5 Steps To Storing Clothes Better

Find out how storing clothes with more intention can create more functionality and usability of your clothes storage space.

 

Clothes are something that we all need, and something many of us enjoy collecting, putting together and wearing to express ourselves. For that reason, it’s nice to store them well, in a way that makes them easy to view and access, and in a way that keeps them protected. If your clothes are definitely not easy to view, are spending more time in the “floordrobe” than the wardrobe, and causing your fashion game to be less than enviable, take these 5 steps to storing clothes better:

1.   Put Them All Out & Declutter

As painful as it is, you will need to put all your clothes onto the bed or floor to start the process of sorting them out. It might feel counter productive, but you do have to make a mess to make some progress with this. By placing everything on the bed you can see how much you have (it is usually a shock) and then start to work your way through the pile.

 

Have a yes, no and maybe pile first. Anything you don’t wear, you don’t like or that is in a bad condition gets put into the no pile. Anything you absolutely love and wear has to be in the yes pile. The maybe pile is the pile you use for items you love but you aren’t sure fit you, or whether or not you actually have a use for them. Once everything is in the three piles, the no pile should be sorted into sell or chuck. Sell items that you no longer want, throw items that are damaged beyond repair. Or, alternatively, give away items in great condition if you can’t be bothered to sell them.

 

For your maybe pile, you will want to use a method like the box method, where you put items in there and if you go in there within a couple of months or six months and use the item then it gets to stay, otherwise you don’t have a need for it. Or, some people will hang everything up and then after it is worn when it goes back in the wardrobe the hanger is switched around. Anything that is left facing the original direction you didn’t use in six months so it can go.

2.   Sort Your Storage

Before you put anything back it is important to sort out your storage. You might want to get a new wardrobe, better hangers, some storage boxes or add some hanging storage (pocket hangers). From your sort-out you may even notice you could use a smaller wardrobe, creating more space in your bedroom. For seasonal clothes, consider storing them in a local self storage unit between the seasons they are used. This will create more space and functionality with the wardrobe you are using, all whilst the out of season clothes are safe and secure in a local self storage unit.

 

If you do decide to use seasonal self storage, you’ll want to sort your ‘yes’ clothes out into a pile to indicate which items should go into self storage and which should be stored in your current wardrobe. You may also want to store large, irregularly used items or sentimental items in your affordable self storage unit too, clearing even more space in your bedroom wardrobe.

 

Lastly, consider intentionally planning out your wardrobe and other clothes storage. Plan which kinds of items will go into which sections and consider creating some labels so that you can see how organised your wardrobe is, and to make things easier when you refill it. Dividers are another good idea for drawers and boxes which get messy.

3.   Place Everything

At this stage you can place everything where it needs to go, which may take a little time because you have reorganised everything. Firstly, take everything from the ‘no’ pile out of the space so that you can sell it on, give it away or throw it away. Then, get your seasonal clothing and large items of clothing you don’t need instant access to, to your self storage unit.

 

Then, it’s time to sort out the clothes in your bedroom. Do follow a tutorial to learn how to fold your clothes well. For everything else, try and hang as much as you can. Hanging clothes are kept better and should naturally drop their creases. You can also easily spray anti-wrinkle on them when they are hanging up. Additionally, consider placing dryer sheets in between the clothes in a few places – it’s a Mrs Hinch hack that works really well to keep things smelling fresh. It is also helpful to place anti-moth sachets into the wardrobe, just in case those little fluttery friends fancy a nibble.

 

4.   Check-In

To stop things getting in a bit of a mess in the future it is a great idea to regularly check-in with your clothes. About every six months or so you can go through the process again, ideally when it comes to switching over seasonal clothes from your storage unit. The more regularly you can cleanse that wardrobe and tidy everything up, the more use and enjoyment you will get out of the clothes that you have.

 

5.   Change Your Habits

Do consider changing your future habits to try and avoid your clothes being in too much of a mess. Checking in, as above, will help, but so will changing your habits. Here are some habits to change so that storing clothes becomes an easier task and clothes stay in great condition:

 

  • Consider buying fewer clothes and going for quality over quantity
  • Take time to carefully fold and place your clothes after they have been washed rather than chucking them in quickly without any care
  • Do place clothes back in the wardrobe if they are worn but not soiled and able to be worn again before washing (ie avoid the back of the chair)
  • Be realistic if you notice an item was an impulse buy/ doesn’t fit/ will never be worn – get it sold and moved on, don’t wait for declutter day, that extra cash is always handy!

 

Are You Ready For Better Clothes Storage?

 

With the tips above you can keep your clothes, bedroom, self storage unit and fashion style in much better condition. It might take a little bit of effort at first to get the job done, but once you’re onto the maintenance part, you’ll be in a routine with it, and able to make the most out of your tidy, fresh and organised areas for storing clothes .

 

 

 

 

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