The Secret to Storing Your Sweaters and Shorts So They’re Fresh Next Season

As the seasons change, so does our wardrobe. That bulky winter coat makes way for breezy linen shirts, and suddenly you’re left with a pile of out-of-season clothes and a familiar question: where do I put all this stuff? Tossing it in a bin and shoving it to the back of the closet is tempting, but a little extra care is the true secret to having your favorite pieces look and feel fresh when you’re ready to wear them again. The best way to store out-of-season clothes isn’t about a single magic box, but a simple, three-part strategy: clean, choose, and protect.

First things first, never store anything dirty. This is the golden rule. It might seem harmless to stash a sweater you only wore once or those jeans that seem fine, but invisible troublemakers like body oils, perfumes, and even tiny food spills are magnets for moths and can set into permanent stains over time. Give every item a proper farewell wash or dry cleaning according to its care label. This removes stains and odors, and it also evicts any tiny insect eggs that might be lurking. Make sure everything is completely, bone-dry before you even think about storing it. The tiniest bit of dampness is an invitation for mildew, which can ruin a whole box of clothes.

Next, you need to choose the right storage spot and the right containers. Your goal is to find a place that is cool, dark, and dry. Attics and basements are often popular choices, but they can be problematic. Attics can get extremely hot, and basements are prone to dampness. A closet in a temperature-controlled part of your house, a high shelf in a bedroom, or even under the bed are usually much better options. As for containers, avoid cardboard boxes if you can. They don’t protect from moisture or pests, and the acid in the cardboard can eventually damage fabrics over many years. Instead, opt for plastic bins with tight-sealing lids. They’re clear, so you can see what’s inside, and they create a solid barrier. For items you still want to hang, like dresses or suits, use breathable garment bags made of cotton or canvas, not plastic, which can trap moisture.

Finally, it’s all about how you pack things away. Resist the urge to cram items in. Clothes need to breathe a little, even in storage. For folded items like sweaters and t-shirts, fold them neatly to prevent deep creases. Some people like to use acid-free tissue paper for delicate knits, folding it into the sleeves to help items keep their shape. A great trick for avoiding mothballs (which smell terrible and are toxic) is to use natural repellents. A few cedar blocks or rings placed in your storage bin are a wonderful, fragrant deterrent. Sachets filled with dried lavender or cloves also work beautifully and leave your clothes smelling like a meadow instead of a chemical factory. For your hanging items, button all the buttons and zip all the zippers to help them hold their form on the hanger.

By taking this friendly, step-by-step approach—sending your clothes off clean, giving them a good home in a solid container, and packing them with care—you’re not just storing them. You’re preserving them. You’re investing a small amount of time now to save yourself the heartache of a moth-eaten sweater or a musty-smelling jacket next year. When that first chill returns to the air, you’ll be able to open your bins, pull out your perfectly preserved winter woolens, and feel like you’ve just gone on a successful shopping trip in your own home.