The Perfect Sweater Storage Method To Keep Your Clothes In Great Shape

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If you've built a solid sweater collection over the years, you already know that they can be kind of a storage headache. They're bulky, awkward to stack, and stretch easily. Most people think they can just toss their sweaters onto a shelf or hang them on a hanger. But that's actually the big storage mistake that's ruining your sweaters. Many sweaters are prone to stretching and warping under their own weight. Even a lightweight knit can start to sag at the shoulders after being hung up for a while. That's why proper sweater storage isn't just about keeping your closet tidy; it's about protecting your investment. The solution? Storing them folded in covered plastic bins.

This is a great storage hack to try when you're ready to master seasonal closet swapping while preventing clutter. Fortunately, it's an incredibly simple and affordable fix, and a much better alternative to cramming everything into your dresser or letting them sit out in the open. All you need are a few covered plastic storage bins, a dry, cool place to keep them, and about 20 minutes to fold everything neatly. Plastic bins are inexpensive and easy to find — just make sure to get containers with lids to protect your sweaters. A covered bin solves two major problems: insects and dust. Moths, carpet beetles, and other pests, like mice, love natural fibers and even a tiny opening can be enough for them to find their way in. The size you choose depends on how many sweaters you need to store. A four-pack of Iris USA 72 Quart Plastic Storage Boxes with Lids and Latches costs about $50.

To try this sweater storage hack, start by laying out every sweater you want to store so you can refold them properly. Fold each sweater by first buttoning any buttons and smoothing out wrinkles, then folding the sleeves into the middle before folding the entire sweater in half. Stack the folded items in a covered plastic bin with the heaviest sweaters at the bottom and the delicate knits on top. This helps prevent flattening. You can also store them stacked side by side, filing style. While there are risk-free ways to hang a sweater without stretching or misshaping it, folding sweaters in their original shape helps by eliminating the pull that happens when a garment hangs from the shoulders. Over time, that pull becomes permanent, which is why many sweaters start to look droopy or elongated. This method avoids all of that, extending each sweater's lifespan.

Where you store your bins full of sweaters matters just as much as following a proper folding method. Avoid situating them in damp or overly warm spots in your home. A cool, dry area, like a bedroom closet shelf or a finished attic with climate control, is best. You can also slip silica gel packets, cedar blocks, or lavender sachets inside to keep everything fresh and repel pests. Consider labeling your bins by season or color so you can quickly pull out what you need. If you have a larger collection, tuck the truly seasonal pieces in the bins for later and store your favorite (say, top two or three) sweaters on a shelf.