How to Store Winter Clothes Without Wasting Space

Listen, I love the holiday season—and a cozy snow day? Yes, please. But I have to admit, there’s just something about that first warm breeze of spring. It instantly makes me want to toss my puffer coat in the back of the closet and bust out the short sleeves. We aren’t there yet, and I’m still hoping for a snow day, but to have this knowledge ready to go when the time comes- let’s chat about winter clothes storage.

As soon as I’m confident we’ve seen the last of the freezing temps, I start packing up my winter clothes. Naturally, it clears the space necessary for spring and summer pieces (I really had a moment with off the shoulder pieces, didn’t I??) without overstuffing the closet. And honestly, it just makes picking out an outfit feel a lot less overwhelming.

Over the years, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) how to store winter clothes the right way. And yes, there is a right way that makes life easier and clothes fresher. Think: keeping bulky sweaters from stretching out, coats staying fresh, and not cramming everything into one sad bin. It took a little trial and error, but I finally figured out a system that works.

So today, I’m sharing my go-to tips for storing winter clothes safely and compactly. Because more space means less stress and a happy spring wardrobe switch. Let’s dive in!

How to Store Winter Clothes Without Wasting Space

Whether you’re living in a roomy house or making the most of a smaller space, storing winter clothes is totally doable. You don’t need a giant walk-in closet to keep your cold-weather gear organized and protected.

Today I’m sharing my favorite practical tips for storing winter clothes and making space in your closet. Some of these storage ideas might surprise you, and they’ve been total game-changers in my own home.

I’m also walking you through how to keep everything fresh, clean, and ready to wear next winter. Because, let’s be honest, nobody wants to pull out musty or overstretched sweaters when the cold rolls back in!

When Is It Time to Store Winter Clothes?

This really depends on where you live. However, for most of us, late spring or early summer is the sweet spot for packing away winter clothes. Think anywhere between March and May. By then, cold snaps are pretty unlikely, and you’re probably not reaching for heavy sweaters or puffer coats anymore.

My personal rule of thumb? If I haven’t worn a sweater or winter coat in about three weeks, it’s my sign. I know it can get a little tricky living in the south—sometimes we experience all four seasons in one week! However, a solid stretch of warm weather indicates it’s time to pack up the cold-weather pieces and make room for my spring and summer wardrobe.

Where to Store Winter Clothes

Under the Bed

One of the most underrated clothing storage spots? Right under the bed.

Seriously—there’s so much space under there just waiting to be put to good use. It’s perfect for storing bulky sweaters, scarves, and thermal layers. Plus, laying things flat helps prevent stretching, so your clothes stay in great shape while tucked away.

I’m a big fan of under-bed storage boxes with wheels. They slide in and out easily (even when they’re full) and hold a surprising amount. Plus, the clear lids make it easy to see what’s inside. 

Top Shelf of Your Closet

Another sneaky-good spot to store your clothing? That top shelf in your closet.

It’s easy to forget about, but it’s perfect for stashing off-season clothes. I like to keep a small bin or two up there with folded knits, cashmere, scarves, and hats. That way, they’re still close by for those ‘just in case” chilly mornings. But most importantly, you don’t have tons of hanging clothes—meaning they don’t take up prime closet real estate.

Want to learn more about my closet space? Check out my blog post, “The Master Closet Makeover,” for organization inspiration.

Basement or Garage

Totally obvious… but still worth mentioning because it works so well. 

Your basement or garage can be a great place to store winter clothes, especially the bulky stuff. Just be sure to store everything in sealed bins to protect against moisture. And maybe set a reminder for early fall so you don’t forget what’s hiding down there. 

Future you will be very thankful when sweater weather rolls back around. 

How to Store Away Winter Clothes

Always wash (or dry clean) before storing.

It’s always a good idea to give your winter clothes a good wash before packing them away. Whether you’re using plastic bins, vacuum-sealed bags, or garment bags, storing fresh, clean pieces helps them last longer. And they’ll smell nice and clean when you pull them out next season.

