How to Safely Store Summer Clothes

Published: January 07, 2022

Are your summer clothes taking up space in your closet and making you long for the hot days of summer? Then it’s time to pack the tank tops and shorts away for the season to make room for the joys of winter.

We don’t recommend just throwing your summer wardrobe in a box and kicking it to the back of your closet though. Your seasonal clothing may be among the many items you’re storing incorrectly. 

Nothing’s worse than pulling out your box of clothes when springtime hits, and your favorite short sleeve shirt is unwearable because it’s holey, smelly, or even moldy. 

Here are our five tips on how to safely store summer clothes for the season.

Wash them first

Even if they’ve been hanging in your closet or lying in your drawers, give your clothes a good wash before putting them in storage. This will help get rid of any lingering dust, dirt, or grime hidden in the fabric that may be unnoticeable to the eye. Plus, it’ll mean—if packed properly—your clothes will remain fresh and clean when you pull them out of storage next season. 

Washing them first will give you time to treat any stains in your clothes that may set in when stored and it’ll encourage you to weed out any items that you don’t really love. There’s no reason to pack away clothes for winter that you don’t plan to wear in summer. Take inventory and donate or throw out the clothes that you don’t care for anymore. 

Hang some, fold some

It’s a great idea to fold light-weight items like bikinis, shorts, light shirts, and tank tops, but your more delicate and/or expensive pieces will last longer if they remain on hangers. Some items, such as suits and long-sleeved dresses will fare better if hung on padded hangers and stored in garment bags. To keep your formal wear looking like new, invest in quality garment bags that are made of cloth instead of plastic, which helps avoid mold growth. 

Invest in quality storage containers

For the clothing pieces you can fold, as well as your sandals and summer accessories, decide which container style works best. From clear plastic storage bins to cloth containers to vacuum-sealed bags, the options are endless based on your budget and needs. 

Pack with care

We know you’re not packing glass, but if you love your summer wardrobe, you’ll want to take pack them with care, too. Make sure not to overstuff your storage containers. If your container lids don’t fit snuggly or your bags don’t fully zip, you’re leaving your clothing vulnerable to dust, dirt, and maybe even pests. 

Experiment with different folding techniques to see which ones allow you to maximize space while protecting your clothes. Some space-saving folding styles include rolling the clothes like burritos and laying them flat on top of each other, which works well for items like undergarments. Don’t forget to develop a clear-cut labeling system, so it’s easy to identify what’s inside each container without rummaging through.

Get picky about the storage location

The final, and perhaps most important tip is to scout out a safe place to store your summer clothes. You want to make sure your clothes will be safe from pests, the elements, and excessive foot traffic all winter long. Your basement or garage may not be the best places because they are easily exposed to moisture and insects. It’s also important to keep your clothing bins away from direct sunlight, which can fade their vibrant colors.

We recommend storing your summer clothes in a weather-resistant storage facility. This will add an added layer of protection that will your clothes remain in an immaculate condition. Do you live in Baltimore or its surrounding counties? UNITS of Baltimore is a locally owned, conveniently located storage company with two locations that can provide storage units for your seasonal clothing and other important possessions. 

We can even deliver a portable storage right to your door.  Ready to learn more? Give us a call or fill out this form for a quote.