10 PRO TIPS FOR ORGANIZING AND CLASSIFYING CLOTHES BETWEEN SEASONS.
Written by Place Longueuil | May 12, 2022
Did the clothes pile up during the winter season? Have your children lost their 40th pair of mittens? Has winter left holes in the snow covers? Your hall closet is overflowing? If you answered yes to at least 2 of these questions, you really need to organize and classify the clothes of the whole family.
Take advantage of gray days to accomplish this task. The good news is that we have a few tricks to complete this mission like a pro.
ORGANIZE YOUR WINTER CLOTHES
1- CHECK THE CONDITION OF CLOTHES
Too small, too big, tight; plan a fitting session for the whole family… even for you! What clothes will still be good next year? Do you still have all your pairs of mittens? Are there clothes that are too damaged to be repaired? Sort the clothes into 3 piles: to be repaired, to be given away or sold, to be disposed of.
You could do the same exercise for winter boots.
2- GIVE / SELL THE CLOTHES THAT NO LONGER FIT
With the pile of clothes that won’t be able to last next winter, you have 2 choices: sell or give away. With online sales platforms, the process is simple and efficient. Take the pieces in photo and just add them with the price. If you decide to make a donation, several options are available to you depending on your region. Check with local organizations.
You can do the same exercise with adult clothes. Do you have a coat that you no longer wear? Sell it or give it away.
3- HAVE CLOTHES FIXED
Although it is very exciting to buy new clothes, some pieces like snow pants can be repaired and reused next season. Zipper, small hole and other repairs can be planned just before storing the clothes, so you will already be ready when the cold season returns!
4- TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SALES
To buy new clothes or accessories for next winter, there’s nothing better than taking advantage of the end-of-season sales this year. Make a list and visit the boutiques of Place Longueuil. Some accessories will still be trendy next year. Don’t wait, as they are often available in limited quantities.
5- CLEAN
Did you know that skin oils and calcium can damage clothes that have been stored too long? Before you put away your clothes, clean any that you’ll save for next year. This step is essential to properly protect the fibres. Coats, tuques, scarves, mittens; everything must be washed. And if your hall wardrobe is empty, take the opportunity to clean it out as well. With the return of sunny days, use your clothesline to air out all your clothes and dry them well.
STORING WINTER CLOTHES
Before proceeding with this step, be aware that once cleaned clothes hate being stored in the humidity. Avoid cardboard boxes and thin plastic covers from dry cleaning. Prioritize plastic or cotton storage to protect the fibres. Also, be sure to choose a room or location with acceptable humidity levels. If you can, prioritize wardrobes and bedspreads. The fibers should also be cut from direct light and direct sunlight.
6 - PREPARE BINS AND BOXES
If you have enough space, get 1 bin per family member. Identify it with their name or a distinct color. Prioritize plastic and fabric to wick away moisture. Roll the clothes, not too tightly to let the fibers breathe. If you have woolen coats, we recommend that you hang them up instead (next point).
7- CHOOSE THE RIGHT HANGERS FOR COATS
As your coats will stay on a hanger for a long time, prioritize hangers with a rounded shape at the bottom. You will be assured that the hanging coats will maintain a beautiful shape, especially if they are made of wool.
8- USE COVERS
To store your coats on hangers, you will also need covers. As mentioned above, plastic should be avoided because it creates a lot of humidity. Prefer cotton covers. You can even make your own cover by simply punching a hole in the center of a large piece of cotton fabric.
9- THINK ABOUT SMELLS
Nothing better than bringing out clothes that smell good in storage. Use dryer balls and add a few drops of essential oils. To dispel the myths, choose essential oils of cedar, eucalyptus or lavender.
Then drop them in your bins.
There are also little lavender-filled pouches to keep freshness in your clothes bins.
You can also place fabric softener sheets between the clothes.
10- ORGANIZE STORAGE
Before completing your big spring storage, think about how you will organize the clothes inside your bins. Place the small, thin beanies on top, as you’ll probably need them first in the fall. Do the same for mittens and coats. Waterproof pants on top and snowsuits underneath.
So all you have to do is plan your day and get to work. Ask for help from all your family members to do the job. Come fall, all fall and winter clothes will be ready and in good condition.
