The Great Wardrobe Swap: Storing Summer and Welcoming Winter

The days are getting shorter, The Great British Bake Off is back on our screens and the temperature has dropped, making us reach for those cosy jumpers and blankets. Its official - autumn is well and truly here.

If your wardrobe is short of space, you may have stored your winter wear elsewhere in your home. While swapping your clothes over may seem like a chore, it can be the perfect opportunity to hit reset and prepare for the cosy season with a clean slate.

The benefits of a Seasonal Wardrobe Swap

The main reason for swapping wardrobes with the seasons is space. Rather than having all items squashed together and hard to reach, rotating your clothes gives the current season’s items a chance to breathe and be easily selected. It also prevents hanging items becoming crumpled and needing to be ironed again.

As well as saving physical space in your wardrobe, only having that season’s clothes in your main wardrobe saves time getting ready in the morning. It makes it easier to find what you're looking for, and with fewer items to choose from, you significantly reduce decision fatigue each day. Less time spent deciding on the day’s outfit leads to a smoother morning and more time for the things we love!

Even if you are fortunate enough to have a dressing room or walk-in wardrobe, the clothes relevant to the season need to be the most accessible to help your morning routine flow, so some simple rearranging might be all you need.

The Summer Send-Off: Declutter and Prepare

Packing up your summer wear on autopilot can result in storing more than you need, taking up valuable space in your home. Being more intentional with your clothing and only storing the items you love reduces the clutter you’ll face next year.

Only Store What You Love

Before folding a single piece, select a category (such as summer dresses) and evaluate each item within it. This step is about protecting your future time and storage space from clothing you won't wear again. Ask yourself:

• Did I wear the item this year? If the answer is no, it's highly unlikely you’ll choose it next year. Let it go.

• Is it in great condition? Look closely for stains, holes, or faded spots. If it can’t be mended or made good, it’s not worth storing.

• Does it fit well and make me feel good? Would I buy it now if I didn’t already have it? Prioritise the items you love!

  
  

If the answer to any of these questions is no, it’s time to donate, sell, or recycle it.

Your Future Self Will Thank You: Clean Before You Store

Ensure everything is clean before storing items away to prevent staining and odours. Moths and pests are attracted to invisible oils and perfumes so anything that has been worn since it was last washed, even partially, needs to be cleaned before storing.

Smart Storage for Long-Term Protection

Consider where your summer items will be located while they are not needed. Areas within the main part of your home, such as another wardrobe in a spare room, space under your bed or an ottoman or storage bench, usually have the best conditions for storing clothing. If you need to utilise an attic, basement or garage where the temperature fluctuates, ensure you avoid any damp areas.

Next, consider your storage. Opt for breathable cotton storage bags to prevent odours in stable environments, or clear plastic containers with air-tight lids to prevent dust and pests if storing in a garage. Under bed areas can get very dusty so ensure sealed bags or containers are used here to prevent you from having to wash your clothes again at the start of the next season. Rarely used suitcases can cleverly double up as clothes storage to save on space. While vacuum bags are handy for saving space on bulky items, reserve them for non-delicate pieces that won’t end up crumpled and need re-ironing.

Autumnal wardrobe: Photo by Alyssa Strohmann on Unsplash

The Winter Welcome: Audit and Organise

It's time to bring your cosy wardrobe out of hibernation! As you unpack your jumpers, coats, and accessories, set up your closet for the coming season with intention. Evaluate what you are truly excited to wear and give those items priority in your space. If you pull out anything you wouldn’t choose now, declutter it immediately to save valuable wardrobe space. Decluttering items at the end of each season, when your feelings about them are fresh in your mind, will make next year’s unpacking much quicker.

Making Winter Dressing Easy

Store like items together so they are easy to find. Think jumpers in one section, cardigans together, base layers and so on. Designate a basket or drawer in your wardrobe or hallway for those important winter accessories: hats, scarves, gloves, etc so you can grab what you need with ease. Use this container to help you manage the quantity of accessories by only keeping the amount that will fit comfortably inside.

Final Seasonal Refresh Tips

• The Seasonal Crossover: Keep those seasonal cross-over items in your main wardrobe all year round. Think basic t-shirts, layering cardigans, denim jackets and everyday jeans. These bridge the gap between the seasons and if the weather fluctuates.

• The Whole Home: Remember your shoes! Pack away those beautiful sandals in favour of some snuggly winter boots. Also, don't forget the bedding! Swap out thin summer duvets and sheets for thicker, warmer blankets and duvet inserts and wash, dry, and store the summer bedding just like you have with your clothes.

• Life Season Check: As well as considering the weather seasons, think about your own life season and whether your clothing matches your current lifestyle and needs. Do you need lots of formal wear for work or are most of your days spent in more casual clothing? Are you seeking comfort or smartness? Tailor your wardrobe to the life you have now, rather than a past or future version of yourself.

And that’s it! Enjoy your newly organised, weather-appropriate wardrobe and your clean slate for the cosy season ahead.