As the weather changes, the time for a wardrobe change also approaches. Storing winter coats, however, may prove to be challenging, mainly because of their size. So how do you store those heavy coats so they stay in good condition until next year? Proper coat storage is key to keeping your coats looking their best and ready to wear when the weather turns cold again.
In this post, we will guide you on how to store your coats and cover everything you need to know to ensure your winter clothes stay in top condition.
Table of Contents
Where to store the coats?
How much space you have in your home is probably the main factor to consider when deciding where to store those bulky winter clothes.
Of course, the ideal place to store them would be a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area that is protected from direct sunlight and humidity. Therefore, places like the garage where you store your tyres are not great for your coats. Yet, there are a few safe places to use, so take a look at our coat storage ideas below:
- Hang them in a closet – The most common way to store your coats is to hang them in the closet. Arrange them in such a way that there is enough space between each coat to prevent wrinkles and allow for air circulation so the fabric can breathe. To protect your coat from dust and moths, you can use garment bags. Make sure they are large enough to accommodate your coats without wrinkling them, and use a breathable fabric like cotton or canvas.
- Use a coat rack – If there isn’t enough space in the closet, you can consider using a coat rack. They come in different sizes and designs, and they can be a really stylish addition to your entryway or bedroom. Just be careful not to overload them with too many coats, which can cause them to tip over.
- Fold and store them in a drawer – If you have a small space, you can fold your coats and store them in a drawer. Just make sure you don’t stack too many coats on top of each other, as this can cause wrinkles. If you don’t have any other option, be sure to put the heavier coats at the bottom and the lightweight ones at the top.
- Under the bed – If you have limited space, why not use the already taken one? Place your coats under the bed by using storage containers and vacuum-sealed bags to protect them from dust and moisture.
- Professional storage – If you are considering or already using storage services, you can transfer your coats there. Given the bulk of some coats, you should take advantage of this option and use storage if you don’t have enough space at home.
By storing your coats in a proper location, you can help ensure that they stay in good condition and are ready to wear when you need them.
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How to best store your coats
Proper storage will maintain the condition of your coat and extend its life. It will also protect the coat’s shape, fabric, and colour, not to mention preserving it from pests. In order to do things right, you can follow the detailed steps we’ve outlined for you below.
1. Clean the coats
Clean and dry your coats before storing them to prevent dirt, stains, and moisture from setting in and causing damage over time. Before storing your coats, be sure to read the care label to determine the appropriate cleaning method.
If the coat is machine washable, wash it according to the instructions and let it air dry completely before storing. If the coat is not washable, consider taking it to a professional dry cleaner. Fur, wool, leather and other natural materials require dry cleaning.
Additionally, be sure to use a lint roller to remove any loose debris or pet hair before storing your coats.
2. Fold or hang the coats properly
Proper folding or hanging techniques can help maintain the shape and condition of your coats.
For hanging, use sturdy, padded hangers to prevent stretching or distortion. For folding, fold the coat along its natural creases (this doesn’t apply to furry coats, we’ll explain why in the next section), and stuff the sleeves with acid-free tissue paper to help it keep its shape.
3. Organise by material
Different types of coats require different ways of storing. For instance, fur coats should not be folded, which can cause creases and damage the fur. Hanging them is the best option.
On the other hand, hanging a wool coat for long periods can cause the shoulders to stretch and lose their shape. So instead, fold such types of coats neatly and place them in a storage container or on a shelf.
Sort your coats by the type of fabric they are made of and even based on which family member it belongs to. You will find that organising your coats can be really helpful once it’s time to store them for the summer.
4. Choose how to store your coats
When it’s time to store your coats, you must store them in an appropriate way to keep them safe and in good condition. Storage containers, vacuum-sealed bags and even canvas bags are all great options, and they will keep your coats clean and dry.
Storage containers will also protect your coats from dust and light. Just make sure the container is clean and dry before placing the coats inside to avoid moisture and mould. Vacuum storage bags, however, are great for storing bulky coats that can take up a lot of space. Remember not to leave the coats in vacuum bags for too long, as this can cause damage to the fabric.
If your only option is to hang the coats in your closet, do so in a way that doesn’t stretch or damage the fabric. For example, use sturdy hangers that are designed to hold heavy clothes and are wide enough to support the shoulders of the coat without causing it to stretch.
5. Protect your coats
Cedar products such as blocks or chips can help repel moths and other pests that can damage your coats. Place them inside the storage container or hang them on cedar-lined hangers.
6. Store in a cool, dry place
It’s essential to store your coats in a cool, dry place to keep them in good condition. Just like garden cushions, avoid storing coats in areas that are too warm or too humid, as this can cause mould, mildew growth and damage to them.
Instead, choose a storage location that is cool and dry, such as a closet, spare room, or storage unit. Make sure the area is well-ventilated and away from direct sunlight, as sunlight can cause colour fading and damage to the fabrics over time.
Additionally, consider adding moisture absorbers such as silica gel packets or activated charcoal to the storage container to help keep the air inside dry and prevent moisture buildup.
7. Check on the coats periodically
Check on your stored coats periodically to ensure that they are still in good condition. If you notice any signs of damage or pest activity, take appropriate action to address the issue.
Check also:
How long can you keep coats in storage?
If prepared correctly, a coat can be safely stored for several months or even years.
It’s also important to note, however, that the longer a coat is stored, the more likely it is to experience some natural wear and tear over time, such as fading, discolouration, or minor damage to the fabric or seams.
To minimise the risk of damage, check on your stored coats from time to time to see if there are no pests or moisture. Also, rotate your stored coats periodically so they don’t stay in the same position for too long, causing creases and wrinkles in the fabric.
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Enter your postcode to view our rates and availability in your area.
For questions about the services we offer visit our main site or you can always call us at 020 3746 0584
Takeaways
- Storing your winter coats properly is essential to ensure they stay in good condition;
- Location and preparation are key elements in preserving your coats;
- Different types of coats require different storage methods.
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