Winter wardrobes can take up unwanted space during the warmer months, leaving you to look through bulky coats and thick jumpers to find your summer clothes. Seasonal storage solves this by giving your winter clothes an ideal space until temperatures drop again.
Storing winter clothes correctly prevents damage from moths, mildew, and moisture that can ruin coats, knitwear, and your favourite cold-weather pieces. Professional seasonal storage offers controlled environments that protect winter clothes from damage and free up valuable home space. Our home storage solutions offer secure conditions designed to protect the condition of seasonal clothing.
Preparing Winter Clothes for Seasonal Storage
Good preparation is key to successful seasonal storage. It prevents damage and keeps clothes fresh until you need them again.
Clean Everything Before Storage
Clean all winter clothes before storing them for the season, even if they appear spotless. Body oils, perspiration, and invisible stains attract moths and develop unpleasant odours during storage, potentially damaging winter pieces.
Different Cleaning Methods to consider:
- Machine wash items according to care labels
- Hand wash delicate knits and special fabrics
- Dry-clean wool coats, tailored jackets, and dry-clean-only items
- Air out items thoroughly after cleaning
Do not store winter clothes while damp, as moisture creates the ideal conditions for mould and mildew growth, which can permanently damage fabrics.
Repair Damaged Items
Fix any damage before placing items in seasonal storage, ensuring clothes are ready to wear when cold weather returns:
- Replace broken zippers on coats and jackets
- Sew loose or missing buttons back onto garments
- Repair tears or loose seams in fabrics
Addressing these repairs before storage will save time when you need winter clothes again and prevent minor damage from becoming larger issues during storage periods.
How to Pack Winter Clothes for Seasonal Storage
Intelligent packing techniques protect winter clothes and maximise space utilisation.
Folding vs Hanging Winter Items
Some winter clothes benefit from being folded rather than hung during seasonal storage. Heavy coats and thick jumpers can stretch on hangers over extended periods, losing their shape and fit.
Items to Fold:
- Wool jumpers and cardigans
- Fleece jackets and hoodies
- Knitted scarves and accessories
- Thermal layers and base layers
Items to Hang:
- Structured wool coats
- Tailored winter jackets
- Special occasion winter wear
Our boxes offer suitable hanging solutions for coats and jackets that require crease-free storage, available through our box and packaging supplies, with a convenient click-and-collect service.
Choosing Suitable Storage Containers
The selection of storage containers also impacts how well winter clothes survive seasonal storage:
- Plastic Storage Boxes: Rigid plastic containers with secure lids protect winter clothes from moisture, dust, and pests. Avoid overpacking boxes with bulky jumpers, as cramped conditions promote mould growth and permanent creasing.
- Wardrobe Boxes: Purpose-built wardrobe boxes keep coats and jackets hanging naturally, preventing wrinkles and maintaining garment shape during seasonal storage.
- Vacuum Storage Bags: Use vacuum bags selectively for space-saving purposes, but avoid over-compressing natural fibres like wool, which can lose their structure when heavily compressed.
Protecting Against Moths and Pests
Moths pose a threat to winter clothes during seasonal storage, especially to wool, cashmere, and natural fibre items.
- Place cedar blocks or lavender sachets in storage boxes
- Use moth-repellent products specifically designed for clothing storage
- Avoid mothballs that leave strong chemical odours in fabrics
- Ensure all items are clean before storage, as moths are attracted to body oils and food particles
Organising Your Seasonal Storage for Successful Winter Clothing Storage
Careful organisation makes accessing winter clothes effortless when you need them, whilst keeping everything protected during storage.
Label Everything Clearly
Clear labelling saves time and frustration when searching for specific winter items:
- Label boxes by clothing type (jumpers, coats, ski wear, accessories)
- Note contents on multiple sides for easy identification
- Include sizes for children’s winter clothes that may need replacing
- Mark boxes containing items you might need occasionally
Thoughtful Placement in Storage Units
Organise your storage unit to get convenient access to winter clothes during seasonal storage:
- Place frequently used items near the storage unit entrance
- Stack boxes with lighter items on top of heavier containers
- Create clear pathways between storage sections
- Group similar items together for efficient retrieval
Choosing the Right Storage Unit Size for Seasonal Storage
Selecting an appropriate storage unit size depends on the volume of winter clothes you’re storing:
- 10-25 sq ft units – Accommodate winter wardrobes for one or two people, perfect for coats, jumpers, boots, and winter accessories
- 50-75 sq ft units – Provide sufficient space for the entire family’s winter wardrobes, including children’s outgrown winter clothes you’re saving for younger siblings
- 100+ sq ft units – Ideal for combining winter clothes storage with other seasonal items, such as holiday decorations, camping equipment, or summer sports gear
Our size guide will help you choose the ideal unit for your seasonal storage needs, ensuring you get cost-effective solutions without paying for unnecessary space.
The Self Storage Company: Making Seasonal Storage Work for Your Wardrobe
At The Self Storage Company, we offer secure seasonal storage solutions across our UK locations, including Edgware, Hemel Hempstead, Waltham Abbey, Welwyn Garden City, and West Molesey. Our facilities offer the controlled environments, security, and convenience that winter clothes need during warmer months.
With storage units ranging from 10 sqft to 200 sqft, you can find the ideal space for your seasonal storage requirements. Our flexible monthly contracts allow you to adjust your storage needs as your wardrobe changes or combine seasonal storage with other household items.
Contact us to discuss your seasonal storage needs and learn how our self storage facilities can keep your winter wardrobe fresh, protected, and ready for when temperatures drop again.