The Seasonal Swap: Transitioning Your Closet from Winter to Summer
As the days grow longer and the temperatures climb and stay consistently higher, it becomes time to refresh your wardrobe and overhaul your closet for summer. Organizing your closet for summer can seem daunting at first, but with a bit of planning and creativity, you can smoothly prepare your closet for the warmer months.
The friendly team at Apple Self Storage is here to give you the insights you need to transition your closet successfully. This guide will walk you through sorting, storing, and organizing your clothes, allowing you to make room for summer essentials and neatly stow away your winter wear.
Separating Summer Clothes and Winter Clothes
The first step in organizing your closet for summer is to separate your summer clothes from your winter clothes. This process involves looking at what you have and deciding what should stay and go into storage. You’ll also be able to easily identify items that need cleaning or repair before storage.
Begin by emptying your closet. Lay out all your clothing on your floor or bed and sort them into two piles: summer and winter. The summer pile should include lightweight fabrics, bright colours, and breathable materials like cotton and linen. The winter pile will consist of heavier fabrics, dark colours, and sweaters, coats, and scarves.
Organize Your Wardrobe
Organizing your wardrobe is another crucial step in transitioning your closet from winter to summer. Start by grouping similar items, such as tops, bottoms, dresses, and accessories. Consider sorting things by colour or occasion, with work clothes on one side and weekend clothes on the other. There’s no one way to do it—go with whatever feels right!
How To Maximize Your Closet Space
Consider using organizational hacks like shelves, bins, and hanging organizers to make the most of your closet space while storing winter clothing during summer. These can help you keep your clothes neat and accessible while maximizing your space. Here are a few ideas:
- Shelves and bins. Use shelves to store items like jeans, shorts, and T-shirts. Clear bins are great for smaller items like swimsuits and shoes. They allow you to see what’s inside and find what you need without having to open them up.
- Hanging organizers. These are perfect for dresses, skirts, and blouses. Hanging organizers can also be used for shoes and bags, clearing up floor space.
- Double rods. If your closet is big enough, installing a double rod system can instantly double your hanging space, allowing you to hang more clothes without overcrowding.
- Hooks and racks. Utilize wall space by adding hooks for hats, bags, and scarves. Over-the-door racks can also provide additional storage for shoes and accessories.
Declutter As You Go
Overhauling your closet is the perfect opportunity to declutter your wardrobe. Go through each item and ask yourself if it fits and matches your current style. A good test to run is to ask yourself if you have worn it in the last year. If not, it shouldn’t be taking up space in your closet! Decluttering your wardrobe as you go ensures that your closet is filled only with items you love and wear regularly, making it easier to find what you need and reducing clutter.
Make a Shopping List
Once you’re done preparing your closet for the warmer months, you can see what you have and might need to pick up from the store. Make a shopping list of any summer essentials you’re missing, such as:
- Swimsuits
- Sandals
- Lightweight tops
- Summer dresses
- Sunglasses
- Hats
Having a list helps you shop purposefully and avoid impulse buys, ensuring your wardrobe remains compact.
Clean and De-Wrinkle Your Clothes
Before you begin storing winter clothing during summer or hang up your new warm-weather wear, take the time to clean and de-wrinkle everything. Freshly laundered clothes will be ready to slip on when needed, and clean winter clothes will store better, reducing the risk of mold or pests.
For summer clothes that may have been stored away, use a steamer or iron to remove wrinkles and freshen them up. For winter clothes, consider dry cleaning heavier items like coats and jackets before packing them away.
Tips for Storing Winter Clothing During Summer
Proper storage of your winter clothes ensures they stay in good condition and are ready to wear when the cold weather returns. Here are some general tips for storing winter clothing during summer:
- Use the right containers. Store your winter clothes in breathable containers. Fabric bins or cotton garment bags allow air to circulate, preventing mildew. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture.
- Keep pests away. To deter moths and other pests, add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to your storage containers.
- Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing clothes in damp basements or attics. Choose a cool, dry place where the temperature remains relatively constant.
Are you having trouble visualizing how much space your clothes will take up? Use our unit size guide to get a clearer picture.
Rent Affordable Storage From Apple Self Storage
If you’re short on space for your extra clothes, renting a self storage unit can be a practical solution. Apple Self Storage offers affordable and secure storage options to keep your winter wardrobe safe until you need it again. Many of our facilities offer temperature-controlled storage units, which are kept in steady conditions all year long to prevent unnecessary damage.
Find the closest Apple Self Storage facility to get started today! For more information on how to set yourself up for success, explore our list of list of frequently asked questions or our packing supplies and tips page.