How to Pack Up Summer Clothing

With summer winding down, it'll soon be time to retire your tank tops and shorts and bring out your long sleeved shirts and slacks. But before you simply toss them in a box in the back of the closet or in the basement, follow these tips to make sure that come next June they'll be in good condition.

As you remove items from your closet and dresser drawers, if you find that there are pieces that you haven't worn all summer, donate them to charity. Chances are you won't wear them next summer either.

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Once you've decided what you're keeping, empty out the pockets and take the time to wash or dry clean any item that's been worn, even once. While this my be a major pain, hidden stains are a feast for pests like clothes moths and carpet beetles. Before packing, be sure your clothes are completely dry and neatly folded.

Avoid packing in cardboard boxes, as they allow bugs easy access to your clothing. Instead, choose plastic containers or storage bags. I always use clear containers with locking lids for a tight seal. Place the heavier items on the bottom. To help with moisture control, I like to toss in several desiccant packs, such as Dry-Packs Moisture Absorbing Silica Gel. Store the bins and bags in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place.

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Summer shoes should be spot cleaned and inspected for damage before they're retired for the season. If they have some damage but are still worth keeping, now's the time to repair them. If you keep your shoes in their original boxes, stuff them with the tissue paper to help them keep their shape. If the boxes are long gone, use shoe trees and small plastic containers.

I know this sounds like a lot of work and a bit of an expense, but trust me there will be a big payoff when the first warm day hits and you can take your clothes out of storage and start wearing them right away.

What tricks do you use to keep your summer clothes fresh? Let me know in the comments!

-By Christina Peterson

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