Every season has its special qualities, but you can usually expect a change in temperature. And different temps mean you need different clothing options.
Now that we’re heading into spring and summer, we’re pumped to pull out our lightweight tees, shorts, and swimwear and say goodbye (temporarily) to cardigans, sweaters, and scarves.
Why Should You Swap Your Seasonal Clothes?
We recommend doing a seasonal clothing swap in your closet for a couple of reasons:
- Swapping your off-season clothes for your in-season clothes creates space and saves your closet’s “prime real estate” for the items you’ll be wearing the most over the next few months.
- To paraphrase international tidying expert Marie Kondo, a seasonal clothing swap gives your off-season clothes a chance to “rest” – which can help them last longer!
How to Swap and Store Your Seasonal Clothing
Ready to refresh your closet for the new season? Here are four steps to help you make the most of your seasonal clothing swap:
Step 1: Assess your clothes
A seasonal swap is a great time to assess your seasonal clothing and do a light purge if needed. Any items that are damaged or no longer fit can be discarded, sold, or donated. It can also be helpful to keep a list of items that need replacing the next time you go shopping.
And, don’t forget to dry clean or wash the items you’re putting into storage to keep them in tip-top shape!
Step 2: Designate a space for storing your off-season clothes
Depending on how much space you have available in your home, you could store clothes on shelves in your closet, in under-the-bed bins, or in a different closet or area in your home. Try to keep all of your off-season items in the same place so you won’t have to hunt them down during the next swap!
Step 3: Choose storage containers wisely
For storing your off-season items, choose bins/containers that are soft or smooth and won’t snag your clothing (for example, use cloth or plastic rather than wicker or wood). Be sure to use bins with lids to help protect your clothes while in storage – this makes for easy stacking, too!
Clear containers let you easily see their contents while in storage. You can also use zip-up bags and cedarwood balls to keep out bugs that love to eat your clothing.
When swapping in seasonal accessories that you use frequently, like hats or light scarves in warmer months, use open bins and store them on a low shelf or in a drawer for easy access.
Step 4: Always use labels
No matter what kind of container or bin you use, be sure to label them! When choosing the label category, stay broad (for example, Tops, Bottoms, Outerwear, etc.). This way you won’t have to change all the labels every time you swap.
For more closet organizing tips, check out this Studio512 segment with Moxie Space owner Sara Fritsch!