Clearing your closet of winter wear? Follow these tips
With sunshine comes spring cleaning. And with spring cleaning comes as good a time as any to reevaluate our closets. That doesn't necessarily mean a major overhaul, but for many, it does mean clearing out wool pants and winter sweaters for capris and halter tops. If you're doing as much, consider these five tips from Elizabeth Bean Smith, local stylist and co-owner of Wardrobe Therapy.
- Keep your clothes like new
Empty all the pockets, and launder or dry clean everything. Avoid starching, because the starch can actually collect bugs. And don't store items in dry-cleaning bags, which can collect mold because dampness may be trapped inside upon return from the cleaner.
- Store in a cool, dark and dry place
Garages and attics are not good places to store clothing. Use an extra room or finished basement if possible. If you can't do that, consider putting items in plastic storage containers beneath your bed or on top shelving in your closet.
- Group your clothing by fabric
Put the wool with the wool and so on. Suede and leather definitely need to be stored separately, as they are protein fibers and can easily attract bugs. Use a cedar moth ball in the area where storing items, but not directly on the items. (The Container Store has one that looks like a teabag for about $5 that Smith recommends.)
- Use appropriate containers
If you are storing items for less than six months, clear plastic will do. If you're storing items for more than six months, consider using canvas.
- Avoid wire hangers
Yes, if you dry clean your items as suggested, it would be easiest to leave them on the wire hangers. But the hangers can cause shoulders to deteriorate or pants to crease. Plastic hangers work better.