For anything delicate or on the fancier side (looking at you, wool coats and cashmere sweaters), I recommend dropping them off for dry cleaning beforehand.

Use breathable storage and skip plastic when possible.

I know it might sound a little surprising, but plastic storage bins aren’t always the best choice when it comes to long-term clothing storage. While they’re super convenient, they don’t allow your clothes to breathe. And that can lead to musty smells or even mildew over time.

Instead, I opt for fabric bins, cotton garment bags, or any container that allows for a bit of airflow. Your sweaters and coats will thank you later!

Add natural moth protection.

Being totally honest here—there have been a couple of times where I’ve pulled out my winter clothes from storage only to find those dreaded little moth holes. The worst, right? It truly happens to the best of us. But thankfully, I’ve learned a few tricks to keep those pesky moths away.

Now, I always tuck a few cedar blocks or lavender sachets in with my folded clothes before they go into storage. Not only are they natural moth repellents (no harsh chemicals, here!), but they also leave everything smelling fresh. Total win-win! 

Wrap in acid-free tissue paper.

When it comes to storing delicate or higher-end pieces, a little extra TLC goes a long way. I always wrap these special items in acid-free tissue paper. You’ll want to tuck it between the folds and gently wrap it around the outside. 

This small step helps your clothing items hold their shape and prevents deep creases. Plus, it protects the fabric from discoloration or snags. It’s one of those easy habits that makes a big difference.

Store them in a cool, dry, dark place.

Heat, humidity, and sunlight? Not friends of your stored clothes. They can fade colors, break down fabric, and leave your favorite pieces looking a little sad when you unpack them.

The fix? Choose a cool, dry, and shaded spot for storage. Your closet or the space under your bed are great options. And if your basement, attic, or garage is temperature-controlled and dry year-round, those can work too. Just skip anywhere that feels stuffy, damp, or too sunny. 

Winter Clothes Storage Ideas

Vacuum-seal bulky items.

If your storage space is tight, vacuum-sealed bags are an absolute game-changer. They’re especially handy for packing away bulky winter items like chunky sweaters and those oversized blanket scarves.

Just fill them up, seal them shut, and vacuum the air out. You’ll be surprised at how they save space under the bed or on a closet shelf. Plus, they keep dust and moisture out—and even those pesky moths—when sealed properly. Store winter clothes in matching closet bins.

If you’re someone who loves an organized space that looks as good as it functions, matching fabric bins are such a win. They’re perfect for closet shelves because they’re easy to grab when the season changes. Plus, they give your storage that clean, clutter-free vibe we all crave.

To take it a step further, try labeling each bin and sorting by category. I like to keep sweaters in one, cold-weather accessories in another, and maybe even a “just in case” bin for those random pieces.

Want a peek at how I keep our home tidy without going overboard? Check out my post, “How to Keep Your Home Organized.” It’s full of real-life tips that actually work (even with kids in the house!).

Use your suitcases as hidden storage. 

Alright, this might sound a little unconventional—but hear me out! Those empty suitcases collecting dust in your closet? They make fantastic storage for winter clothes. If you’re not planning a big trip anytime soon, or you’ve got an extra you rarely use, put it to work.

I love using ours to store bulky items, especially when I want to free up space while keeping everything in one tidy spot. Bonus points if you use vacuum-seal bags first, then pop them inside the suitcase. It keeps everything neat and compact. Plus, it makes it super easy to unpack if you do end up taking a last-minute vacation. 

Store your winter clothes properly, make space in your closet, and preserve your favorite pieces for next season.

I get it—it’s so tempting to toss your winter clothes in a box, slap some tape on it, and call it a day. But trust me, taking just a little time to store things the right way and using some smart organization tricks? It makes a big difference.

When everything in my home has a place and feels tidy, I feel calmer and more put together. It’s like I’m actually winning at this whole adulting thing!

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