Transition your wardrobe from winter to summer

Storing winter clothes properly and transitioning to summer clothes can help you maintain your wardrobe and make the most of your clothing. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Storing Winter Clothes:

1. Cull Unworn Items: Start by going through your winter clothing and set aside items you haven’t worn in a year or no longer need. Consider donating.
2. Check for Odors and Stains: Ensure that the clothes you plan to store are clean and free from any odors or stains, as moths are more attracted to soiled items.
3. Wash and Dry-Clean: Hand wash wool items with a gentle wool detergent, and dry clean coats or any other items with specific care instructions. Avoid fabric softeners, bleach, and starch, as these can attract insects.
4. De-Pill Sweaters: Use a de-pilling tool or take your sweaters to a professional for a refresh if they have developed pills.
5. Ensure Everything Is Dry: Make sure all your clothes are completely dry before packing them away to prevent mold and mildew.
6. Fold or Hang Strategically: Fold items that could lose their shape when hung, and hang those that would wrinkle when folded. Avoid vacuum sealing clothes that may wrinkle. Use acid-free tissue paper between items to prevent color transfer and snagging.
7. Vacuum Sealed Bags and Plastic Tubs: Use vacuum-sealed bags for space-efficient storage. Place these bags inside plastic tubs with airtight lids to protect your clothes from moisture and pests.
8. Shoe Care: Clean and dry your winter shoes before storing them, and use shoe trees or shapers to maintain their shape.
9. Pest Deterrents: Place lavender sachets or cedar wood inside the storage containers to deter pests. These natural repellents help protect your clothes.
10. Choose the Right Storage Location: Avoid storing your winter clothes in garages or other damp areas. Opt for a cool, dark location to keep your items in good condition.
11. Additional Tips:
    1. Consider storing clothing in luggage to save space.
    2. Refresh sachets or cedar by squeezing or sanding them for use in the next season.
    3. Use clear tubs and label them for easy identification.

Transitioning to Summer Clothes:

1. Review Your Summer Wardrobe: Before bringing out your summer clothes, assess what you have. Set aside items you no longer wear using the 12-month rule.
2. Eliminate Duplicates: Identify duplicate or similar items in your summer wardrobe and consider keeping only what you need.
3. Repair Damaged Items: Don’t discard damaged summer clothing; instead, mend them to build a sustainable wardrobe.
4. Donation: Donate clothing you no longer need to charities like Suited to Success.
5. Sell Online: If you have gently used summer clothing in good condition, you can sell them online.
6. Organise Your Wardrobe: Arrange your summer clothing into sections based on your needs, such as work, weekend, evening, and comfortable wear. This will make it easier to find what you need and reduce decision fatigue.

By following these steps, you can maintain a well-organized wardrobe and ensure that your winter and summer clothes remain in good condition for seasons to come. The Fitting Room offers professional Knit and Invisible mending services. Send and enquiry through our free quote form on our website. We also partner with Suited to Success, who we collect donations from all year round.