How to Store Winter Clothes: Clean, Fold and Keep Them Fresh

Winter coats, sweaters and blankets take up a lot of room in spring. Stored well, they come out fresh and in shape. Stored badly, they come out creased, musty or marked. This guide covers cleaning, sorting, folding or hanging, containers, location and a mid-season check.

Step 1: Clean everything first

Wash or dry-clean each item before you pack it. Stains, body oils and food marks that are invisible now can set over the months, and they can attract insects. Follow the care label for each piece. Let everything dry completely, because damp fabric in a closed container can turn musty.

Step 2: Sort and check

Go through the pile and decide what to keep, donate or repair. Fix loose buttons and small tears now, so you do not find them next winter. Sorting before you pack also saves space.

Step 3: Fold or hang

• Fold knit sweaters, fleece and heavy cardigans. Hanging can stretch the shoulders of knitwear.
• Hang wool coats, tailored jackets and anything that creases easily. Use broad, sturdy hangers and keep the garment in a breathable cover.
• Fold flat blankets and bedding, and keep each one in its own stack so the heavy items do not crush the light ones.

Fold items the same way each time, and put the heaviest on the bottom.

Step 4: Choose the container

The best container depends on the fabric and the space you have.

• Breathable fabric bags let air move, which suits wool and natural fibers.
• Hard-sided boxes protect from crushing and are easy to stack.
• Sealed plastic or vacuum bags save space, but they can flatten down and bulky knits, so check the care label. Do not use them for items you will want to look fluffy.

Whatever you choose, do not stuff the container so full that the lid or the zipper is under strain.

Step 5: Pick the right spot

Choose a cool, dry, dark place, such as the top of a wardrobe, under a bed or in a spare room closet. Avoid attics, basements and garages, where heat or damp can build up. Keep containers off the floor if the floor can get wet, and keep them away from direct sunlight, which can fade fabric.

Step 6: Think about moths

Moths are drawn to dirty natural fibers, so clean clothes are the first defense. Many people add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to the container. These are common habits, and they do not replace a look at your stored items from time to time.

Step 7: Label and note

Write what is in each container on a label or a card, and note the date. In the fall, you will know where to look without opening every box.

Mid-season check

Open one or two containers halfway through the season. Look for damp, odors or insect damage, and let the clothes air for an hour if needed. A quick check can save a whole box.

A quick checklist

1. Wash or clean every item, and dry it fully.
2. Repair and sort before packing.
3. Fold knits, hang coats, stack blankets.
4. Use a container that suits the fabric.
5. Store in a cool, dry, dark place.
6. Label the containers and check them once.

If you need a container for bulky items, the large clothes storage bag with zipper is a foldable, upright bag of non-woven fabric. It measures about 19.7 x 19.7 x 23.6 inches, has a double zipper on the lid and two fabric handles, and folds flat when empty. Do not overfill it. You can find more storage items in our Home & Storage collection.