How to Transition Your Closet from Summer to Winter

Fall is upon us. The leaves may not be turning orange and we may not yet need sweaters, but that doesn’t mean Hong Kong isn’t eventually going to get cold. Despite our temperate climate, we do need to prepare for the upcoming winter, and a big part of that is transitioning your closet from summer to winter. It is a daunting and time-consuming task but it’s worth carving out time for the process. Not only does it help you manage clutter in our smaller Hong Kong homes, but it is also a great time to rediscover your style, find your beloved pieces and donate what you’re over. As a professional organizer, it's one of my favorite activities, and below is my recommended process. 

1. Pull out summer clothes and do an edit

First and foremost, you need to take out your summer wardrobe and sort through the clothes. Categorize the items to see which need to be stored away, and which can be used in the upcoming season. The “true” summer gear - think cotton dresses, shorts and beach coverups can be put away. I recommend keeping a swimsuit or two out, in case you have a trip to Thailand or Vietnam planned. 

Also, be sure to keep pieces out that you can layer. Given the moderate temperature in Hong Kong, you can still keep a number of your summer clothes out - either for layering or an odd hot day in November (you never know with global warming!) This includes dresses that can be worn with tights and jackets or blouses that can be layered.  Scarves are another great piece that can take your outfit from regular to super cosy. 

This is also a great time to review your closet and see what you have or have not worn. That cute top that no longer fits? The dress that you love but can’t find a place to wear it? I am afraid it might be time to donate or sell them. Also, check if any of your clothes need cleaning, repair or dry cleaning. By doing this before your seasonal clothes go into storage boxes ensures they are ready to wear, be it summer or winter.

2. Use the right storage systems

Next is getting ready to store the summer items away to ensure they remain dry and fresh for the next season. A big consideration is where you’re going to keep the items. Be sure to clean the storage space well before you start putting your clothes away. Please check for mold or mildew! 

You might have a second cupboard in a spare bedroom where you can store clothes that are not being used. Prepare hangers, baskets, or other storage containers to keep the clothes away neatly. If you don’t have a spare closet, you can move the summer items to a shelf above your wardrobe or in lower drawers that are less convenient to access. Fabric storage bins are still a great option to ensure dust doesn’t get into your clothes. 

Many of us probably use the space under the bed to store the off-season clothes. If you have suitcases you also need to store, you can always fill them up with the items, or I highly recommend fabric cubes, such as the ones pictured above, available from Ikea. Despite the attractiveness of using space-saving vacuum bags, you should definitely not use them for storing delicates. For fabrics such as cashmere, silk and even leather, these bags literally “suck the life” out of your clothes! As the bags are made from plastic, a material that doesn’t allow fresh air to circulate, sealing clothes off in a vacuum bag can damage your pieces by creating creases and jeopardizing the integrity of you garments. 

There are other repercussions of using plastic. When stored in dark, humid or hot places, such as under your bed, the plastic can melt and can also transfer the plastic odor to your clothes. Finally, if left long enough, your clothes and belongings can also start to discolor or fade.

3. Prepare and pack your clothes

Whether you’re storing your summer clothes in a suitcase, fabric cube or just in an extra cupboard, there are certain steps you should take to prevent ruining your items. To prevent bugs or moths, add cedar blocks/ rings or lavender sachets. These can be reused as well - just place the lavender sachets out in the sun or lightly sand your cedar block. You should also start with heavier things at the bottom and build up, trying to maintain consistency. Most summer clothes can also be rolled - t-shirts, skirts, even pants! This prevents hard creases from forming. 

Also, If you’re worried about forgetting what you have, or not remember where exactly its stored, I recommend taking group pictures of your items and saving them. It can be tempting to want to buy that new swimsuit, but if you look through your photos and realize you already have SIX, it might deter you from that purchase - saving money and the environment! It is also essential to label your storage as much as possible. If you’re storing under your bed, be sure that the labels are on the outside so that you can easily read and know what you have rather than digging through the bags, trying to find that specific black skirt you’re desperate to wear. Transparent bins - fabric cubes or underbed bins with wheels, are also great to help you locate the items you’re looking for.

4. Store your accessories and shoes

One of the most exciting parts of fall cleaning is storing away sandals, and taking out the boots. But storing shoes, even summer shoes can be tough. Hopefully, they can go in the same space that your winter shoes were stored. I generally recommend using acid-free, absorbent tissue paper - the tissue paper shoes normally come with fit the bill. These will help keep the shoes dry and also help keep their shape. You can also use air purifiers or deodorizing sachets to ensure they don’t begin to smell. 

Another difficult accessory to store is hats. While we might love a floppy hat or a baseball cap during summer days, they can be a bit tough to find storage solutions for during winter. They need to be stored in a way that they can retain their shape. Storage boxes that can be kept at the top of your cupboard or in another area that has vertical space is a good option. If you don’t have too many and would like to show them off, you can also insert easy pegs or hooks inside your cupboard and display them. 

Finally, sunglasses, scarves, bags and other knick-knacks. While most can be worn or used for winter too, storing the summer-only items will give you more space. Even if you have the space, it is helpful to have out only the items you can actually use. It makes decision-making so much easier.

5. Assess your winter clothes

Finally, its time to take out all your winter clothes and start evaluating them. Pull them out one by one, doing a check to see if they’re still in good condition and you still love them as much as you did when you put it away for storage. Is there anything you need to let go off? Ask yourself, if the occasion and weather were perfect for this item, would I wear this tomorrow? 

Once you have your pile of “keep” clothes - its time to start organizing! If you’re looking to find what is the best closet system that works for your life and family, schedule a call with me. At the Happy Space Company we love working on any project, big or small, and closets are one of our favorites!

Reach out to us on Instagram or WhatsApp, +852 9198 5019 or schedule a chat.