Winter comes and goes quickly, and when it's over, your bulky coats, boots, and knitwear start taking up space you need for everyday life. But stuffing them into boxes or cupboards without care—and without the right packing supplies—can lead to damage, odours, or even mould.

These smart tips—drawn from everyday experience and insights from a renter’s guide to self-storage—will help you keep your winter wardrobe fresh, protected, and ready when you need it.

1. Wash and Repair Before You Store

Before storing your winter clothes, make sure they’re clean. Dirt, stains, and body oils can attract pests or cause damage during storage. Washing your clothes properly helps prevent damage and reduces the risk of unpleasant smells, mould, or mildew forming over time.

Wash all garments thoroughly and ensure they’re completely dry before packing them away. Damp fabric can lead to mould growth and unwanted odours. For shoes, give them a proper wipe and polish so they’re clean and ready for storage.

As you clean your clothes, check for any repairs needed, such as missing buttons, small tears, or worn-out soles on shoes. It’s best to fix these issues before storing so your items are in good condition when you need them again.

Tip: This is also a great time to sort through your wardrobe and decide which winter pieces you’d like to keep and which ones you might want to donate or let go of.

2. Store Your Winter Clothes in Plastic Bins 

Plastic bins are one of the best ways to protect your winter clothes while they’re in storage. They're sturdy, stackable, and shield your clothes from dust, moisture, and pests.

Use clear plastic bins whenever possible. Being able to see what’s inside saves time when you need to grab something later. If you prefer coloured bins to match your space, no problem — just label each one clearly so you know exactly what’s where.

Avoid packing the bins too tightly. Clothes need a bit of space to breathe. When folded neatly with some room to spare, they’re less likely to wrinkle or lose their shape. Heavier items, such as jeans or jumpers, should be placed at the bottom, with lighter pieces on top.

3. Wrap Delicates in Acid-Free Tissue Paper

Wrap delicate clothing in acid-free tissue paper before storing it to prevent damage. This simple step helps keep items like silk scarves, cashmere jumpers, or anything with embellishments in great condition.

Acid-free tissue prevents colour fading, fabric damage, and snagging, especially when clothes are folded and stacked. It also helps maintain the softness of natural fibres over time, even in long-term storage.

If you're using bins, place your delicates at the top so they don’t get crushed by heavier items. Accessories like wool gloves or silk ties should be wrapped individually for added care.

4. Sort and Group Similar Items Together

Group similar winter items before storing to stay organised and save time later. Keeping like items together — such as jumpers with jumpers, coats with coats, and scarves with scarves — makes it easier to find what you need when the season changes.

Separate folded items from those you plan to hang, and keep shoes or boots in their own section. Accessories like hats, gloves, and thermal underwear can be stored in clearly labeled fabric bags or smaller containers inside your main bin.

This step may seem simple, but it helps avoid rummaging through mixed-up boxes later on. It’s also especially helpful if you’re storing your clothes in a storage unit — the more organised your bins, the quicker the seasonal swap will be.

5. Fold Sweaters and Winter Coats

Fold your sweaters and winter coats to help them keep their shape during storage. Hanging heavy garments like these can stretch the fabric and leave them misshapen by the time you need them again.

When folding sweaters, place heavier ones at the bottom of your storage bin and lighter ones on top. This prevents flattening and helps everything stay in good condition.

Coats might seem like they belong on a hanger, but folding them is usually better, especially for padded or structured designs. Make sure to empty the pockets before storing to avoid any bulging or damage to the fabric.

6. Hang Furs and Dresses to Protect Their Shape

Hang furs and delicate dresses instead of folding them to prevent creasing and damage. These items are often made from fine materials that can lose their shape if stored flat for too long.

Use wide, padded hangers to support the fabric properly, and cover them with breathable cotton garment bags. This keeps them safe from dust while allowing air to circulate.

Not all dresses need to be hung. Everyday pieces or less delicate fabrics can be folded and stored in a plastic bin to save space. Just take a moment to check each item and decide what needs extra care.

7. Choose Breathable Garment Bags

Breathable fabric allows air to flow and helps prevent moisture buildup. This is especially important for items like coats, suits, and dresses. A cotton garment bag shields them from dust, pests, and mildew, keeping them fresh and ready to wear next season.

If you're placing these garments in a storage unit, breathable covers are even more helpful in handling the region’s warm climate. They create a simple but effective barrier while still allowing natural airflow.

8. Avoid Vacuum-Sealed Bags for Long-Term Storage

Skip vacuum-sealed bags when storing winter clothes made from natural fibres. While they save space, they don’t allow your clothes to breathe, which can lead to damage over time.

