Bulky Sweater Storage Ideas
This list of bulky sweater storage ideas will help you keep your sweaters in the best shape even while they are stored away. Say goodbye to stretched-out shoulders; keeping things safe in the off-season will give you an entire winter wardrobe you love!
How to organize winter sweaters in the best way so you can find them easily throughout the year and rely on them to be in great shape when you pull them out each fall.
When summer and the warm sunny days return, that is our cue to bring out our shorts, T-shirts, and summer gear.
This is also when we say our temporary goodbyes to our winter sweaters and tuck them away until the snow returns.
Tossing your sweaters in a big plastic bin may be a quick fix, but it will also take a toll on our things. And let’s face it, clothes are expensive, so finding a way to store your out-of-season clothing is not only convenient, it’s also a great way to save money.
What is the proper way to store Bulky Sweaters?
Storing your winter clothes doesn’t have to be a hassle. Just a few steps will help to keep them safe from dampness, extreme temperatures, and pests that can harm clothing. Here’s how you can do it.
#1. Start Clean
First, make sure your clothes are clean before they go into storage because any stains or odors can worsen over time.
#2. Choose the Best Area
Once they’re clean, choose the right storage spot. Avoid damp basements or stuffy attics that get too hot. Instead, pick a dry, cool area to keep your clothes cozy while they’re off-duty.
- The top shelf of your closet
- Storage containers under your bed
- An unused drawer in your dresser
- A linen closet that isn’t overly humid
#3. Extra Protection
For extra protection, you can use breathable garment bags, vacuum bags, or airtight bins. Toss in some cedar blocks or lavender sachets to prevent moths and other pests.
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DM Pro Tip: Don’t forget to label your storage containers as to what exactly is inside. When those temperatures drop, it’ll save you from digging through everything when you are only looking for one particular item to wear.
What containers are best for sweater storage?
There are a few options for storing sweaters and the container you choose will all depend on the location you are storing in.
- A plastic tote with a secure fitting lid- Best for non regulated areas such as an attic or crawl space.
- A zipper bag – Best for under a bed or on a shelf in a closet.
- Vacuum bags – Best for tight areas such as a dresser drawer or a small closet.
- Dresser drawer – Best if you are plenty of room to keep things out year round.
Only Keep What you Love and Wear
Many times what we have is more than what we need, and you may be surprised at how much room you can save by removing extra things you no longer wear.
Do a seasonal sort and declutter before you invest in storage. This step is important as it will save you from using up storage space you may be short on.
Action Steps:
- Go through your sweaters one at a time, sorting as you go.
- Your goal is to set aside anything you want to keep—those pieces that you love to wear and find yourself reaching for over and over again.
- Once finished, go through the items that are left.
- Toss what is damaged.
- Donate what is in good enough shape to pass on to someone else.
Bulky Sweaters Storage Ideas
Once your winter wear is clean and ready to be tucked away, here’s how you can keep everything organized and protected.
#1. Use Plastic Totes
Plastic totes are a lifesaver, especially if you’re storing items in spaces like attics, basements, or garages where conditions can get a little dicey. A good sealed plastic tote protects your sweaters from water damage, extreme temperatures, and other storage mishaps.
Bonus points if you grab the clear ones—they make it super easy to see what’s inside without opening the lid.
Pack Smarter, Not Harder
Grouping similar clothes together is a game-changer when it comes to storage. You can fill each container with a certain color or style if you have a large collection.
Adding labels to each bin is another must. These labels are like cheat sheets for your future self. Instead of writing something vague like “Winter Sweaters,” try listing what’s actually inside.
For example, “Chunky Wool Sweater, Gray Cable-Knit, Oversized Navy Turtleneck.” Sure, it takes a little extra effort upfront, but your future self will thank you when you need that one specific sweater and find it in a snap.
#2. Plastic Zipper Bags
If you are storing things in a room or closet, zipper bags are a great container to use.
This option is good for closet shelves, a linen closet, or another dry area in your home. I prefer to use bags that have “windows” as they help me to quickly see what is inside.
If a window bag is not an option for you, be sure to use index labels so you know what you have stored inside each container.
