Spring is just around the corner — time to put away winter coats, scarves, sweaters, gloves and boots! Don’t just toss winter items into some out-of-the-way corner unprepared — use these tips to store cold weather gear and keep it in good shape until next winter.

1. Set up a seasonal closet. Unless your bedroom closet is huge, it probably doesn’t have room to store seasonal items along with your everyday clothes. Relegate out-of-season clothes, hats, purses and coats to a spare bedroom closet, the attic or (if necessary) the garage. Moveable wardrobe racks or bins are an easy way to make the switch when seasons change.
   Tip: To make more space in a closet, get rid of the hanging rod altogether, or install a collapsible one (reserve a third of the closet for hanging long dresses, suits, etc.). Add more shelves in the extra space as needed.
   Tip: Add shelves in high-ceilinged closets to hold off-season clothing. If you use boxes for shoes or sweaters, label the visible end of the box to show what’s inside — a photo of the item taped to the box is also a useful way to quickly identify items.
   

2. Wash everything before you put it away. There’s a strong case for putting away freshly laundered clothes:
   
   • Freshly washed clothing isn’t as likely to attract moths or other insects on the hunt for food or a new home.
   • Dust particles, smudges or other debris can cause stains that may be impossible to remove after months of storage.
   • Clothes that are washed and completely dried before they are packed away hold their shape better.
   • If you make a habit of washing your clothes or having them dry cleaned before you put them away, you won’t have to wonder if that thick wool sweater is ready to wear when cold weather returns.

3. Paper or plastic? Cloth-covered cardboard can be adequate for temporary storage and well-aired closets, but if you store clothing in an attic, basement or garage, plastic will do a better job of keeping insect larvae out.
   Tip: Unused suitcases are excellent for clothing storage and can be tucked conveniently under a bed.
   Tip: Line clothing containers with acid-free tissue paper. Regular tissue paper is acidic and will yellow over time, causing damage to fragile fabrics (like silk).
   

4. Store clothes in an area that’s clean, cool, dry and dark. Sunlight causes fabrics to fade, while excess heat encourages mildew-causing moisture — resulting in stale, musty-smelling clothes. The best place to store clothing is a dry location — this reduces risk of mold, mildew and bugs.
   Tip: Clean the area thoroughly before putting away your clothes.
   

5. Give hanging clothes room to “breathe.” Put space between your clothes in the closet to reduce risk of mildew and wrinkling. Don’t use plastic or dry cleaning bags to protect your garments — the non-breathable material causes some fabrics to discolor. Instead, use an old, clean sheet or other piece of fabric to cover clothing and protect it from dust.
   Tip: If a garment has extra hanging loops, use them to prevent shoulders and sleeves from becoming misshapen.
   Tip: Wood, padded and wide plastic hangers work better than wire to hold the shape of hanging clothes.
   

6. Avoid hanging knit garments. Sweaters and other knit items can become misshapen if left hanging for long periods of time, so it’s best to keep them folded on a shelf or in a storage container. Your heaviest sweaters should be stowed on the bottom of the pile, with lighter items on top. Resist the urge to cram them in — loosely stacked clothing lets air circulate, reducing the risk of mildew; also, you’ll have fewer wrinkles to contend with when it’s time to unpack.
   

7. Use natural moth repellents. Mothballs are dangerous for both children and pets — the more so because the smell can be attractive to them. Instead, pack your clothes with cedar blocks, balls or chips. Cedar-lined chests are also effective, as are cedar hangers.
   Tip: For a sweet-smelling, all-natural moth repellent, hang lavender sachets or dried citrus peels tied in cheesecloth in your closets, stow them among your folded garments or tuck them into pockets.

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