Summer is just around the corner, and it's time to properly store your winter clothes. We'll show you how to protect your favorite pieces from moths, dust, and damage, with proven tips and tricks.
Storing clothes isn't rocket science, but there are a few things to keep in mind. With the right measures, you protect your favorites from moths, dust, moisture, and other damage.
To ensure your beloved items stay durable and ready for the next season, we've compiled 7 valuable tips and tricks on how to best store your clothes.
Store clean clothes
Before storing your clothes, you should ensure they are clean. Wash your items thoroughly before putting them away.
This removes dirt, sweat, and other impurities that could lead to stains and odors. This way, your favorite pieces are perfectly prepared for storage.
Tip: Pay attention to the care labels on your clothes and choose the appropriate washing temperature.
Thoroughly empty pockets
Before putting your clothes away, you should definitely check and empty the pockets. This is easily overlooked but can lead to unpleasant surprises.
Forgotten items can leave impressions, stains, or discolorations on your clothes, and no one wants to experience that when taking out their favorite items after a long time.
Use airtight containers
Airtight containers are ideal for storing your clothes. They protect against dust and moisture and keep your textiles fresh and vibrant.
We recommend using more eco-friendly storage options: reusable, airtight containers or vacuum bags reduce plastic waste and are just as effective. This way, you protect not only your favorite items but also the environment.
Protect your textiles from moths
Moths can severely damage our clothes. To keep pests away, we recommend natural moth repellents like lavender sachets or cedarwood blocks.
These natural fragrances are effective and gentle on your favorite items, without aggressive chemicals. This way, your clothes will be returned to you intact next summer.
The right storage location
The correct ambient temperature and humidity are crucial for storage. A dry, cool, and dark place (such as a closet, attic, or basement) is ideal.
This protects your garments from moisture and mold. But beware: avoid excessively high or low temperatures, as these can damage the textile fibers.
Fold clothes neatly
By folding your clothes neatly, you save space and prevent creases even before storing them. Don't pack your clothes too tightly. That leads to creasing.
You can protect particularly delicate items from wear and tear with tissue paper. Stack the folded clothes upright in the containers. This gives you a good overview and helps you quickly find everything again.
Tip: This method also helps you quickly see what you have stored at home, perfect for the season after.
Regular ventilation
Occasionally ventilate the storage location of your items to reduce excess moisture. This prevents mold and unpleasant odors.
- In summer: It is best to ventilate in the morning or late evening when temperatures are not yet so high.
- In winter: Ventilation is allowed and should even be done during the day.
With regular ventilation and the right techniques, the quality of your clothes will be maintained, and they will always be ready for the next season.
Storing clothes seasonally: putting away summer and winter clothes correctly
Twice a year, the big switch happens: in spring, heavy winter clothes move into storage, and in autumn, it's the light summer pieces. If you want to store clothes seasonally, it helps to follow a fixed routine so nothing turns yellow, smells musty, or gets nibbled by moths by the time the season comes back around.
Before you pack anything away, sort quickly: pieces you haven't worn in two seasons probably don't need a spot in the box anymore. Clearing things out while you store clothes leaves more room for new favorites, for example from our women's collection.
For the actual packing: wash clothes first (see above), then sort by material. Delicate knitwear and silk are best stored lying flat rather than folded in tight containers, so they don't develop pressure marks. Sturdier cotton pieces and basics can be stacked upright in boxes without any issues.
Tip: Label your boxes with their contents and the season. That way, you'll find exactly what you need next year without opening every single box.
Storing clothes in the basement: avoiding moisture and mold
Basements are cool, dark, and often the only place with enough room, which is why seasonal clothing ends up there so often. To keep clothes storage in the basement from becoming a risk, a few details matter.
Keep an eye on humidity
Basements often have higher humidity than living spaces, especially in older houses. A simple hygrometer gives you quick clarity: if humidity stays above 60 percent for long periods, the risk of mold increases significantly. A dehumidifier or moisture-absorbing granules in the storage boxes can help.
Never place boxes directly on a concrete floor
Concrete floors draw moisture from the air and from the ground, especially in below-grade rooms. Never place boxes and crates directly on the floor. Instead, use a shelf, a pallet, or at least a few centimeters of feet underneath. That keeps clothes dry even if moisture condenses on the floor.
Make sure air can circulate
Position shelves and boxes with some distance from the wall instead of pushing them right up against a basement's outer wall. That way air can circulate and moisture doesn't build up in a corner. Leaving some space between boxes themselves helps too.
Airtight or breathable: what works in a basement?
Airtight boxes reliably protect against dust and pests, but they also trap any residual moisture already in the clothes. Make sure textiles are completely dry before packing them airtight. In very humid basements, breathable fabric bags or cardboard boxes are sometimes the better choice, since moisture can escape instead of collecting inside. Combining both, for example airtight containers with silica gel packets, is the safest bet.
Attic instead of basement: planning for temperature swings
The attic is an alternative to the basement, though it comes with a different challenge: instead of moisture, big temperature swings are the main issue here. In summer, temperatures under the roof can quickly climb above 40 °C, while winter can get uncomfortably cold.
These swings put more strain on fibers and colors than a consistently cool basement would. Store clothes in the attic as far away as possible from skylights and direct sunlight, ideally in opaque, closed containers rather than clear plastic bags. Check the boxes two to three times a year for moisture, pests, and odors, especially after particularly hot or cold spells.
Looking for extra storage space and practical solutions for your home? Check out our home collection.
Quality that lasts
At erlich textil you will find high-quality basics made from sustainable materials, designed for longevity and comfort. Our timeless designs will accompany you through many seasons. With proper care and storage, you will enjoy your favorite pieces for a long time.
Good storage is an investment in the longevity of your favorite pieces.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best way to store clothes?
The best way to store clothes is clean, dry, and completely dried out, in airtight or breathable containers, in a cool, dark place with a steady temperature. Natural moth protection, regular ventilation, and neat folding or flat storage for delicate items keep clothes in good condition for months.
How do you store clothes in the basement correctly?
Measure humidity with a hygrometer, place boxes raised on a shelf or pallet instead of directly on the concrete floor, and leave some distance from the wall so air can circulate. That way, the basement stays a safe storage spot despite the cooler temperatures.
How can I store clothes seasonally without damaging them?
Wash and fully dry clothes before you store them, sort out anything you no longer need, and pack delicate pieces flat rather than folded. Use natural moth repellents like lavender or cedarwood, and check the boxes every few months.
Airtight or breathable: what's better for storing clothes in the basement?
Airtight boxes protect best against dust, pests, and outside odors, while breathable containers let residual moisture escape. In damp basements, combining both, for example airtight boxes with silica gel, is usually the safest solution.
How long can I store clothes in the basement without checking on them?
Even with optimal storage, you should briefly check on stored clothes every two to three months, especially in the basement. That way you'll spot moisture, mold, or moth damage early and can act before serious damage occurs.
