11 Steps to Refresh Your Closet for the Cold Months

As the weather cools down, it’s the perfect time to refresh your closet for the upcoming season. A well-organized, functional wardrobe makes it easier to stay cozy and stylish throughout the colder months. From decluttering and deep cleaning to making sure your winter essentials are ready, these simple steps will help you create a space that’s both inviting and efficient. Keep reading to learn how to prepare your closet for a smooth, stress-free transition into winter.

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Declutter by Packing Away Off-Season Clothes

Refreshing your closet for the cold months begins with a good decluttering session. Start by sorting through your summer clothes and packing away items like tank tops, shorts, swimsuits, and sandals. These clothes will only take up unnecessary space once the weather turns cooler. By packing them away in storage bins or under-bed storage, you free up valuable space for your winter essentials like sweaters, scarves, and coats. As you go through your summer pieces, take a moment to evaluate whether you really want to keep everything. If you have items that no longer fit, are damaged, or just don’t spark joy, set them aside for donation.

After packing away the summer clothes, focus on making your closet more organized and functional for the coming months. Be intentional about which clothes you keep, ensuring that the ones you choose to hold on to are in good condition and are items you actually wear. If you’ve accumulated things you no longer wear, consider donating them to local charities or selling them if they are still in good shape. This decluttering process makes it easier to maintain your closet throughout the season, ensuring that only the clothes you love and wear are within reach.

Deep Clean Your Closet Space

Once the clutter is cleared, give your closet a much-needed deep clean. Start by wiping down all the shelves and any other surfaces that collect dust. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate, affecting both your clothes and your closet’s overall freshness. Don’t forget to clean the closet floor, especially in areas that may not be cleaned as frequently. Vacuum or sweep the floor thoroughly to remove any dirt, debris, or dust. If you have carpet, consider using a carpet cleaner to freshen up the space. A clean closet not only improves the overall look of your space but also creates a healthier environment for your clothes.

While cleaning, it’s also a good idea to go through your storage bins, baskets, and drawers. Remove any excess clutter from these areas, and wash or wipe down the bins to ensure they’re free of dust or stains. Pay close attention to the areas that often get overlooked, like the tops of shelves or corners, where dust can easily accumulate. A thorough cleaning provides a fresh start for the season, allowing your clothing to stay clean and ready for wear.

Assess Your Winter Wardrobe

Once your closet is clean, it’s time to assess your winter wardrobe. Take a good look at your sweaters, jackets, and scarves to see if anything is worn out or needs mending. This is the perfect opportunity to repair or replace items that might have small tears, missing buttons, or broken zippers. Also, make sure your winter coats are ready for the cold months, check for any stains, and make sure they’re clean and properly stored. If you find that certain items are outdated or no longer fit, this is a good time to donate them or add new pieces to your wardrobe that better suit your current style and needs.

As you assess your winter wardrobe, also consider whether you have enough layering pieces, such as thermal tops, cardigans, or cozy leggings, to keep you warm. It might be a good time to invest in new essentials if your current wardrobe feels lacking. Updating your winter basics ensures that you’re well-prepared for whatever the colder months bring, and you’ll feel confident in your wardrobe choices all season long.

Organize Clothes by Type

Another important step in refreshing your closet for winter is organizing your clothes by type and function. Start by separating your winter clothes from other seasonal items to keep everything easily accessible. Group similar items together: place your sweaters, jackets, and coats in one section, while storing scarves, gloves, and hats in another. This helps to create a cohesive system where you can quickly grab what you need for the day without searching through a disorganized pile of clothes. Keeping your clothing organized by type also ensures that you don’t overlook pieces that you might forget about, especially in the colder months when it’s easy to overlook accessories.

Consider using dividers or bins to further organize your closet. For example, you can place your winter boots in one bin and your heavy scarves in another. This will help to keep your closet neat and orderly, so you can avoid the hassle of searching for matching accessories. By categorizing your items, you not only make your closet look more inviting but also streamline your morning routine during the busy winter months when you want to get ready quickly.

Swap Out Seasonal Accessories

Now that your wardrobe is organized, it’s time to swap out seasonal accessories. Put away summer hats, sunglasses, and lighter scarves, and bring out your warmer accessories, such as wool scarves, beanies, and gloves. These items are essential for staying warm and stylish during the cold months. If you store your accessories in bins, take the time to give them a quick check to make sure they are in good condition and ready to wear. Look for any missing buttons, loose threads, or worn-out spots on items like mittens or scarves. Repairing or replacing these items now will save you time later when you need them most.

