Winter Pack Away

Well, it's warming up here in New South Wales! So, let's pack away our cold-weather gear correctly so it's ready for the next cold season.

Clothing:

First, let's go through our wardrobes and start by donating what we didn't wear this season. It's good to do it now while it's fresh on your mind, and you won't waste any storage space putting items away you won't wear next winter.

Then, we'll prepare the rest for storage. All clothing going to be stored should be washed, not only to reduce any smells but also to deter moths and other pests, which are attracted to food and perspiration stains. Remember that pests are also attracted to fabric softeners, bleach, and starch. Using a basic laundry detergent is the best way to wash.

 To store your clothing, it is best to follow the rule of folding anything that can stretch when hung, such as knits and sweaters, and hanging what will wrinkle when folded, such as airy fabrics like linen, silk, and nylon. Anything folded is best kept in airtight plastic bins. Start with the heavy items at the bottom and more delicate pieces towards the top. To take extra precautions, you can wrap items in acid-free tissue paper to stop yellowing or snagging from zips or other embellishments. You can also add cedar balls or lavender sachets to help deter pests and ensure a pleasant aroma.

Where you keep these boxes also matters. Attics, basements, and sheds are not ideal for storage because you want to keep your items cool, dry, and moisture-free. The most preferred space is under your bed or a cupboard inside your home.

Boots/shoes:

Similarly, boots and shoes also need to be cleaned first with a brush or cloth and a mild cleaner. Once cleaned, air them out to ensure they are completely dry. For leather shoes, an additional step may be to use leather oil for extra protection, but again, make sure they are dry before storing. Like clothing, it's best to store winter footwear somewhere cool and dry. It is also important to keep footwear off the floor; with the high humidity in Queensland, mould can quickly grow. Wooden shelving and shoe racks help prevent this.

Electric blankets/throws:

Electric blankets need to be stored correctly for your safety. They should never be folded, as this kinks the elements and can be dangerous. If you wish to remove your electric blanket for the summer, it is advised to roll it up and store it where nothing will be placed on top.

Throws can be bulky to pack away, but there are many different ways you can organise them or pack them away. If you'd prefer packing them away, they can be folded and kept in the wardrobe, stored under the bed, or kept in a storage chest or ottoman if you have one. If you're tight on storage space, a great idea would be to hang them on a ladder shelf or fold them in a woven basket.

Now you've packed things away, let's create an inventory list. Keeping track of stored items can prevent the frustration of forgotten or misplaced belongings. An inventory list saves time, especially when the seasons change and you're searching for specific items.

Choose a Format That Works for You

• Digital Inventory: Use a note-taking app, spreadsheet, or dedicated organisation app to create a digital list. Apps like Google Keep, Trello, or even a simple Excel sheet can help you categorise, edit, and update your inventory easily.
• Paper Inventory: If you prefer physical lists, use a designated notebook or binder. This can be kept in a central location, like near the storage area, for quick reference.

Label Boxes

• To streamline your system, label all your boxes with their contents. If it's all coats, you could write "Winter Coats". Otherwise, if it's a mix, you could quickly jot down all the items to know each exact item in there, such as "Blue Wool Scarf, Black Knit Beanie, Leather Gloves." 

Include Notes on Item Condition

• Adding notes about the condition of items can be useful. For instance, if a sweater has a small tear, make a note so you remember to repair it before next winter. This step helps you keep your storage area clutter-free by flagging items that may need replacing.

So let's pack away our things and say goodbye to winter and hello summer! Happy organising from the team at Serene Home Wollongong!