How To · Fashion · Care
How to Store Seasonal Clothing Without Damage
The difference between storage and neglect is climate control and a little forethought. Here's how to keep your seasonal pieces in wearing condition year-round.
5 min read · IrisSeasonal storage isn't complicated, but it does require intention. Whether you're packing away winter coats in May or summer dresses in September, the goal is the same: prevent moisture, block pests, and minimize wrinkles so your clothes emerge ready to wear.
The secret isn't expensive gear—it's understanding what threatens your clothes and creating an environment where those threats can't take hold. Here's exactly how to do it.
Clean garments before storage. Stains set over time, and oils attract pests.
What you'll need.
- 01Opaque plastic bins with tight-fitting lids
- 02Cedar blocks or cedar-lined storage boxes
- 03Acid-free tissue paper
- 04Silica gel packets or activated charcoal
- 05Lavender sachets or dried rosemary
- 06Thermometer and humidity meter
- 07Steamer or iron
Step one · 2 minutes
Clean everything before packing
Wash or dry-clean all garments before storing them. Dirt, body oils, and food residue attract insects and can set stains permanently during months of storage. Pay special attention to underarms, necklines, and cuffs—the areas where oils accumulate. Even clothes that look clean benefit from a gentle wash or airing out.
If you're storing delicates, hand-wash them in cool water with mild detergent, then air-dry completely before packing.
Step two · 1 minute
Choose the right container
Use opaque, airtight plastic bins or cedar-lined storage boxes. Avoid cardboard boxes, which absorb moisture and invite pests. Clear plastic bins let you see contents without opening them, saving time. Cedar naturally repels moths and other insects without harsh chemicals. Label every container with contents and the date—you'll thank yourself next season.
Avoid vacuum-seal bags for natural fibers like wool and silk; the compression can cause permanent creasing and damage delicate weaves.
Step three · 2 minutes
Fold strategically, not hang
Fold most pieces rather than hanging them. Hangers can leave shoulder marks and stress seams over months of storage. Fold sweaters, knits, and heavier pieces in thirds to minimize creasing. For structured items like blazers, fold them inside-out to protect the exterior. Store delicate pieces like silk blouses flat between acid-free tissue paper to prevent wrinkles and color transfer.
Fold along the grain of the fabric when possible—it's gentler than folding against the weave.
Step four · 2 minutes
Control moisture and temperature
Store clothes in a cool, dark, dry place—ideally between 60–70°F with humidity below 65%. Basements and attics are risky; they fluctuate with temperature and moisture. A bedroom closet or under-bed storage in a climate-controlled room is ideal. Add moisture absorbers like silica gel packets or activated charcoal to each bin. Replace them every few months if your climate is humid.
Never store clothes in plastic bags; they trap moisture and promote mold. Breathable containers are always better.
Step five · 1 minute
Add natural pest deterrents
Place cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or dried rosemary in each container. These repel moths and other insects naturally. Avoid mothballs—they're toxic and leave a chemical smell that's difficult to remove. If you're storing wool or cashmere, cedar is especially important since these fibers are moth magnets.
Refresh cedar blocks by lightly sanding them with fine-grit sandpaper to reactivate their scent.
Step six · 30 seconds
Refresh before wearing
When you pull clothes out of storage, hang them in a well-ventilated space for 24–48 hours before wearing. This allows any residual moisture to evaporate and helps release wrinkles. A gentle steam or light iron will finish the job. If anything smells stale, a quick wash or dry clean will restore it.
Don't store clothes immediately after wearing them; let them air out for at least 12 hours first.
How to know it works.
Your clothes emerge from storage in the same condition they went in: clean, unwrinkled, and free of odors or pest damage. You should be able to wear them immediately or with minimal refreshing.
Questions at the mirror.
Can I use regular plastic bags for storage?
No. Plastic bags trap moisture and promote mold growth. Use rigid plastic bins with ventilation or breathable garment bags instead.
How often should I check on stored clothes?
Check every 2–3 months, especially in humid climates. Open bins briefly to ensure no moisture or pest activity has occurred, then reseal.
Is it okay to store clothes in the garage or shed?
Not ideal. Garages and sheds experience temperature and humidity swings that damage fabrics. A climate-controlled closet or under-bed storage is much safer.
What should I do if I find moths or holes in stored clothes?
Dry-clean affected pieces immediately to kill any larvae. Wash all other items in that bin, replace cedar blocks, and move storage to a different location if possible.