Additionally, take stock of your footwear for the winter season. Pull out your winter boots, ensuring they are clean and ready to handle rain, snow, or mud. If your boots have seen better days, consider replacing them or investing in a new pair that will keep your feet dry and comfortable. Having all your seasonal accessories organized and in one place ensures you are fully prepared for the winter months, without scrambling to find what you need when the weather turns cold.

Check for Proper Storage

After decluttering, cleaning, and organizing, take a moment to check that everything in your closet has a proper place. Whether you’re using hangers, bins, or shelves, ensure that your storage solutions are suitable for winter clothing. Heavy items like coats and jackets should be hung on sturdy hangers to prevent stretching, while delicate fabrics should be stored in breathable garment bags to protect them from damage. Consider adding storage bins or baskets for smaller items, like scarves, hats, and gloves, to keep them from getting lost or tangled in your closet.

If your closet space is limited, consider using under-bed storage or vacuum-sealed bags to store off-season clothing. These solutions will allow you to maximize your closet’s capacity while keeping everything organized and easily accessible. By providing the right storage for your items, you help prolong the life of your clothing and accessories, ensuring they remain in good condition throughout the season.

Invest in Seasonal Clothing Storage Solutions

If you find that your closet is still cluttered or your storage solutions are not as effective as you would like, it might be time to invest in new seasonal storage options. Consider purchasing stackable storage bins, hanging organizers, or a closet extender to create more space for your winter clothes. Investing in these tools can help you keep your items in good condition, preventing damage and making it easier to find what you need. Some storage solutions are designed specifically for bulky winter clothing, with extra-large bins for coats or insulated bags for delicate items.

Additionally, invest in quality hangers that will support heavier items like winter coats, and look for ones that are velvet-lined to keep your garments from slipping off. You might also want to look into garment racks or over-the-door organizers for shoes or accessories. These small investments will make your closet more functional and organized, giving you peace of mind as you head into the colder months.

Freshen Up with Scented Sachets

A fresh-smelling closet can make the winter months feel more inviting. After organizing your closet and packing away summer clothes, consider adding scented sachets, cedar blocks, or essential oils to keep your closet smelling fresh. These natural options help to eliminate any musty or stale odors that can accumulate in closets, especially during the colder months when airflow is limited. Cedar blocks are especially useful for keeping moths away, making them an excellent addition to your winter wardrobe storage. Simply tuck a sachet or block in a corner or hang one in the middle of your closet for a pleasant, natural scent.

Additionally, keep an eye on the humidity levels in your closet. Too much moisture can lead to mold or mildew, which is especially problematic for items like wool coats or sweaters. Using moisture-absorbing products like silica gel packets or dehumidifiers will help maintain a dry and fresh environment for your clothes, preventing any unwanted smells or damage.

Maintain Your Closet Regularly

Once you’ve completed the major steps to refresh your closet, it’s important to maintain it regularly. Take time every month to reassess your wardrobe and make sure everything is still in good condition. If you find items that need mending or if you’ve accumulated clothing that you no longer wear, make it a habit to remove them. Keeping your closet organized and clutter-free throughout the winter months will make it easier to find what you need without feeling overwhelmed by excess. It also allows you to assess if there are any gaps in your wardrobe and make purchases as necessary.

Regular maintenance also includes checking on your winter clothing. Make sure that jackets are properly stored to avoid any fabric stretching or damage. Look out for any stains, tears, or worn-out items that need replacing. By keeping your closet in order, you ensure that your wardrobe remains functional and ready for every season.

Create Seasonal Outfit Combos

To make the most of your refreshed closet, spend some time creating outfit combinations for the cold months ahead. Pair your sweaters with scarves and boots, or experiment with layering different coats and jackets over your favorite pieces. Creating these combinations will help you make better use of the items you already own, while also inspiring new ways to wear them. If you find that you’re missing a key item, such as a versatile cardigan or a pair of stylish boots, make a note to add it to your shopping list.

Outfit planning also ensures you are prepared for any occasion, whether it’s a casual day out or a special event. By having several pre-planned looks, you can save time during busy mornings. This step also helps to prevent you from over-purchasing items you don’t really need, keeping your wardrobe streamlined and functional.

Rotate Wardrobe Items

To avoid getting bored with your winter wardrobe, try rotating your clothing throughout the season. Instead of pulling out the same sweaters and jackets every week, make an effort to rotate through different pieces every few weeks. This keeps your wardrobe feeling fresh and ensures that all your clothing gets worn regularly. If you keep all your items visible and accessible, it’s easier to forget about certain pieces, which leads to neglect. By rotating your clothes, you make sure that your wardrobe stays interesting and you get the most out of all your items.

This approach also helps with wear and tear. By alternating between your winter coats, for example, you can help extend the life of each item and prevent them from becoming overly worn in certain areas. Keeping your wardrobe varied ensures that it remains functional and exciting throughout the season.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.