How to Store Sweaters to Keep Them in Shape

As soon as the temperatures start to drop, it’s time to track down your cozy sweaters. However, those sweaters won’t be any good to you if they’re stretched out and misshapen because you didn’t know how to properly store them during the off-season. That’s why it’s so important to learn how to store your sweaters so they’re in tip-top condition the next time you wear them. 

In our guide below, we’ll cover all the best tips for proper sweater storage. Whether you’re wondering how to store your cashmere sweaters or where to keep your wool favorites during the summer months, we’re here to help!

How to Store Sweaters in Your Closet 

Your closet is one of the most obvious places to keep your sweaters, but you’re not just going to want to throw them on a wire hanger and call it a day. Follow these tips for properly storing your sweaters in your closet. 

Do Not Hang Them on a Hanger

As tempting as it may be to hang your sweaters on a hanger, doing so can cause them to stretch and lose their shape. This is because gravity sets in and causes the fabric to droop off the hanger.

Lay Them over Padded or Felt Hangers

If using hangers is your preferred storage method, fold—don’t hang—your sweaters from them. 

Folding your sweaters over a padded or felt hanger is one of the easiest ways to store them. This helps keep their shape, allowing you to easily see them lined up in a row on the hanging rod. However, be sure to avoid wire hangers, as they can dent or snag the fabric, especially in materials like cashmere and wool.  

Fold Them and Place Them on a Shelf

Another easy option is to individually fold your sweaters and then stack them on a shelf in your closet. This option completely avoids hangers. If you really want to get creative with this method, you could fold and sort them by color, fabric, or sweater type. 

How to Store Sweaters Outside of Your Closet

Of course, your closet isn’t the only place you can store your sweaters. So, how do you store cashmere sweaters and other types of sweaters outside of your closet? Consider some of these different storage spaces. 

Fold Them in Drawers 

Clear out a drawer in your dresser and make room for your sweater collection. Drawers make ideal storage spaces for your sweaters, keeping them well organized in one convenient place. If you have multiple drawers, you can designate one for each type of sweater, such as a drawer for your cashmere sweaters and another for your cardigans. 

Place Them in Breathable Bins

Breathable bins are another great option. We love bins with wheels for mobility and floor-based storage, such as under your bed. Simply place your sweaters in a clear or labeled bin and tuck them away out of sight.

How to Store Sweaters for the Summer

Wondering how to store your sweaters in the warmer months? Explore these summer storage tips. 

Clean Them Before Storing

Before storing your sweaters, it’s essential to clean them. Be sure to remove any dirt, oils, and food that could attract pests or cause mold or mildew to grow in your storage area. Cleaning them beforehand also ensures they’re all ready to wear when autumn rolls around. 

Once you’ve washed them, allow them to fully dry before storing them to help prevent mold and mildew. 

Find a Cool, Dark Environment 

When selecting an off-season storage location, choose a cool, dry place, as humidity and moisture can encourage mold to grow and even degrade the fibers in your sweaters. It’s also essential to avoid direct sunlight, as the sun’s rays weaken the fibers and cause the colors to fade. 

Consider a Storage Unit

If you’re wondering how to store sweaters for the summer, consider renting a storage unit for your off-season clothing. This is a great way to declutter your closet and make room for your summer clothing during the warmer months.

If you go this route, place your sweaters in a cardboard box or plastic bin, and label the outside so you know exactly what’s inside. Then, when it starts getting chilly outside, you can easily swap out your tank tops for the sweaters stored in your unit. 

How to Store Wool Sweaters to Protect Them from Moths 

Unfortunately, moths love to eat wool. In fact, they love to eat cashmere, too. This means you

must take special care to protect your coziest sweaters from the mouths of hungry pests. 

Inspect Your Storage Space

Before storing your sweaters, inspect your storage location for any signs of pests or critters, such as droppings or shredded material. If you suspect there may be bug activity, clean the area and use pest deterrents or select a different location, as critters can cause irreversible damage to your clothing. 

Use All-Natural Moth Repellants 

When it comes to protecting your sweaters against moths, we encourage you to use all-natural, non-toxic deterrents, such as cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Moths don’t like the smell of cedar and lavender, so these scents can help prevent them from noshing on your fabric. 

Avoid Traditional Mothballs 

When protecting your sweaters against pets, we recommend avoiding traditional mothballs because they are toxic and harmful to both people and pets. When placed in spaces, like closets and drawers, mothballs can release chemicals into the air, potentially causing respiratory issues and other health concerns. 

Check out Stor-It Today

Stor-It opened its first location on Mitchell Street in Boise, Idaho, and has since expanded to locations throughout the Treasure Valley, including McCall, Nampa, Meridian, Donnelly, and beyond. 

If you need a hand with storage, we’ve got you covered. We’re the oldest and largest storage company in Idaho, which means we have a wealth of knowledge about storage. From providing the best storage tips to helping you rent a storage unit near you, our team is committed to helping you. 

Contact us today!