(Updated 3/30/2025)
Looking for the best way to store clothes? Then, you landed in the right place. And who better to ask than an internationally accredited couture dry cleaner – Hallak Cleaners
Whether you are looking for at-home tips or professional storage, we got you covered. Although we provide long-term storage (cold and box seasonal items), Hallak understands that some people prefer at-home storage for their clothing items.
Below, we offer seasonal storage steps and every day organization for clothing items. Make seasonal rotation simple with these steps with or without offsite storage.
Before You Store Clothing Items
By taking a few extra steps prior putting clothes in storage, you’ll be sure to maximize your efforts. Wouldn’t it be great to have organized seasonal clothing storage and free up some valuable closet space?
Step 1 – Declutter Your Wardrobe
Let’s take the first steps in your decluttering journey. Take stock of your items. What do you need? What do you want?
For items that you want to sell, consider their condition, style, and market demand. In-style and fashion (in good condition) are perfect for reselling. (Fortunately, there are many online and in-person opportunities.) Research the market value to help negotiate pricing.
Donating clothes is a great way to give back to the community. Look for gently used items that are still in good condition and can benefit others. Clothes that no longer fit or items you haven’t worn in a year are good candidates for donation. Local charities, shelters, or thrift stores often accept clothing donations.
When deciding what to keep, be honest with yourself. Are you wearing this piece? Will you wear this? Hey, we’re not here to judge just here to help! (Our dresser drawers are full too!) Don’t waste space by adding unnecessary clothes in storage.
Step 2 – Clean Prior to Seasonal Clothing Storage
Yes, we are a dry cleaners so we must talk about cleaning. It is essential prior to any off-season clothes storage. By cleaning, you prevent dirt, dust, and stains from causing deterioration. If left uncleaned, stains can settle in. Or worse. Dirty clothes can attract bugs and other pests.
If any of the clothes for storage are in need of repairs, take care of them now. Otherwise, they will be sitting in the repair / alterations pile next season.
Step 3 – Seasonal Clothing Storage Space
Decide where you will be storing clothing (and accessories). Consider the quantity and types of seasonal clothes you own and the storage areas you have access to.
For many Manhattanites, additional storage solutions are necessary due to limited closet space. Ideally, your seasonal clothing is in a climate-controlled storage unit. Stored clothing should also not be in direct sunset to avoid fading and other issues. (Read: NO attics or basements. Way too much moisture and temperature fluctuations.) If possible, a separate closet is perfect. Easy access so you can rotate clothes by season. You can use a combination of acid-free storage boxes and the vertical space for items hanging.
Tips:
- For clothing items, avoid plastic storage bins and vacuum-sealed bags. When it comes to long-term storage, acid-free and natural fiber options.
- Absolutely no unfinished basements or damp basements. We would avoid even as a temporary location. (Out of sight, out of mind.)
Step 4 – Time to Organize Seasonal Items
You’re almost there! Organize your clothing items in a logical and systematic way. Some people prefer to categorize clothes by garment type. Others store by wearability. Fortunately, there is a variety of clothing organization containers to choose from. (Questions? Try one of the many organization specialists in the area.)
Example – The New York metro area’s fall weather fluctuates. When placing clothing items into a storage solution, leave some lightweight or your favorite sweaters easily accessible. You will likely need them before your heavier winter clothes are needed.
Contact a Hallak team member about storage today.
Seasonal Storage Tips
Properly storing your fashion items is crucial in maintaining their quality and life. The right storage solution positively impacts your items’ condition. Let’s jump right into some tips.
- Clean your items. Yes, it’s worth repeating. ‘Invisible food stains’ can attract pests that than lead to moth damage. (Agreed. Moth holes are so frustrating! Of course, weavers love them!)
- Invests in quality storage solutions. No plastic containers! Fortunately, there are plenty of options outside of these airtight containers. Consider a cedar chest (or closet), breathable garment bags, fabric storage containers, and more. (Cedar blocks, cedar hangers, and cedar balls are also great purchases!) Your fabric needs to breathe but still remain protected. Planning on hanging some clothing? Purchase padded hangers to prevent creases and maintain clothing shape.
- Footwear should be stored in their original boxes or some type of professional shoe box. The box should provide proper ventilation. It should also protect against dust and light.