Items like down jackets, wool jumpers, leather pieces, and cashmere need some airflow to keep their shape and texture. Compressing them too tightly can cause wrinkles, flattening, or even trapped moisture, which might lead to mould or musty smells.

If you're storing clothes for more than a few weeks, especially in a warm climate or a storage unit, breathable storage solutions are much safer. Use plastic bins for folded items and cotton garment bags for hanging pieces instead.

9. Use Lavender Sachets or Cedar Balls to Keep Pests Away

Keep pests out of your winter clothes with natural options like lavender sachets or cedar balls. They’re safe, effective, and leave a fresh scent — unlike mothballs, which contain chemicals and leave behind a strong, unpleasant smell.

Lavender and cedar naturally repel moths and other insects without harming delicate fabrics. Simply tuck a few sachets or cedar pieces into your storage bins or hang them inside garment bags.

10. Store Your Winter Clothes in a Cool, Dry, and Dark Storage Space

Choose a storage space that’s cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight to keep your winter clothes in good condition. Heat and humidity can cause fabrics to fade, stretch, or grow mould, especially if they’re stored for several months.

If you’re running out of room at home, consider using a climate-controlled storage unit. It offers a stable environment that protects your clothes from temperature swings and excess moisture, both of which are common in the UAE.

11. Use Boot Shapers or Roll Towels

Keep your winter boots standing tall by using boot shapers or rolled-up towels inside them. This helps them hold their shape and prevents creases or sagging over time.

Tall boots, especially leather or suede ones, can easily fold or flop over when not in use. Placing a soft, rolled towel or a proper boot insert inside gives just enough support to keep them upright during storage.

You can also store boots in fabric shoe bags or in a separate plastic bin to keep them clean and dust-free.

12. Store Hats and Gloves in Fabric Bags

Keep your winter accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves in breathable fabric bags. This protects them from dust while allowing air to circulate, helping them stay fresh and in good condition.

Unlike plastic bags, which can trap moisture and cause musty smells, fabric pouches or cloth bins are gentler on materials like wool and fleece. You can group similar items together and store them in a drawer, bin, or inside your storage unit.

13. Label Everything Clearly

Always label your storage bins so you know exactly what’s inside. It might seem like a small step, but it saves a lot of time when you need to find something later.

Use simple, clear labels like “Wool Jumpers,” “Winter Accessories,” or “Coats & Jackets.” If you’re using coloured bins, labels are especially helpful — and if you're storing items in a unit, it means less time searching through boxes.

You can use printed labels, masking tape with a marker, or even reusable tags. Just make sure the writing is easy to read and placed where it’s visible.

14. Take Inventory Before Storing

Write down what you're storing before you pack it away. A simple list or a few photos can help you remember what you have and where it’s kept.

This is especially useful if you're using a storage unit or tucking items away for several months. It helps avoid buying duplicates and saves you from digging through boxes later just to find one thing.

You don’t need to make it complicated — just a small notebook or a note on your phone will do. Group items by category, such as “Jumpers,” “Boots,” or “Thermal Wear,” and store your inventory in a location that's easy to access.

15. Give Your Winter Clothes Enough Space

Don’t overpack your storage bins or wardrobe — your winter clothes need space to breathe. When items are too tightly packed, they’re more likely to crease, lose their shape, or trap moisture.

Leave a bit of room between folded clothes, and avoid piling too many items on top of each other. This is especially important if you’re storing thicker fabrics like wool or down.

If you’re short on space at home, a small storage unit can give you the flexibility to store off-season clothes properly, without cluttering your living space.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of container is best for storing winter clothes?

Plastic storage bins with secure lids are a reliable choice. They protect against dust, moisture, and pests — especially helpful in the UAE’s climate or when using a storage unit.

2. Should I hang or fold winter coats?

It depends on the fabric and structure. Heavier, structured coats should be folded to avoid stretching, while delicate or tailored coats may be hung in a breathable garment bag.

3. Can I use Ziploc bags to store clothes?

Ziploc bags can work for small items like scarves or gloves, but they’re not ideal for long-term storage. They trap moisture and don’t allow airflow, which can damage natural fabrics over time.

4. Is it better to store clothes in cardboard boxes or plastic bins?

Plastic bins are better for long-term clothing storage. They offer more protection from humidity, pests, and wear, unlike cardboard boxes, which can weaken and attract insects.

5. What material is best for storing clothes?

Breathable materials like cotton or linen are best for garment bags and accessory pouches. These allow airflow and prevent mildew, unlike plastic, which can trap moisture.