As the seasons change, so does our wardrobe. Transitioning from warm, breezy summer outfits to cozy fall layers is the perfect opportunity to reorganize your closet and make room for the cooler months ahead. Here are some professional organizing tips to help you prepare your closet for fall and store your summer clothes efficiently.
1. Assess Your Wardrobe
Before you begin organizing, take some time to assess your wardrobe. Go through your summer clothes and ask yourself:
- Are there any items that no longer fit or aren’t worn anymore?
- Which pieces can transition to fall with a few tweaks?
- Which pieces should be packed away for the season?
I like to pretend that the closet is a clothing store when I am beginning to weed out clothing. What would I buy again?
The best way to start this process is to pull everything out of the closet. It is a great time to clean all the corners and start new. I pile everything on a bed and physically pick up each piece. When it is on a hanger it easier to quickly pass over an item and not make a decision. Holding the item to decide if you will actually put it back in the closet makes the decision process clearer.
Set up a box or bag to immediately put items you no longer want to donate or sell. Organize what remains into categories, such as dresses, tank tops, shorts, and swimwear. This will make the transition smoother when you bring out your fall pieces.
2. Sort Summer Clothes
Next, sort your summer clothes into two categories: items you’ll keep out for the fall and items you’ll store for the season. For example:
- Keep out: lightweight cardigans, long-sleeve shirts, and transitional pieces that can be layered.
- Store away: swimsuits, sundresses, shorts, and other warm-weather essentials.
This process also allows you to inventory what you used this past summer. Not the items that were less useful, even if you are not ready to part with them. If a second season goes by with no use, consider adding them to the chopping lot next seasonal transition. If you think you need to stock up on essentials for next season throw a note in the bin to remind yourself to purchase new shorts or tank tops next year.
Tip: Consider creating a “fall transition” section in your closet where you keep the pieces you can wear during early fall, like light sweaters or lightweight jackets.
3. Storage Solutions for Summer Clothes
Proper storage is key to preserving the quality of your summer clothes during the cooler months. I highly recommend moving summer clothes out of the closest to a basement, attic or under the bed storage to help you maximize your closet space for the next season. When we try to store every season at once it is harder to find what you need quickly. Additionally, rods can become so jammed with clothes you can’t easily maneuver them to see what you have.
Here are some effective storage options:
Clear Storage Bins: Use clear plastic bins to store your summer clothes. The transparency makes it easy to identify what’s inside, and the bins keep everything dust-free and safe from moisture. Label each bin by category (e.g., “Summer Dresses” or “Swimwear”) for quick access next season.
Vacuum-Seal Bags: For bulky items like swimsuits, shorts, and lightweight jackets, vacuum-seal bags are an excellent space-saving solution. These bags compress your clothing, reducing the space they take up while keeping them fresh and protected from dust, mold, and pests.
Under-Bed Storage: Utilize under-bed storage bins or containers for clothing that you only need to access occasionally. This is especially helpful for clothes that don’t need to be accessed until next summer, like beach towels or sandals.
Drawer Organizers: If you don’t have much closet space, use drawer organizers to store seasonal items. This helps maintain order and makes it easy to store lighter fall pieces alongside your summer essentials.
4. Prep Your Fall Wardrobe
While organizing your summer clothes, take the time to prep your fall wardrobe as well. Pull out your sweaters, jackets, boots, and scarves and place them front and center in your closet. This will ensure you’re ready to layer up as the temperature drops.
Also, this is the perfect time to:
- Rearrange your closet: Move your heavier fall and winter pieces to the front and put your summer clothes in the back or store them away if you are not packing them up for the season.
- Inspect your fall pieces: Check for any items that need repair, such as fixing missing buttons on your coat or cleaning your boots.
- Add accessories: Don’t forget to include scarves, hats, and gloves in your closet organization, keeping them neatly folded or stored in bins for easy access.
This is also a great time to see what gaps are in your wardrobe. Do you need some updated essentials? Are some items not on trend anymore or in need of repair. Again, consider yourself in a clothing store. What fall items would you buy again if you were given the choice?
5. Maintain an Organized Closet Year-Round
Once you’ve made the transition to fall, keep your closet organized with a few simple maintenance tips:
- Rotate your clothing seasonally: At the start of each season, repeat this process to keep your closet fresh and organized.
- Use space-saving hangers: Invest in slim, non-slip hangers to maximize hanging space and keep everything in place. I love these velvet hangers. Do not underestimate how much better a closet looks when all the hangers are the same. It is the easiest trick to make a closet instantly feel more organized.
- Keep it decluttered: Regularly assess your wardrobe and donate or sell items you no longer wear, keeping your closet manageable.
I recommend keeping a bag, bin or box in your closet to put items you want to donate in all year round. Most of us know as soon as we put on a piece of clothing and don’t feel good in it. What if you put it right in the donation bin as soon as you took it off instead of hanging it back up? If you are just hoping the feeling will change the next time you try it on you will probably be disappointed. Practicing this habit will keep your closet filled with clothes you actually love.
Final Thoughts
By taking the time to properly organize and store your summer clothes, you’ll make your fall transition smoother and your closet more functional. With the right storage solutions, you can keep your wardrobe in top condition and ready to wear when the seasons change.
For more decluttering help check out my Life & Home Decluttering Workbook. Also, if you need a coach by your side as you clear your closet, consider our Professional Organizing services. Our team loves to organize closets.
Happy organizing!
Kristin
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