Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to my Sweater Solutions three-part series to help you find the perfect sweater, properly care for it, and store it so it lasts for years.

Today, I?m sharing how to store your sweaters when it's cold and during the off season to keep them looking great, along with some smart sweater storage ideas.  

Having organized drawers and closet space makes it easier to see and find your sweaters. And when you can see them, you will wear them more. 

Fold, Hang or Both?

To fold or hang your sweaters is always the big question.

  

The experts agree that folding your sweaters is best to maintain their shape and prevent stretching which results in those ugly dents on the shoulders.

 

But the reality is that most of us just don?t have enough space to store all our sweaters folded flat.

Since we usually have more hanging space than open shelving or empty drawers, my best advice is to fold as many as possible, then hang the rest. Try to fold your heavy and delicate knits since they can get stretched out if they are hung.

FOLDING TIPS

Since you want to fold as many sweaters as you can, here's some folding methods to consider.

File Folding 

For thinner sweaters, consider file folding them and storing in a drawer using the ever-popular KonMari method. It?s easy to see your sweaters and remove one at a time. 

To keep them organized in your drawer, you have some options. You can use drawer dividers to create sections in your drawer or you can use file fold organizers that set inside your drawer. To get the right size, measure your drawer and consider what you are folding.

 

Bamboo Drawer Dividers        Mesh Clothes Organizer

Flat Folding 

If you like to see your sweaters and keep them handy, simply fold your sweaters and stack them on a shelf in your closet.  

I love this neat trick from an organizing expert. Get a piece of cardboard with smooth edges about 8.5" x 11". To remove a sweater, slide the cardboard in your sweater stack above the one you want. Lift and remove your chosen sweater; and your tidy stack is preserved.  

Here?s a few organizing aids for keeping your folded sweaters neat in your closet. 

? Use shelf divider between your sweater stacks to keep them from imploding.

? Use clear storage bins on a shelf side by side or on the floor to maximize usable space. 

? Use hanging shelves that hang on your closet rod to create more shelf space. These are great space savers if you have a small closet like I do.

 

Acrylic Shelf Dividers   Clear Storage Bins   Canvas Hanging Shelves

HANGING TIPS

If you don?t have extra shelf or drawer space, then your only option is to use a hanger. You can usually hang more sweaters in your closet than you can fit into drawers or shelves. 

So, here?s some hanging hacks to prevent unwanted stretching.  

Use a Padded Hanger

It?s best to not hang your sweaters like your tops. But if you must, use a soft padded hanger to reduce stretching.

Fold over the Top of the Hanger

Here?s a folding and hanging method that works great for sweaters. 

Fold sweaters over the top of a hanger. Start by folding your sweater in half, then lay the hanger on your sweater with the hanger hook pointing at the armpit. Then, fold the body and the sleeves of the sweater over the hanger.  

It's hard to describe without pictures, so here?s a diagram from photos I found on Pinterest.

 

Do not use wire hangers from the cleaners. Velvet hangers work the best since the velvet will help to hold the knit in place.

Fold on the Hanger Bar

Another option starts with folding your sweater flat as if you are going to store it on a shelf. Then hang your sweater over the pants hanger bar like you?re hanging pants. I like to use a heavy-duty hanger to support the weight of bulky knits for this method.

If you have not upgraded the hangers in your closet, these are good options from Amazon to create a functional and organized closet. And the velvet hangers come in a wide variety of colors now.

  

Padded Hangers    Velvet Hangers    Bamboo Hangers

Now will you be folding or hanging your sweaters this year? 

With all these practical options, I suppose it really comes down to whether you have a bigger dresser or a bigger closet.

Just remember to keep them out of direct sunlight and in a dry location at room temperature or cooler.

OFF SEASON STORAGE

When sweater weather is over, your sweaters need a little TLC before you store them for the warm weather.

Clean

Wash your sweaters and allow them to completely dry before folding and storing them.

For expensive sweaters, get them professionally dry cleaned before storage.

Even if the sweater seems clean, don?t skip this step. Trace amounts of body oils and dirt can become future stains and smells that are very difficult to get out.

Storage

Store your sweaters in breathable storage bags or boxes.  

Don't use vacuum-sealed storage bags which may lock in moisture and cause yellowing or mildew.

Fabric that is unable to breathe can mold, mildew, and develop unwanted odors.

Add cedar chips or lavender sachets to prevent bugs and your sweaters smell fresh.

Where you store your sweaters is important! Find a dry, dark, and cool place like a closet shelf or under the bed.

?????????????????????????Don?t store your sweaters in the attic, basement, or garage because moisture can seep into the fabrics.

Use these tips to store your sweaters to keep them looking great for years. Let me know in my Facebook group what?s your favorite way to store your sweaters.  

Here are other posts in my Sweater Solutions series that you might enjoy.?????????????????

Sweater Solutions: Choosing the Perfect Sweater

Sweater Solutions: Your Complete Care Guide

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