Storing winter clothing: the best storage tips I MYHOME.AT

When the temperatures rise and coats, down jackets and woollen sweaters have a break, a seemingly banal but actually crucial question arises: where to put all the bulky winter textiles? Storing winter clothing correctly not only saves space, but also extends the life of high-quality items. Care is particularly important with cashmere, wool and functional materials.

How do you store winter clothing correctly?

Winter clothing should be stored clean, dry and well ventilated. Moisture is the biggest enemy of natural fibers – it promotes mold growth and unpleasant odors. Constant temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius with low humidity are ideal.

Important: Don’t just stuff clothes randomly into bags. Heavy coats belong on sturdy hangers, while delicate knitwear should be folded and placed on shelves or in boxes to prevent them from warping. Rule of thumb: anything that is heavy or could wear out should be stored horizontally.

Store winter clothes, Store clothes, Winter — Storing winter clothing: Delicate knitwear should be folded after cleaning and stored on a shelf or in a bix.

Should I wash winter clothes before storing them?

Absolutely. Even if items look clean on the outside, sweat, skin grease or perfume residue can attract moths. Studies show that the smallest organic residues in particular attract larvae.

Ideally, have wool and cashmere items professionally cleaned
Wash and completely dry down jackets according to the care label
Treat functional clothing with a special detergent

Only completely dry clothing may be stowed away – residual moisture almost always leads to a musty odor.

How can you store winter clothes to save space?

Winter textiles take up to three times as much space as summer clothes. However, clever organization can save up to 50 percent of storage space.

Vacuum bags significantly reduce the volume of down jackets and ski clothing
Underbed chests of drawers utilize unused space
Cupboard systems with height-adjustable shelves create flexibility
Select stackable clothes boxes

Caution with delicate wool: Do not vacuum pack it, as the fibers can take pressure.

Where is the best place to store winter clothing?

The ideal location is dry, dark and temperate. Cellars are only suitable if they are really dry. Attics, on the other hand, can be problematic due to strong temperature fluctuations.

Optimal are:

Bedroom cabinets with additional modules
Storage rooms in the apartment
Bed drawers or closed sideboards

Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can fade colors.

How do you protect winter clothing from moths?

Moths prefer natural fibers such as wool, cashmere or silk. The best protection is cleanliness – supplemented by natural repellents.

They have proven themselves:

Cedar wood (has a deterrent effect due to essential oils)
Lavender sachet
Regular airing of stored textiles
Tightly closing boxes

Chemical moth repellents are not usually necessary. However, it is important not to seal boxes airtight and damp.

Which boxes or systems are suitable for winter clothing?

Transparent plastic boxes with lids provide an overview and protect against dust. Breathable fabric boxes are ideal for high-quality items. Cardboard boxes are less recommendable as they can absorb moisture.

High-quality cupboard systems with integrated storage modules or vacuum drawers offer valuable space reserves, especially in city apartments with an average of 60 to 90 square meters of living space.

How do you prevent odors in stored garments?

Odors are usually caused by residual moisture or a lack of air circulation. In addition to thorough drying:

Unscented dry bags
Baking soda bowls in the storage room
Regular short ventilation during the storage period

If you store winter clothing for several months, you should check it at least once in the summer.

Storing winter clothes is more than just seasonal tidying. A systematic approach not only frees up space in your closet, but also means you can start the new season in the fall without any nasty surprises.

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