Pack Your Summer Items Away With These Tips

Fall is finally here, and in most cases, the temperatures are going to be dropping sooner than later. Now is a good time to start packing away your summer items. Of course, you want to be sure these items are in good condition and easy to access when the weather warms up again.

Luckily, there are several ways to store your summer items for fall and winter, and you do not have to worry about these items getting damaged in the process. You can start packing your summer items away with these storage solutions.

Evaluate Your Inventory Before Packing

The first thing you want to do is evaluate your summer items to see what you are keeping for next year. If you did not wear or use an item at all this summer, consider donating, selling or giving it away. You want to do the same for items that do not fit you anymore. Summer items that have been stained or damaged beyond repair should be recycled or discarded. While this may not be an actual storage solution, it lightens the load because you are only packing the items you are keeping for next summer. Remember to wash the items you are keeping to protect them from moths and bacteria as they are packed away.

Hang Items In Your Closet

When you are ready to start packing away your summer items, start with the items in your closet. You want to make sure your fall and winter clothes are accessible for the colder weather. One idea is to hang these items front and center, and hang your summer items off to the side. If there is enough space in your closet, consider a portable rack with a mesh cover for your summer apparel. As for the hangers, be sure you are choosing the right hangers for certain items. For example, you want to use padded hangers for silky items and shaped hangers for jackets. It is best to avoid wire hangers because they could damage your clothes.

Store Them Out of Sight

If you would prefer to store your summer apparel out of sight, start with a clothing trunk. The trunk provides easy access when spring and summer arrive, and it doubles as a window seat. You can also use off-season luggage to store your seasonal items when you are not traveling. Of course, labeled boxes and bins in the back of your closet is another option. When packing your summer items, consider rolling your apparel instead of folding them. This way, you are avoiding creases and creating more room inside the box. Unless you are using see-through storage options, do not forget to label your storage solutions accordingly, so you know where your summer clothes are when the temperatures rise.

Store Them In The Right Area

There is more to packing away your summer apparel then just placing them in a closet, trunk or box. You also need to make sure you are storing them in a safe area. It may be tempting to store them in a damp basement, attic or garage to keep them out of the way, but this could damage your clothes at the end of the day. Your summer items should be stored in an area that is cool, dry and well-ventilated, and it should be dark enough to keep the natural or artificial light from ruining your clothes. Your bedroom, or an unused guest room, may be the best place for your summer items.

Rent A Storage Unit

If possible, consider renting a small storage unit for your seasonal items. Most facilities offer secure, climate-controlled units to keep your items safe. You can usually access your items during the day or around the clock, depending on the hours of the facility. In addition to your clothes, you can also store summer items such as a deflated pool and camping equipment in your unit to free up space at home. When the warmer seasons arrive, you can switch your summer items with your winter items.

When you take the time to find a safe, accessible spot for your items, they are sure to be in good condition when you unpack them next summer.