Your Winter Wardrobe Storage Guide (Leave Behind Musty Smell or Closet Chaos)

Store Winter Wardrobe the Right Way

Spring is here — and you’ve officially survived another Canadian winter. 

Now it’s time to swap out the bulky layers and make room for spring clothes.

But before you cram your parkas into a bin and shove them under the bed (you know who you are), let’s talk about winter wardrobe storage done the right way. Because if you take a few extra steps now, you’ll thank yourself in six months when everything still smells fresh, fits properly, and hasn’t been eaten by mystery critters.

As a professional organizer, I’ve seen all the winter wardrobe storage mistakes — sweaters stuffed in damp basements, moth-eaten scarves, boots that went in salty and came out ruined.

The good news?

With just a bit of prep, storing your winter wardrobe can be fast, tidy, and stress-free.

Here’s how to do it.

✅ DO: Clean Everything First — Yes, Everything

Before you store anything, make sure it’s clean.

Even if it doesn’t look dirty, oils from your skin, bits of food, and road salt can attract insects and set stains that are almost impossible to get out later.

Do this:

• Wash or dry-clean all clothing, including scarves, hats, gloves, and coats.

• Wipe down boots and shoes with a damp cloth. Use leather conditioner or waterproofing spray as needed.

• Make sure everything is completely dry before storing. Moisture = mildew!

Quick win: Pop your gloves and beanies into a laundry bag and run them through the wash on a gentle cycle.

❌ DON’T: Skip the Declutter Step

This is the perfect time to rightsize your winter wardrobe.

If you didn’t wear it all season,

Ask yourself:

• Did I wear this at all this winter?

• Does it still fit?

• Does it suit your style?

• Would I buy it again?

• Is it still in good shape?

  
  

Toss the stretched-out scarves, donate the duplicate hoodies, and let go of anything that felt like a chore to wear. Let future you open a bin full of only things you love!

✅ DO: Choose Smart Winter Wardrobe Storage

Say goodbye to cardboard boxes and garbage bags.

These don't protect well, and they don’t stack nicely.

Better options:

• Clear plastic bins with lids: Ideal for long-term storage, especially in basements or closets. Add cedar balls or lavender sachets to keep pests away.

• Breathable fabric bags: Great for wool or cashmere items that need airflow. Store them under beds or on top closet shelves.

• Vacuum-seal bags: Use sparingly — they’re space-saving but can crush natural fibers like wool or down.

Pro Tip: Label your bins clearly (e.g., “Winter Outerwear,” “Wool Sweaters,” or “Ski Gear”) so you’re not digging around next December.

❌ DON’T: Ignore Your Boots and Accessories

Before you toss your boots in the hall closet, take two minutes to prep them.

• Stuff boots with paper or boot shapers to help them hold their shape.

• Wipe out the inside if they’ve been worn without socks (yes, it happens).

• Store scarves, mittens, and hats in mesh zip bags or fabric bins to keep them contained but breathable.

✅ DO: Store in the Right Place

The best spot is cool, dry, and dark. 

Basements are okay if they’re not damp.

Avoid garages or attics unless they’re temperature-controlled — heat and moisture are fabric’s worst enemies.

Good options:

• Under-bed bins

• Top shelves in bedroom or linen closets

• Clear hanging organizers for smaller accessories

✅ DO: Create a “Back in Rotation” Bin

This is one of my favourite tricks: pack a small bin with items you’ll need early next season — think gloves, a light toque, your rain boots, or transitional jackets.

Label it something like “Open First – Fall” and keep it accessible.

You will love this.

✅ DO: Remove Odors from Items You Can’t Wash

Because some favourites are just too delicate (or too stubborn) for the laundry machine.

👟 For Sneakers, Boots & Leather Items

✅ Use dryer sheets or baking soda to absorb odors.Tuck a dryer sheet or a small baggie of baking soda inside shoes or boots overnight. The baking soda neutralizes smells, while the dryer sheet adds a clean scent.

Real-life fix: A client’s teenage grandson’s sneakers were banned from the front hall until she tried this — now they live peacefully by the door again.

🧤 For Leather Gloves

✅ Try the freezer trick. Place leather gloves in a sealed zippered plastic bag and leave them in the freezer for 24–48 hours. This helps kill odor-causing bacteria without damaging the leather.

