If you live in an area where you enjoy a mild climate year round or you have plenty of space to keep your seasonal gear out all year long, you probably don’t have any trouble moving from season to season. For those who have distinct seasons and less than optimum space, this is the time of year for removing heavier clothing, jackets, coats, blankets, and sports gear from storage and packing away summer stuff.
As you’re doing laundry, sort clothes into piles. Put jeans and things that can be worn year round in one pile and separate shorts and other summer gear so these items can be placed in storage. In fact, it’s even better if you can place a storage bin in the laundry area and simply place warm weather clothing into it immediately.
Next, go through drawers and closets and find those last few remnants of summer. Add them to the bin and begin putting heavier clothes in their place. You can always leave a few tank tops to wear under other shirts or leave a few short-sleeved shirts for those exceptionally warm days, but put away the hot weather stuff to free up space.
When removing clothes from storage, be sure to shake them out and examine them carefully if they have not been kept in airtight containers. Make sure there are no telltale signs of insects and make sure there is no dampness. Any items that seem musty should be washed again before putting them away.
This is also a great time to sort clothing and gear. Before putting anything away, make sure it is in good repair, it isn’t outdated, and it still fits. Have kids try on clothes and point out items they really don’t think they will wear any longer. These items can be donated or otherwise removed, instead of taking up space in drawers, closets, and storage bins.