items.

Stackable Storage Bins

As I mentioned earlier, I like stackable storage bins to maximize my available space. Plastic bins are readily available and come in numerous sizes—plus, they’re affordable and versatile. These bins keep out bugs and moisture to prevent damage to your clothes. You can use either dark or clear bins, but if you use clear ones, store them away from sunlight to prevent fading.

Cedar Blocks or Lavender Sachets

Moths and other insects can wreak havoc on your clothes in storage. Luckily, you can keep them away naturally while leaving your clothes smelling delightful. Lavender sachets and cedar blocks are natural pest deterrents that will keep your clothes in great shape while storing them. You can find them at grocery stores, big box stores, and online retailers.

Final Checklist for Storing Clothes the Right Way

Knowing how to properly store clothing is essential to ensuring they stay fresh, clean, and undamaged while in storage. Before putting your clothes away for the season, refer to this checklist to ensure you’re setting yourself up for success.

• Wash and dry all clothes before storage.
• Choose appropriate containers based on fabric type and storage duration.
• Store items in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.
• Use labels and clear sorting systems for easy retrieval.

Now you know the right way to store your clothes, there’s no excuse for a messy closet. Did you find these tips helpful? Feel free to share with your friends and family to help make clothing storage easier for them, too!