The first cool morning of fall is the signal: it’s time to swap your closet. Knowing how to store summer clothes the right way means your shorts, sundresses and swimsuits come out next spring clean, fresh and ready to wear, instead of musty, wrinkled or stained. The good news is that it only takes an afternoon and a few simple supplies.
Here is a step-by-step seasonal closet swap guide you can follow this weekend. Set aside two or three hours, put on some music, and clear a bed or table where you can sort. Once you know how to store summer clothes properly, the whole swap gets faster every year.
Folding and sorting is the heart of a seasonal closet swap.
Step 1: Wash Everything Before You Store It
This is the step people skip, and it’s the one that matters most. Clothes that look clean can still hold sunscreen, sweat, body oils or tiny food spots. Over a few months in storage, those spots can turn yellow or attract pests.
- Wash or dry clean every item, following the care label.
- Check for stains under good light and treat them before washing.
- Let everything dry completely. Never store clothes that are even slightly damp, because trapped moisture can lead to mildew and odors.
- Empty pockets and close zippers so fabric doesn’t snag.
Step 2: Sort Into Keep, Donate and Toss
Before anything goes into a bin, decide whether it deserves the space. Try each questionable piece on, or ask yourself honestly whether you wore it even once this summer. Set up three piles, or better, three bags, so you can sort fast without second-guessing.
- Keep – items you wore this summer and want next year.
- Donate – clean, wearable pieces that no longer fit or that you didn’t reach for.
- Toss – stretched-out, torn or permanently stained items.
Sturdy bags make the donate and toss piles easy to carry out to the car. Our LD trash bags come in thicker options, such as the 33–38 gal, 1.5 mil size, which holds a good armload of clothing for a donation drop-off. Tie them closed and label the donation bags so they don’t get mixed up with the trash. For more ways to put bags to work around the house, see how to organize with plastic bags and liners.
How to Store Summer Clothes: Fold or Hang?
Most summer clothes are lightweight, which makes them easy to fold and stack. As a rule of thumb:
Fold these
- T-shirts, tank tops and shorts
- Knits and stretchy fabrics, which can lose their shape on hangers
- Swimsuits (fully dry, laid flat)
- Casual cotton dresses
Hang these
- Linen shirts and pants you don’t want creased
- Structured dresses and light blazers
- Anything that wrinkles badly and is hard to iron
If you hang clothes in a storage closet, use breathable fabric garment covers rather than sealing them tightly, so air can move around the fabric.
Choose the Right Storage Containers
The container you choose depends on where the clothes will live for the next six months.
Breathable fabric bins
Cloth bins and cotton storage bags let air move, which helps prevent stale smells. They work well in climate-controlled closets and under beds inside your living space.
Plastic bins with lids
Plastic bins keep out dust and are easy to stack. They are a good choice for spots with more dust or the occasional bug, but they also trap any moisture inside. That’s why washing and fully drying your clothes first is so important. You can tuck a clean cotton pillowcase or a sheet of acid-free tissue between layers for extra protection.
Wherever you store bins, choose a cool, dry place. Damp basements and hot attics are hard on fabric. For more container ideas, browse our list of plastic storage solutions for an organized home.
Choose a cool, dry spot and leave a little room in each bin.
Keep Clothes Fresh Until Spring
A few small habits help clothes come out of storage smelling clean:
- Add cedar blocks or sachets. Many people tuck cedar or dried lavender into bins for a fresh scent. Lightly sand cedar blocks each season to refresh them.
- Skip mothballs indoors. Their strong smell lingers in fabric and is hard to wash out.
- Don’t overpack. Stuffed bins crease clothes and leave no room for air.
- Keep plastic bags away from kids and pets. If you use bags while sorting, store or discard them safely. Our plastic bag safety guide explains why.
Label, Rotate and Check Mid-Season
Label every bin with what’s inside and which family member it belongs to, such as “Kids’ shorts and swim” or “Mom’s summer dresses.” A quick label saves you from opening every box next April.
Store the bins you’ll need first, like light layers for early spring, at the front. Then set a reminder to check them once in midwinter. Open each bin, look for signs of moisture or pests, and let the clothes air out for a few minutes. Catching a problem early is far easier than rescuing a whole bin in spring.
Finally, move your fall and winter clothes into the prime closet space you just cleared. Wash anything that has been stored since last year, and enjoy a closet that only holds what you actually wear right now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store summer clothes: plastic bins or fabric bins?
Both work. Fabric bins breathe better, while plastic bins keep out dust and pests. If you use plastic, make sure clothes are completely clean and dry first.
Can I store clothes in the attic or garage?
It’s best to avoid places with big temperature swings or humidity. A closet, under-bed space or interior shelf is usually safer for fabric.
How do I keep stored clothes from smelling musty?
Wash and dry everything fully, don’t overpack bins, choose a dry spot, and air clothes out during a midwinter check.
Planning a big donation run this weekend? Grab a roll of sturdy trash bags and make the closet swap a quick job.