Pro tip: Let the gloves come to room temperature before opening the bag to prevent condensation.

🧣 For Cashmere Scarves, Wool Sweaters & Delicate Knits

✅ Use the freezer for gentle deodorizing. Cashmere and wool can be freshened in the freezer too. Seal the item in a bag (zip-top or garment bag), freeze for 48 hours, then air it out in the sunlight to eliminate mustiness.

Why it works: Cold temps kill bacteria, and sunshine naturally deodorizes and freshens fabrics — no harsh chemicals needed.

✅ Final Reminder: Dry Everything Thoroughly

Use freezer method for sweaters, sneakers, leather gloves

✅ DO: Protect Your Clothes from Moths, Light, and Scents

Storing your winter wear the right way means it’ll be fresh and ready to go when the cold winds return. Here’s how to do it right:

🧼 Choose the Right Storage

✅ Use breathable fabric bins or cotton garment bags.Plastic traps moisture and invites mildew. Fabric breathes, keeping your clothes fresh.

Real-life example: I once opened a plastic bin in June and was greeted by the unmistakable scent of “old attic.” Never again.

🚫 Avoid: Hanging Your Sweater

✅ Fold and store them flat. Hangers can stretch out knits and leave those dreaded “shoulder horns.”

Try this: Stack two or three max per pile, sorted by thickness.

🌿 Use Cedar for Natural Moth Protection

✅ Tuck in cedar blocks or cedar-scented sachets.They repel moths without the overpowering scent of mothballs.

Tip: Refresh cedar blocks every season with a few drops of cedar essential oil.

✨ Keep Different Fabrics Apart

✅ Sort by fabric type and texture.Avoid mixing delicate knits with coarse or embellished items.

Example: Don’t let your sequined holiday top rub against your cashmere—one will sparkle, the other will pill.

📦 Sort by Weight

✅ Store heavy coats on the bottom, lighter knits on top.This prevents delicate fabrics from being crushed.

Think of it like packing a grocery bag: eggs don’t go under the canned goods.

🪡 Line Metal Bins or Drawers

✅ Use pillowcases, old cotton sheets, or muslin cloths.They protect from snags and let your clothes breathe.

🚫 Avoid Vacuum-Sealing Natural Fibres

✅ Let your clothes breathe!Natural fibres like wool, cashmere, and cotton need air circulation.

Use: Breathable garment bags or lidded fabric boxes.

Finally: Add a Fresh Scent

✅ Lavender sachets keep clothes smelling lovely — and bugs hate them. Plus, they’re easy to DIY or buy in bulk.

❌ DON’T: Store in the Wrong Place

Store your winter clothes in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Store Clothing in a Dry, Cool Place with Good Ventilation

Ensure the area where you're storing your winter clothing is dry and well-ventilated. Avoid areas near heat sources or direct sunlight.

Avoid the Attic and Garage

Attics and garages are not ideal for clothing storage. These areas often experience temperature fluctuations that can break down fabric fibers over time.

Basements Are a Good Option (With Caution)

If you choose to store clothes in a basement, make sure there’s no risk of bugs or moisture. Using a dehumidifier to maintain a humidity level between 30% and 50% will help protect your clothing from mildew and other damage.

Make Life Easier for Next Fall and Continue Improving your Storage System

With these tips, you’ll enjoy a seamless transition from winter to spring, and when you pull out your winter wardrobe again, you’ll be greeted by fresh, well-preserved clothing. Keep improving your storage systems, and next fall will be a breeze.

• Set up a storage system that works for you.

• Use containers that are clear or color-coded. Labels can also help if you tend to forget what's in each box.

• Make sure you know what you have in storage before buying new. And save some space for new purchases!

• Set up a reminder in your calendar for when it's time to pack things away again next year

Storing your winter wardrobe properly will protect them so they last longer. And make life so much easier in the fall when it's time to bring them out again!

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Ready to Store Smarter?

Seasonal clothing swaps don’t have to be a chore.

They’re a golden opportunity to clear the clutter and fall back in love with your wardrobe.

Want more help?

If you’re staring down a mountain of coats and don’t know where to start, we can help. At In and Out Organizing, we help clients all over Toronto downsize, store smartly, and create calm from closet chaos — no judgment, just results.

📞 Let’s chat: Book your free 30-minute call