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Closet Know-How: Storage Tips for Seasonal Clothing

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It's early October, which means it's time for me to put away my summer wardrobe and take out my warm winter clothes. As much as I feel cheated by the cloudy wet summer we had, I've got to get a grip on the fact that it's just too nippy for fun sleeveless tops and summer colors. It's time to exchange the whites and brights for the autumnal cranberry reds and chocolate browns of my fall/winter wardrobe. And once I see them again, I remember how much I enjoy the rich colors and cozy textured knits. In Vermont, it's never a dull moment with the wardrobe because you've got to have clothing for each distinct season. Just when I start to grow bored with my selection, it's time to switch! 

I also enjoy the process of editing my closet and getting it organized once again. There are always items to put away in storage so my closet won't be crowded (because there's nothing worse than fighting with my hangers to get to a piece of clothing, only to find it hopelessly wrinkled from being packed too tightly). In this case it's the summer dresses, sweaters, and shorts I won't wear again till next year, but I am never quite sure how to store seasonal clothes so they will look great the next time I want to wear them. How about all that white? And the expensive linen pants, or that pink and white dress? So this year, I inquired with my dry cleaner about the care of such items and they gave me the following suggestions:

According to Marc Gadue, owner of the well-known local Vermont business Gadue's Dry Cleaning, the most important points to remember about storing summer clothes are: cool, dry, dark and clean.

• Cool and dry: Clothing should be stored in a place that will be consistently cool and dry, without shifts in temperature that can lead to condensation. Many people make the mistake of storing off-season clothing in their basement or attic. Despite the need to get these items out of the way, basements and attics are two places in the home where temperature fluctuates most. Basements, in particular are prone to moisture.
• Dark: Light can be damaging to fabrics as well, especially to whites, so darkness is key for optimum preservation. A couple of years ago, I ruined one of my absolute favorite white blouses by storing it in one of those plastic containers with a clear bottom. When I unpacked it I was heartbroken to find that the collar and shoulders had yellowed. Now I know it was because those areas had been on the outside edge, where light had hit the side of the storage bin.
• Clean: It is also important to clean the clothes before storing them because insects are not attracted to the fabric itself but to food sources on the fabric. Clean clothing stored in boxes, in a cedar trunk or in a closet, is your best bet at preventing fabric damage. In fact, Gadue's happily provides storage boxes for folks who bring their seasonal clothing to be dry cleaned. For more information about Gadue's locations and services, visit www.Gadues.com

It eased my mind to understand the best way to store my clothing, as well as the importance of professionally cleaning my summer best before I pack it away till next year. This way I don't have to wonder what disasters I'll find when I dig them out again. And now for the fun part: mixing, matching and creating outfits with my fall wardrobe and looking for accessories to update the basics. It's not the same as sandals and summer skirts, but a favorite sweater is the perfect thing on a crisp autumn morning.