It’s spring! Sun worshippers everywhere have been waiting for this season since the first cool breezes of fall. Closet space and drawer space seem to expand in the spring as warmer weather means far less layers than you have been wearing, especially if you live in a part of the country that actually experiences the full wrath of winter. It’s time to change out snow removal tools for gardening tools and snow boards for body boards. Before you do, though, be sure to store your winter gear so it will be in tip-top shape when you need it again. Below are some useful tips on storing your winter gear for spring hibernation.
Clothing
- Don’t store anything you know you will not use next winter. If you didn’t wear it, you probably won’t next winter either. If you wore it almost every day and it shows, it may be time to get rid of it – not store it. Take inventory of the condition of your winter clothing and determine if it is worth keeping. If there are any old clothes that you keep putting aside and never wear or if you enjoyed the winter holidays a bit too much and pants don’t fit anymore, consider making a donation to an organization in need of clothing.
- If you going store it make sure it is clean! There is no need to go into the details about little microscopic critters that feed off of your dead skin cells, lay eggs, and produce larva inside fabrics and stay cozy for the next three seasons until you reach for them next winter. Be smart and clean your clothes before putting them away.
- Consider the fabric type for your clothing piece. Cashmere and fine wool garments need special care. The best place to store your natural fibers is in a dry area in a cedar lined closet or chest. Keeping them in drawers with cedar chips and lavender tossed in will also help. Moth balls will also help keep moths and mold away. If you need to put garments in the garage or attic, pack them loosely in clear plastic tubs with tight fitting lids. Include silica gel packets in the tubs to absorb moisture and help prevent any moisture damage.
- Snow boots are great for walking in snow and ice and keeping feet warm and dry, but chances are they are covered with salt and grime. Use a clean cloth and shoe brush to remove any wintery residue. Taking care of the things that take care of you will help them last for a long time to come!
Winter Sports Gear
You won’t need skis, snowboards, or sleds this spring, so you can swap those out for swim gear, bicycles, and kayaks. Proper skate and ski storage keeps these items from falling, being run over in the garage, or becoming tripping hazard. Lisa from Shine Your Light blog shows how to use inexpensive rubber coated hooks in your garage to organize your skis and skates and safely store them for spring hibernation.
Images via Shine Your Light
Snow Removal Tools
Snow showers aren’t likely in April, so you can safely store any of your snow removal equipment. Check out our snowblower guide for the perpetually snowed in for tips how to prepare your tools for extended storage in your CubeSmart cube.
Tell us what you think. Is there anything you do special for your winter gear storage?
