Why your summer clothes should go now
In winter, jumpers, cardigans and winter jackets take up far more space than T-shirts and shorts. Keep both in the wardrobe at once and it gets cramped, and no slim hanger changes that much.
Clear out your summer clothes and you gain whole shelves. Plus, in the morning you only see what you can actually wear in the cold.
What to store now and what stays
The rule of thumb: anything that only makes sense in the heat goes. Anything you can wear under a jumper or jacket stays.
| What happens | Typical items |
|---|---|
| Goes into storage | Shorts, summer dresses, light skirts, linen shirts, tops, swimwear, sandals, sun hats |
| Stays in the wardrobe | T-shirts for layering, jeans, shirts, light cardigans, a mid-season jacket |
| Stays if you’re travelling | A few light pieces for a holiday in the sun |
Wash first: really everything
This is the most important step, and the one people skip most often. Even a T-shirt you only wore once belongs in the wash before it disappears into a box for months.
The reason: sweat, deodorant and sunscreen are often barely visible when fresh. Over the months, though, the residue can set into stains that are hard to wash out. On top of that, clothes moths are attracted to skin flakes and sweat.
Drying matters just as much. Anything that goes into the box even slightly damp will smell musty by spring or, at worst, go mouldy. Better to leave everything hanging a day longer.
From our experience: at SaveSpace, we regularly see clothes go into storage unwashed because it has to be quick. The bill arrives in spring: stains that weren’t visible before and a musty smell. That one extra load of washing in autumn is worth it.
The right packaging
In storage, clothes need two things: protection from dust and damp from outside, but no moisture trapped inside. Not every kind of packaging manages both.
| Packaging | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Plastic box with a lid | Most summer clothes: keeps out dust and pests and stacks well | Only completely dry clothes go in, or the moisture stays inside |
| Cotton garment bag or pouch | Dresses and shirts that should hang, plus leather and delicate fabrics | Breathable, but less protection from damp outside |
| Vacuum bag | Sturdy cotton and synthetics when space is tight | Not for leather, silk or anything that shouldn’t crease |
| Cardboard box | Short periods in dry rooms | Absorbs moisture and goes soft, so better not in a basement |
| Plastic bag or dry-cleaning cover | Getting things home | Not for storage: moisture builds up underneath |
How to pack properly
The right box is only half of it. How you pack decides whether things come out smooth and fresh in spring.
- Don’t overfill: a crammed box creates deep creases and no air reaches the fabric. Better to use one more box.
- Heavy items at the bottom: jeans and thick fabrics below, light and delicate things on top.
- Roll or fold loosely: T-shirts and shorts roll up compactly. Fold linen and dresses loosely or hang them.
- Tissue paper for delicates: placed between silk, viscose and fine fabrics, it prevents creases.
- Shoes separately: shoes go in their own box or bag, not between the clothes.
- Label the sides: in a stack you only see the sides of the boxes. Write the contents there and take a photo before closing the lid.
- Off the floor: especially in a basement, put boxes on a shelf or pallet and leave a little space from the wall.
Items that need extra care
A few summer pieces are especially unforgiving of storage mistakes.
| Item | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Swimwear | Rinse out chlorine and salt water thoroughly, dry completely, store flat |
| Whites | Wash especially thoroughly: sweat and deodorant residue can turn into yellowish stains over winter |
| Linen | Fold loosely or hang so it doesn’t get hard creases |
| Silk and viscose | In tissue paper, in a cotton bag or hanging in a garment bag |
| Leather sandals | Clean, dry, condition and store with air around them, never airtight, or leather can go mouldy |
| Trainers and canvas shoes | Wash or brush, dry completely, stuff the toes with paper |
Checklist: storing summer clothes
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Where to put it all
Ideally somewhere dry, dark and not too warm. Which place fits depends on how much there is.
| Place | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Under the bed | One person’s summer clothes, in flat boxes | Boxes with lids against dust |
| Top of the wardrobe and suitcases | Light items; suitcases are empty in winter anyway | Nothing heavy above head height |
| Basement or attic | Lots of space, if the room is genuinely dry | Damp and temperature swings; never put boxes directly on the floor |
| Storage unit | When more comes together: garden furniture, bikes, beach gear, children’s clothes for later | Only worth it above a certain amount |
Honestly: you don’t need a storage unit for one box of T-shirts.
In spring: unpack and air out
When you take things out again, hang them up for a day to air out first. If they went in clean and dry, that’s usually enough.
If something smells musty or you spot a stain, wash it before wearing it. And then it’s time to do it the other way round: now the winter clothes go into storage.
When a storage unit makes sense
A storage unit doesn’t replace the box under your bed. It pays off when more than clothes needs a place in autumn: garden furniture, a parasol, bikes, camping gear, children’s clothes for the next size up. Especially in small apartments without a dry basement.
Then you use it all year: in autumn, the summer clothes move in; in spring, they swap places with the winter clothes and ski gear.
To see how this works at SaveSpace, read about storing seasonal items. If your main problem is a small apartment, take a look at our page for city residents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to wash clothes before storing them?
Yes, everything, even what you only wore once. Sweat, deodorant and sunscreen residue can set into stains over the months, and clothes moths are attracted to skin flakes and sweat.
Do I need to wash them again after storage?
Not necessarily. If they went in clean and dry, airing them out for a day is usually enough. If they smell musty, wash them before wearing.
Can summer clothes go in vacuum bags?
Sturdy cotton or synthetic pieces, yes, as long as they’re completely dry. Leather, silk and anything that shouldn’t crease, better not.
Can I store clothes in cardboard boxes?
For a short time in a dry room, yes. In a basement or for several months, plastic boxes with lids are the better choice, because cardboard absorbs moisture.
Can I store clothes in the basement?
Yes, if it’s dry and the temperature doesn’t swing much. If it smells musty or you see mildew spots on other things, find a different place.