Best Ways To Store Winter Gear
Despite the current monsoon that seems to be taking over Southern California, winter is coming to an end. With warmer weather on the horizon, I love to use this opportunity to remind everyone (and myself) of the options you have for storing winter gear.
In fact, this was one of the steps I recommended in my Spring Cleaning blog. Following the blog, I received several DM’s with questions like, “what if I am working with a small space?” or “my closet easily fits all of my seasonal apparel, do I still need to do this?” For the former question, my favorite part of organization is it can be accessible for anybody (no matter the size of the space). Regarding the latter question, like everything in organization, do what fits you, your belongings, and your space best. With that, even if you aren’t storing your winter gear in alternate areas of your home, there are still ways you can separate it from your warmer weather apparel. Before we get into that, let’s go over everything I suggest you do with your winter gear right now.
STEP 1: REMOVE
I have a feeling you might have guessed this part. No matter the directions you want to go with your winter apparel, it is so incredibly important you take time to remove all of it from your dresser, shelves, and closet. This includes everything from UGG boots to snowsuits.
STEP 2: SORT
This step is probably going to be a touch easier than your typical sorting process (since you already know it’s all under the label “winter”). I still suggest you take a little time to separate your clothing, accessories, and boot/shoes (for example you’ll probably want all bulky sweaters to go together).
STEP 3: CLEAN
In my personal opinion, there is no season where your belongings take as big of a beating as they do in winter. While your clothes are probably good to go, I suggest you use this step to wipe off any excess mud, snow, or leaves that are taking space on your shoes and accessories. If you choose to wash them in the washer and dryer, give them a quick wipe first and make sure they won’t be compromised in the washer/dryer.
STEP 4: EDIT, EDIT, EDIT
This step is dedicated to honest evaluation. I think we have all experienced the feeling of seeing a sweater and thinking “wow, I am not sure if I have worn this one in years,” or you stumble across a sock with a missing partner. If this is the case, it’s time to let them go. I am not suggesting you force yourself to say goodbye to pieces you still want in your wardrobe, but make sure you are keeping the items that spark joy in your present life. If the edited out pieces are still intact, I highly encourage you to donate to a shelter that’s local to you.
(BONUS) STEP 5: PROTECT & PREVENT
This step is absolutely optional, but I do think you will find it helpful. There is nothing more disappointing than opening your winter storage boxes, only to find several holes from moths. I love placing an environmentally friendly moth repellent, like a sachet of cedar, cinnamon, or lavender inside each box. Now, when it comes to boots/shoes, I am all about preventing an odor. Try a charcoal odor buster inside your shoes to combat any potential smell!
STEP 5: STORE
Now because you are probably working with different categories, your process with storing each will likely be different. Due to this, I will break down my top storage suggestions for “Winter Clothing” and “Winter Accessories.”
WINTER CLOTHING
Under The Bed: I won’t lie, this option might be one of my favorites. Step one is to find a fold you love (take a peek at my reel on folding sweaters for one of my favorite folds). Once you have achieved this, you can either store your apparel in an Underbed Zippered Storage Bag or a Long Underbed Box. They are both super easy to slip under your bed!
Shelf: If you are working with plenty of shelf space and higher ceilings, you might want to utilize Weathertight Totes. I recommend separating them by item (sweaters, cardigans, coats). Take it one step further by labeling the outside of the storage box.
Separation: If you are an individual that would prefer not to “store away” your winter apparel, I suggest using one of two options to separate said apparel by season. I love these stackable bins (you can place them on the floor of your closet or a shelf). I would simply label the ones you use as “winter.” You also have the option of placing all winter apparel options to one side of your closet and you can use division closet rods to cleanly separate them.
WINTER ACCESSORIES
BOOTS: When it comes to your winter boots, you are ultimately left with the decision between “display” or “hide away.” Either way, you will want to prioritize maintaining the integrity of the boots. Due to this, if you are displaying your boots either on the floor of your closet or a higher shelf, use Boot Shapers or a Boot Rack to keep their structure. If you are storing them, I would suggest carefully placing them in a Long Underbed Box for them to go under the bed.
MITTENS/GLOVES/WINTER SPECIFIC ACCESSORIES: You already know how much I love utilizing vertical space when it comes to organization, so it should come to no surprise that my first suggestion is using an Over The Door Rack. I love this Elfa one for storing a variety of items. You can easily fold mittens in one container, gloves on another, and hang hats or scarves on the hanging portion. Similar to your apparel, you absolutely have the option of keeping your winter items in your dresser year round. If you go this route, I suggest drawer dividers to keep accessories like your winter gloves, mittens, and bulky socks separate.
HATS: I know I mentioned hats in the previous section, but I do think it’s worth discussing them on their own as well. If you have 1-2 hats that you love for Winter, I do think the Elfa rack will be perfect for you. With that, if you are working with a whole inventory of hats, I would suggest finding a way to safely display them. I love classic hat stands that you can place on a shelf in your closet. I also love using a wall in your bedroom or closet to hang to mount wall hooks. Place a hat on each hook and it will end up looking so clean and aesthetic!
SCARVES: Similar to hats, I feel as if scarves need a little extra attention. What I love about scarves is you truly have so many options. Like I have mentioned, keeping them in your drawers and separating them via drawer dividers or storing them in the door rack, are both amazing options. If you are working with lighter scarves, I love to tie them on a scarf organizer that you can easily hang in your closet. If the scarves are a little bulkier, experiment with stackable drawers to store them on a shelf! Remember, organization is all about playing around until you find a sustainable and supportive option for you!