Twice a year, when the weather starts changing, I encourage my clients to store items from the current season to make room for the upcoming one. Even if you have a massive walk-in closet that can hold everything year round, you should still move the upcoming season’s items to the most prominent areas in your closet. Off-season and infrequently needed items take up visual and mental space, costing you time and energy when you’re trying to get ready- you don’t need bathing suits and cocktail dresses front and center when you’re getting dressed to meet a friend for coffee. Giving your pieces some breathing room will not only help you get dressed more efficiently, it will prevent damage from insects (more on that later!) and odor transfers.
1. Not Editing
Rotating your wardrobe provides a great opportunity to evaluate your pieces and make any necessary edits. Are there items you didn’t wear at all this season? Do you really see yourself excited to wear them in the future? Perhaps there are things that no longer fit, or are worn beyond repair. Pulling them out will save you storage space now and time later.
2. Feeding the bugs
Storing clothing without first thoroughly washing or dry-cleaning is like sending a dinner invitation to creepy-crawlies. Ravenous bugs like moths and silverfish are attracted to the scent of body oils, sweat, and food residue, especially on natural fibers. Cedar blocks can repel certain insects (remember to replace every two years or so), so throw a few in with your freshly-cleaned items for extra protection.
3. Wrong storage choices
Speaking of bugs, did you know that storing your items in the wrong container can actually attract them? Cockroaches and moths love to eat paper products, so basic cardboard boxes aren’t ideal- remove leather shoes from the original boxes and use fabric ones with windows instead. Plastic bins that seal moisture out can also seal it in, which can crack leather and allow mold, odors, and bugs to thrive. Instead of plastic, use storage that allows airflow while keeping dust out, like zippered or lidded fabric bins and fabric dust bags for leather goods. If you still choose to use plastic bins, add some silica gel packs that can absorb any excess moisture.
4. Skipping Repairs
Check for signs of wear and tear and take items to the tailor or cobbler now. You won’t be wearing these items for a while, so waiting 1-2 weeks while they’re repaired won’t matter; better than pulling pieces out of storage next season and having to wait to wear them.