- Store accessories such as handbags separately. Original dust bags are ideal! Be sure to stuff them with acid-free tissue paper to help maintain their shape. (If you no longer have the dust fabric bag, try a white, cotton pillowcase instead.)
- Check your storage space for signs of moisture, extreme temperatures, excessive sunlight and pests.
To Fold or Not to Fold
When it comes to storage, maximizing space and keeping things organized is key. Folding items is a great way to achieve both of these goals. There are several items that can be easily folded for storage, and here are a few examples.
Foldable: Shirts, pants, shorts, workout clothes, and casual summer dresses.
Folding Tips
Folding can feel like an art form you just quite haven’t mastered.
- Start with a flat surface: Find a clean, spacious area to work on, such as a table or bed.
- Purchase a folding aid: Ever see Sheldon fold on Big Bang Theory? While funny, his folding board is quite ideal! This type of tool acts as a helpful tool in creating precise folds. It also aids in uniformity so you have even stacks.
- Pay attention to collars and sleeves: Align these areas and smooth out any wrinkles or creases.
- Allow yourself time. Don’t rush through the folding process. This can result in uneven or sloppy folds. Patience is key in creating well-folded garments.
Be sure to check out our blog post on how to fold sweaters too!
Schedule your storage pick-up today.
Long-term Storage Solutions for Hanging Garments
Unsure of which items should be left for hanging? Coats, suits, delicate dresses and heavily ornamented items are perfect candidates. Hanging helps maintain their shape, reduces wrinkles, and allows for easier accessibility. (Heavily ornamented items can also become snagged on other fashion so be sure to store those separately.)
Bulky coats and jackets. Use sturdy, padded hangers.
Suits and blazers. Choose breathable suit bags or garment bags.
Formal or embellished dresses. Protect their structure and details with breathable garment bags. Consider purchasing extra-long garment bags for your evening gowns. Padded or velvet hangers are ideal for delicate items.
Moisture Protection
Let’s talk about protection against moisture. Moisture absorbers such as cedar sachets are a wonderful way to protect your seasonal storage (and current wardrobe).
Excessive moisture can lead to mold, mildew and unpleasant orders. Without moisture absorbers, excessive moisture can lead to damage to the fabric over time. Utilizing moisture absorbers help maintain a dry environment without clothing storage spaces. They are designed to specifically draw in and trap moisture.
Current Wardrobe Organization Tips
So you have your seasonal clothing storage handled? Then, let’s take a quick look at some every day clothes storage ideas:
When possible, organize clothes by season. Using one spot for storage? Organization is key when dealing with lots of clothes. For items not in current seasonal rotation, use fabric containers, shoe rack, a shelf basket, etc.
Purchase attractive storage options including fabric containers. (No plastic containers!) Consider choosing storage bins in varying sizes. For an open wardrobe, you will love all the stylish fabric boxes to choose from.
Invest in a cedar wardrobe for storage or a cedar storage bench. They aren’t just another beautiful piece of furniture. They look great but also serve a purpose!
Additional current wardrobe storage solutions:
- Fabric bags for delicate fabrics and handbags
- Cedar sachets, cedar hangers, and blocks
- Add moth repellent solutions and protect winter clothes
Long-Term Clothing Storage: At-home vs Professional
At-home storage offers convenience and accessibility. It allows individuals to have their clothing readily available whenever they need it. Additionally, it can be more cost-effective, as there are no fees. Your home clothing storage does come with limitations. Depending on your chosen space, fashion may not be safe from pests, humidity or the sun.
Professional storage solutions are designed with climate, moisture and pest’s protection in mind. They also offer additional security measures such as surveillance cameras and alarm systems.
Although your clothing will not be in your home, Hallak offers a quick turnaround. If you need to pull your items out of storage, give us a call. Learn more about our box and cold storage options today.
Mastering the Art – The Perfect Solution
Storing your clothing correctly is an essential part of maintaining a wardrobe.
If you’re storing at home, we hope that you found these tips helpful. Or maybe you find that a combination of both at-home and professional storage is ideal. If you need outside help, contact Hallak for your box and cold storage needs.
We hope you found our tips on the best way to store clothes helpful.
Schedule a pick-up now.
