How to safely store winter clothes
Spring is coming on strong and, little by little, we're saying goodbye to the cold winter. Perhaps a change of wardrobe is already in the air? It's time to peel the layers off! We're here to give you all the tips for storing your winter clothes properly. Look how tidy everything is!
It's getting warmer and, although we're not quite there yet, we can start to put away those thicker and heavier garments and bring out the lighter ones. Whether your storage area is under the bed or in the garage, it doesn't matter. In this article, we show you how to use any available space to store your winter clothing and sports equipment safely. Our first tip? Choose the right type of boxes for each location and item. This way, you'll keep all your garments intact and in good condition for next winter. We'll tell you more!
The wardrobe
For many of us, the wardrobe is one of the few storage spaces available. All the more reason why it's important to use it effectively.
The top shelf, for example, is one of those areas that's worth taking advantage of, as it can offer you a lot of extra storage space. You can store your clothes there (always neatly folded) in cardboard or fabric boxes, which provide perfect ventilation for natural fibres such as wool. If you're also going to store your clothes in drawers, breathable storage bags will come in handy as they'll maintain adequate ventilation and protect your clothes from dust and dirt.
Want to know a trick for the smallest accessories? If you have to store items such as hats and gloves, organising them in smaller plastic bags is ideal. They're perfect for protecting them inside boxes and make it easier to find what you're looking for when it's time to unpack them again.
And for an extra touch, add some lavender or cedar blocks to keep pesky moths away. What's more, it will leave a very pleasant scent!
Under the bed
When you have very little storage space, don't underestimate the value of gaining a little more space under the bed. Add a pair of boxes or shallow drawers (even better if they have wheels) and fill them with clothes in individual storage bags (large paper bags will work as well). It's also a perfect place for shoes.
What's more, the space under the bed is perfect for storing clothes that are bulkier or more difficult to keep elsewhere. For example, it's great for duvet fillings, pillows and other bedding that takes up more space. It's also a perfect place for shoes!
To keep everything is perfect from one year to the next, don't forget to wash or dry-clean your clothes before packing them away for an extended period of time, and to clean and sanitise your shoes well and put a shoe tree in them to keep their shape.
The attic
Without a doubt, attics offer you more space. So make the most of it and look for large plastic boxes that you can stack as high as you need. They're perfect for areas that suffer from damp, and because they're transparent, you'll be able to see what's inside without having to unstack them and see inside whenever you need to find something.
Label the boxes that aren't transparent to indicate their contents. A rail and plastic covers for clothes are perfect for storing the garments you don't want to fold, and they also protect them from stains, dust and moisture.
The dressing room
In a smaller space, like a wardrobe, you need to think more strategically. Not everything needs to be stored in boxes. If your wardrobe is large enough, hang the most delicate items in clothes bags and put them at the end of the rail. On top, large fabric baskets are used to store smaller bags, hats, gloves and scarves.
Baskets made of natural materials ensure breathability; simply put accessories in cotton bags or clean pillowcases, and add blocks of cedar or lavender to prevent moths and other bugs from getting in.
The garage
Here's where you can store your heavy winter sports equipment. Add robust shelves for larger items like ski boots and ice skates, as well as boxes of clothes and other items.
Hang large hooks for larger things like hockey sticks and skis, and a rail to hang your coats and other winter clothing. Opt for durable plastic boxes for storage, and bags and covers for clothes. These are better at keeping away dirt and moisture.
Follow these tips and store your winter clothes in no time at all, with the peace of mind knowing that your clothes are safe and sound. Well, now that we've made room in the wardrobe, it could do with some reorganisation, don't you think? Here are some tricks for organising your wardrobe in a flash:
What did you think? Get inspired by these tidying and storage tips and enjoy an organised and functional home.
We love it when customers use our products in a creative way. Why not try to do something new with them yourself? But do remember, any modifications or changes that you make to IKEA products will prevent them from being resold or used for their original purpose, thus invalidating IKEA product warranties and your right to return them.
