How To: Store your winter clothes

Make sure your winter wardrobe survives the summer by putting it away properly. Learn how to store your winter clothes.

You Will Need:
* Acid-free tissue paper
* Plastic trash bags, plastic boxes with mesh-type lids, or cardboard boxes
* Hangers with clips
* A soft cotton cloth or shoe brush
* Saddle soap
* Leather conditioner
* Suede cleaner
* Fabric shoe bags
* Old newspapers or tissue paper
* A cool, dry storage space
* Muslin sachet sacks or handkerchiefs
* Dried lavender or cotton balls soaked in lavender oil
* Wooden, thick plastic, or padded hangers
* Plastic freezer bags

Step 1: Launder everything
Wash or dry-clean everything before putting it away. Insects feed on food and perspiration stains, even ones you can't see. And oxidation can turn an invisible stain into an unsightly yellow blotch.

Step 2: Remove dry-cleaning bags
Before storing dry-cleaned items, remove the plastic and air them out. Dry-cleaning bags can trap moisture inside, leading to mildew stains.

Step 3: Fold your sweaters
Fold your sweaters in acid-free tissue paper, which you can find online or in good stationery stores. Then store them in a heavy-duty plastic trash bag, a plastic box with a mesh-type lid, or in a new cardboard carton.

Step 4: Hang pants and skirts
Hang pants and skirts on hangers with clips. Leaving them folded over a hanger can leave a permanent mark.

Step 5: Buff your boots
Clean your shoes and boots. For leather, brush away dirt with a cotton cloth or shoe brush, polish them with saddle soap, and apply leather conditioner. For suede, use cleaning tools and products made specifically for that material.

Step 6: Stuff and stash
Store footwear in cardboard boxes or fabric shoe bags. Stuff the boots with old newspapers or plain tissue paper so they'll retain their shape.

Step 7: Find a cool, dry place

Step 8: Make your own moth chasers

Step 9: Use heavy hangers