The Clotheshound

1. Clean out

Before purchasing storage containers for your clothing, take a close look at what you have. Items that don’t fit, or don’t make you feel great, are all candidates for purging.

2. Clean up

The most important step in storing off-season clothes is to thoroughly clean the garments. Stains and odors left untreated will become a feast for insects and pests. Dry clean or home launder each item, using the hottest temperature possible to kill any bugs that may have already taken residence. Be sure to follow garment care instructions, and do not use starch or fabric softeners, which would only serve as dessert for hungry insects.

3. Pack up

Once your clothes are sorted and cleaned, it’s time to pack up. Select closet storage solutions based upon your needs. If you have a lot of hanging items, a fabric garment bag will work well. Folded items can be stored in a cedar chest, baskets made to fit under the bed, suitcases, or plastic tubs.

Most garments benefit from being folded, rather than hung, for storage. This is especially true for sweaters, whose shape can distort when hung for long periods of time. Rather than tightly folding items, lay flat to avoid awkward creasing or folds.

4. Hang up

Take extra care when hanging items for storage. Forget about wire hangers, and invest in quality wood or plastic ones. Bulky coats and big-and-tall clothing deserve heavy, wide hangers for proper support. Breathable garment bags will keep the items moisture- and dust-free.

5. Protect

If you must use moth balls, take extra precautions as they are toxic to touch or breathe, and they are especially dangerous for children and pets. Alternative options include cedar blocks, lemon peels, or lavender blend sachets.