In my previous post, I mostly wrote about when to switch seasonal clothing.

Here are some more helpful tips on switching from summer to winter clothing:

1. When sorting through the clothing you will be putting away until next spring, discard any items that are torn, stained, stretched out, really old or not in style any more. Let go of clothing you haven’t worn for one year or more. Chances are you won’t wear it, so give away to friends or donate to a charitable organization where others will benefit.

2. If you have lost weight during the past year, part of you may be hesitant to get rid of the ‘heavy’ clothes. Perhaps in the back of your mind you are concerned you might gain the weight back. Or you might be thinking that it’s simply easier to keep all the old clothes than re-buying a whole new wardrobe. Something to consider however, is the effect that holding onto the bigger sized clothing might ultimately have on your motivation and commitment to keeping the weight off. There might be some pieces that you still feel good about wearing. But it’s healthy to let go of what doesn’t feel good to wear. Enjoy the space it can make for something new to find it’s way to you.

3. If any of your clothing needs to be washed or dry cleaned, do this before putting it in storage. Dirt or odors can affect clean clothing that is packed away.

4. You most likely have clothing made from different types of fabric. Pack silks, wool, and leather fabrics (protein-type) together in containers such as canvas or mesh which allow access to some air flow to prevent cracking or drying out. Pack fabrics such as cotton, linen, and rayon (plant-type) separately.

5. Pack clothing in the correct type of storage container. As mentioned above, fabrics made from protein-type materials should be put in breathable containers. Fabric needing to be airtight/moisture free can be stored in plastic containers with lids that snap on tightly. You can also use ‘Spacebags’ (similar to large ziploc bags) to store items such as comforters, blankets, pillows, sweaters, and patio cushions. Once the clothes are in the ‘Spacebags’, use your vacuum to suck the air out to minimize space. Just be careful not to use too much suction as it might tear the ‘Spacebag’s’ seams. The Container Store and stores like WalMart sell them.

6. Choose a cool dry place such as a closet, under a bed, or up in the attic to store these containers, and not a damp area like your basement, as moisture attracts mildew and mold.

Follow these helpful tips for a successful seasonal clothing switch-over.

And, let me and my blog followers know any switch-over tips you have to share!