#3. Vacuum Bags
Vacuum bags are a fantastic option for storing your winter sweaters. They save a ton of space by compressing bulky items, making them perfect for cramped closets or under-bed storage. Plus, the airtight seal protects your sweaters from moisture, dust, and pests, so you don’t have to worry about surprises when you unpack them.
Best of all, vacuum bags help maintain the condition of your sweaters, keeping them fresh and ready to wear when the chill returns.
#4. Under Bed Storage Bins
I love to use the space under our bed to store out-of-season clothing. And under the bed storage bins will help you to take full advantage of this space.
You can use plastic or canvas; either will work perfectly well. A king-size bed can store 3-4 of these bins comfortably, giving you ample space for your clothes and your spouse as well.
Just be sure that whatever container you use that it has a lid. This will keep any dust, dirt, and hair off your clothes.
#5. Get Creative
You can be creative and use suitcases or other luggage as storage. Once full, you can then keep them on a closet shelf, on the floor in your closet, or under your bed.
Finding Storage when You are short on space
The struggle of having too little closet space is real for many of us. Since many of us don’t have the room to keep our entire wardrobe in our closets and dressers year-round, we need to get creative.
If you are really tight on space, invest in vacuum storage bags. These bags keep clothes protected in a compact way for storage.
Unique areas to store sweaters:
- Under the bed in plastic roller totes – be sure there is a lid to keep things inside free of dust and pet hair.
- In a linen closet – use vacuum bags to make the most of this small space.
- In the attic that does not get too hot – be sure to use a tote with a tight-fitting lid to protect clothes from mice.
- In a dry basement – again, use a tote with a tight-fitting lid to keep dampness out.
- In a crawl space – use a tote or zipper bag.
- On a top closet shelf – use zipper bags with windows giving a peak as to what is stored inside.
The best tip I can give you is this: look for storage areas you are not using now and consider that space for storing seasonal items. It doesn’t have to be a bedroom to be a good solution.
Bonus Tips for Storing Bulky Sweaters
Keep your sweaters looking as good coming out of storage as they did going in with these simple, smart tips.
#1. Wash Before You Store
Making sure your pieces are cleaned will help to preserve your sweaters in the best condition. This will also keep your clothes smelling fresher until you get them out again. Cleaning before storing will also help to keep out moths and other pests.
After washing, look each item over and make any repairs that are needed. Fix snags, replace zippers, and add a missing or broken button.
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#2. Protect Sweaters From Pests, Moths, and Odors
Washing your bulky sweaters may protect them from odor, pests, and moths, but this is just the first layer of protection for your clothes.
For additional protective measures, you may want to add pest deterrents to your clothes.
Pest Deterrents for Clothes:
- Cedar blocks or rings – Hang them in your wardrobe or storage area to repel moths and other pests.
- Moth Traps: – These traps use pheromones to attract and trap male moths, preventing them from breeding. They are safe and effective for use in closets or storage areas.
- Lavender sachets– Place a few into your storage container before packing away. This will also work for linens, sleeping bags, or blankets.
- Cotton balls soaked with essential oils – peppermint, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil can be effective pest deterrents as well. Place the cotton balls in your storage containers or drawers.
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#3. Is It Better to Hang or Fold Sweaters?
When it comes to storing your sweaters, deciding whether to hang or fold them depends on the material. The general rule? Fold natural fabrics, as they’re more likely to stretch out if hung. Nobody wants a misshapen favorite sweater!
Here are the types of items you should definitely fold:
- Hand-knit sweaters (keep those stitches in shape!)
- Wool coats
- Bulky sweaters that are too heavy for hangers
- Sweaters or coats made from delicate materials
To give your delicate items some extra TLC, fold them with acid-free tissue paper. This simple step can help prevent snags, creases, or other damage while in storage.
Taking a little extra care when storing your sweaters will keep them looking great—and ready to wear—season after season.
#4. Avoid Cramming
When storing your bulky sweaters, avoid cramming things inside your container. Give your things room to breathe so you can help them to stay in their best shape.
#5. Don’t Store it All!
Keep a few of your lighter-weight sweaters in your closet just in case you have a cold snap hit in May. This will prevent you from having to dig through containers looking for something warm to wear.
Finding smart ways to store our clothes is always a win, especially when it comes to those bulky sweaters that take up so much space.
These tips will help you keep your winter gear organized and easy to manage, so storing them feels less like a chore and more like a breeze!
