Most of us are guilty of keeping everything in one place just because it’s easier than dealing with the switch. But that habit leaves you frustrated every time you reach into your closet for a summer tee and pull out a heavy sweater, or when you dig past shorts and tank tops just to find a winter coat.

So if your closet looks cramped year round, chances are it’s not your current wardrobe that’s the problem; it’s those out-of-season garments crowding it. But with a few clever storage strategies, you can keep your seasonal items out of the way but easy to grab when the time comes. Here’s how to make that swap without the stress.

01 | Use Slim, Vertical Storage Options

One of the easiest ways to instantly create space is to think vertically. Instead of cramming items into already-packed drawers or hanging everything on bulky hangers, try space-saving tools that help you stack and hang up, not out.

Here’s what works well:

1. Tiered hangers. Hang multiple skirts, pants, or shirts on one hanger to reduce rod space.
2. Over-the-door organizers. Ideal for lightweight items like scarves, tank tops, or even sandals.
3. Hanging shelf cubbies. Great for folded items like sweaters or out-of-season casual wear.

These vertical solutions let you keep things off the floor and out of the way, which is ideal in small spaces like apartments.

02 | Use Vacuum-sealed Bags (Wisely)

Vacuum-sealed bags are airtight storage bags that use suction to remove excess air, compressing clothing and bulky items to save space and protect them from dust, moisture, and pests. They are one of the most effective tools to reduce bulk, especially when it comes to heavy, padded items. But while they’re great for saving space, they aren’t ideal for everything.

Use them for:

1. Puffy jackets
2. Bulky sweaters
3. Extra bed linens or comforters

Avoid them for:

1. Natural fibers like linen, suede, and wool
2. Structured clothing like blazers or tailored pieces
3. Anything you’ve recently dry cleaned (compression can ruin the pressing)

The key is to use vacuum bags sparingly and only for items that won’t lose their shape when compressed. Thick items like puffer jackets, down comforters, and casual knitwear are ideal candidates, while structured pieces or natural fibers like wool and linen can become permanently creased or damaged.

03 | Store Bulky Items Under the Bed

That space under your bed? It’s a storage goldmine if you use it right. Flat storage bins or zippered fabric containers are ideal for items you don’t need to access for several months. For extra protection, choose containers with a tight seal to keep out dust, moisture, and pests, especially if you store items like wool sweaters or dry cleaned seasonal jackets.

Best items to store under the bed:

1. Thick sweaters and cardigans
2. Off-season jeans or pants
3. Folded jackets or casual coats

To keep things fresh, toss in a few cedar blocks or lavender sachets, and always store items after they’ve been laundered or dry cleaned. 

04 | Store Only Clean Clothing

This one’s non-negotiable: Never store clothing that hasn’t been cleaned. Even if it looks clean, sweat, oils, or perfumes left behind can attract moths, set stains permanently, or cause unpleasant odors over time.

Do these before storage:

1. Launder or dry clean all items.
2. Check for repairs: Replace missing buttons, fix zippers, and mend seams.
3. Fold or hang only after everything is dry and fresh.

05 | Don’t Forget Accessories

Out-of-season accessories take up space, and they deserve just as much care as your clothing. If carelessly tossed into drawers or bins, accessories can become tangled, warped, or discolored.

How to store them correctly:

1. Shoes. Clean thoroughly and stuff with paper to maintain shape. Store in clear bins or breathable fabric shoe bags.
2. Bags and purses. Empty and wipe down before storing. Use fabric inserts or soft stuffing to prevent collapse.
3. Belts, hats, and scarves. Hang on multi-tier hooks or roll neatly into drawer organizers.

These methods work well in urban apartments or homes without a dedicated accessories closet. In these compact living spaces, smart accessory storage not only saves space but also keeps items like belts, bags, and shoes organized and easy to grab.

06 | Take Advantage of Local Storage Services

If space is especially tight or you just don’t want to deal with storing expensive or delicate garments, consider off-site seasonal storage. Many professional dry cleaning services offer storage options for garments that have been professionally cleaned.

What these services offer:

1. Climate-controlled environments to prevent mold, mildew, and pests.
2. Seasonal rotation services clean and store your winter wardrobe now and return it fresh in the fall.
3. Care for specialty pieces like blazers, suits, leather, suede, and even wedding dresses.

07 | Keep a Quick Access “Transition Bin”

We all know spring isn’t always spring, and fall doesn’t always feel like fall. That’s why having a “transition bin” is one of the smartest ways for unpredictable climates. A transition bin is a small, easily accessible storage container that holds a few versatile, in-between-season pieces like a light jacket, sweater, or scarf, so you're always prepared for unexpected weather shifts.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Designate a small, easily accessible bin or basket for seasonal overlap pieces.
2. Include one sweater, one light jacket, a long-sleeve shirt, and a pair of transitional shoes.
3. Store this bin in an entryway closet, under your bed, or on a high closet shelf you can easily reach.

Freshen Up Your Clothes Before You Pack Them. Bring Your Clothes to Sterling Cleaners for Professional Cleaning!

Before you box up those winter sweaters or vacuum-seal your summer linens, give every piece a fresh start at Sterling Cleaners because stains and lingering odors only get harder to remove after months in storage. Our premium Wash and Fold Laundry Service deep cleans fabrics, neutralizes hidden grime, and returns everything neatly folded.

We’ve been the cleaning partner of choice for high-profile clients like the Citi Open, the Reagan Federal Building (TCMA), the Japanese Embassy, Catholic University, the Mayflower Hotel, Ringling Brothers Circus, Disney on Ice, and numerous federal agencies. That same quality and reliability are ready for your wardrobe, too.

Make space in your closet the smart way! Schedule a pickup with Sterling Cleaners today and let our team handle your laundry routine. When next season rolls around, your clothes will be ready to wear - no ironing, rewashing, or other unpleasant surprises.