Donate Unwanted, Unflattering or Ill-Fitting Items
Before preparing clothes for storage, clear out anything that you aren’t likely to wear again, anything that is unflattering or ill-fitting. This alone will help you feel lighter, clearer and give you more space. Wondering how to decide whether you should donate or sell an item? If you haven’t worn it since you last took it out of storage, it’s time to say goodbye.
Wash and dry everything thoroughly
Ideally, in a few months’ time, you can just grab and wear. Translation? It may mean you have to do a few loads of laundry now. But it’s crucial that every item is clean before packing away.
Storage Tips
STORAGE CONTAINERS Opt for vacuum-sealed bags and airtight plastic boxes, as they help keep clothes in good condition, and you can easily tuck them away neatly. Store feather or down-filled items, such as coats in plastic boxes with a secured lid.
DRYER SHEETS Place dryer sheets in between the layers of fabric to help neutralize damp or plastic odours that may transfer to clothes over time, especially if keeping them in storage for months.
GARMENT BAGS Any items that easily wrinkle should be hung up (no need to iron when it comes time to wear them again). Garment bags also prevent items from being too tightly crammed into a box.
Moths, insects and pests are attracted to scents, so even the faintest trace of food or sweat can leave clothes damaged. Odours can also carry from one garment to another so it’s best to use unscented detergent and fabric softener when you wash your clothes. Ensure everything is completely dry before packing (you don’t want items smelling musty when you pull them out again).
Select a cool, dry and dark locations
The attic or garage may seem like the obvious place to store your clothes, especially since it keeps them out of the way when you don’t need to access them, but these locations should be avoided. Not only can the humidity and fluctuating temperatures in these rooms harm the fibers in your clothes, but it increases the chances of pests such as moths and insects feasting on your garments. Instead, try make room for them in spaces such as on top of your wardrobe, under the bed or in a spare room, so that they are still out of your way. If you have no choice but to keep them in the attic or garage, take extra care to make sure that the bags are vacuumed-sealed and containers airtight.
With information from SpareFoot.
This original article first appeared in the FALL 2026 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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