As much as you might hate to see summer’s long days and endless sunshine fade away, there’s plenty to look forward to in autumn. From colorful leaves to cozy sweaters to boots of all shapes and styles, fall has plenty to offer.
Since you won’t need those tank tops or sundresses again until spring rolls around, take the time to store your summer clothes and reorganize your closet for fall. Learn how you can easily transition your closet from summer to fall.
Reassess Your Summer Wardrobe
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If you’re in a rush to make the switch from summer to fall, it’s all too easy to push your summer gear to the back of the closet in favor of your cozy fall wardrobe. Instead of turning your closet into a disaster zone, take the time to sort through and reassess your summer wardrobe.
This is the ideal time to think about how well your closet worked for you over the course of the season. Start by giving every T-shirt, tank top, pair of shorts, and sundress a once-over. Did you wear it at all during the summer? Does it still fit you comfortably? How much wear does it have left? If you have clothing that you haven’t worn in over a season, that doesn’t fit, or that you’ve worn out completely, consider recycling, donating, or selling it. After all, clothes you can’t wear just take up valuable closet space.
Clean and Prepare Your Summer Favorites for Storage
After reassessing your summer wardrobe, it’s time to prepare your clothes for the long winter ahead. Even if you think all your summer clothes might be clean, take the time to wash or dry clean them one last time.
Small spots and spills might not look like a big deal now, but summer stains can be tough to remove. This is especially true for sweat, sunscreen, grass stains, and mildew, which will be even harder to get out several months down the road.
Find the Optimal Summer Clothes Storage Solution
Storing summer clothes during winter is a great way to open up your closet, as long as you take a smart approach to the storage process. Take the time to find the ideal storage solution for your summer wardrobe so it’s in excellent condition when you’re ready to wear it again next year.
Start by folding tops and bottoms neatly and placing them in plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. Avoid using cardboard boxes, as they can attract insects that might damage your clothes. For dresses and other items you prefer to keep hanging, consider storing them on wooden or plastic hangers in a rolling garment rack.
If your closet is particularly large, you might be able to keep your summer clothes tucked away there. If you’re short on space, move your summer wardrobe into the climate-controlled area where you store your winter clothes. Follow the same rules of thumb that you would for sweater storage or winter clothes storage, and keep summer clothes away from extreme heat, direct sunlight, and moisture.
Organize Your Fall Closet
Once you’ve safely stored away your summer wardrobe, it’s time to make space in your closet for crafty sweater organization, shoe racks for your boots, and other fall necessities. A little planning can go a long way toward keeping you organized and well-dressed throughout the season.
First, know what to hang up and what to fold neatly. Use wooden, plastic, or padded hangers to hang blouses, tops, jackets, and dresses to keep your clothes organized and easy to see. Sort your jeans, trousers, and skirts by color or occasion, and hang them neatly next to your tops and dresses. Opt for folding instead of hanging for fall sweater storage, since heavy sweaters can stretch and lose their shape when hung.
Make the Most of Your Storage Space
From built-in closet components to store-bought bins to DIY projects galore, you have nearly limitless potential to make the most of your closet. Consider taking your fall sweater organization to the next level by storing them with great-smelling cedar sachets. Take up your lingerie storage a notch by adding a satin lining to the drawer.
If you’re feeling crafty, install a pegboard inside your closet, and create spots to hang belts, scarves, and even jewelry. Use every inch of your closet by adding more rods for hangers, installing shelves and bins for sweaters or pants, and finding space for shoe and boot racks.
From cleaning up your summer clothes to organizing your fall wardrobe, you can make this seasonal transition easier than ever. Storing winter clothes during summer or vice versa is a smart way to free up space, streamline your morning routine, and keep your wardrobe fresh all year long.
