Storing Off-season Clothes

Tips for Tuesday

It seems like we had our Spring/Summer in March and now it's back to Fall, despite the fact the calendar says "April".  If we pulled out our summer clothes last month, hopefully we didn't store our winter clothes yet, because we still need them.  But when it does finally warm up for good, we'll have to store our sweaters and coats.  Here are some tips for storing your off-season clothes:

·         Clean and repair everything before storing.  This includes zippers, buttons and stains.

·         If it won't fit your children next year, then don't keep it.  Hand it down or donate it.

·         Get rid of stray mittens/gloves.

·         To keep whites from fading, wrap them in white tissue paper, then in a dark color to keep out the light.

·         Store in plastic tubs rather than cardboard boxes to deter rodents and bugs.

·         Furs should be cleaned and stored professionally.

·         Leather shoes/boots should be cleaned and moisturized.  Dry thoroughly before storing. 

·         Stuff leather boots and shoes with newspaper or tissue so they don't get crushed.

·         Clean salt and dirt from snow boots before storing.

·         Clean and moisturize your leather handbags, then stuff them with paper to retain their shape.

·         Cedar lined closets or boxes work well against moths.  If you don't have a cedar closet, then use lavender sachets or moth balls to deter moths.

·         Sweaters should be stored folded rather than on hangers to retain their shape. 

·         Remove clothes from dry-cleaning bags if your storage space is damp (basement, attic).  Moisture may build up inside the bag and cause mold or mildew.

·         Fold wool blankets and store them in a cedar-lined chest.

Stretching Your Wardrobe

Frugal Friday

Clothing can be very expensive, especially if you want it to last for a while. With the cost of utilities and gas rising, the money you have to spend on clothing is decreasing. But with wise decisions, you can have a nice wardrobe that will last for years to come.

• Don't buy into fads and fashion. Keep to the classics that never go out of style, such as that little black dress or black heels.
• Keep your wardrobe to two or three basic colors. Use cool or warm colors that coordinate based on your skin tone. Add in the neutrals--black, beige and white to round out the selection.
• Use accessories to change your look, rather than more expensive shirts or pants. A colorful scarf, earrings or belt can create a whole new look.
• Buy good quality items/fabrics that will last many years.
• Use light layers under expensive sweaters or jackets to absorb odors and oils. You won't have to clean your clothes as often.
• Launder your items inside-out to preserve color.
• Store your off-season clothes in temperature-controlled areas. Do not store them in humid or damp areas, especially if they are in plastic bins, which retain moisture.

Places to Donate Clothes

Senior Thursday

Last week, we had you sort through your closet and decide which of your work clothes you didn't need in your retirement years. But what do you do with that pile?

You can:
1. Donate them to your favorite charity. There are several that pick up from your front door, or many have donation drop-off sites. These include The Salvation Army, The Cancer Federation, Goodwill, Amvets and Habitat for Humanity.

2. Donate them to a Women's shelter or to a thrift store supporting women's shelters. This would include places such as your local YWCA and Home of the Sparrow.

3. Donate them to a charity that puts women back in the work force such as Dress for Success.

4. Take them to a local consignment shop. Most consignment shops will set up an appointment with you to go through your clothes. They only take certain garments at certain times of the year, and they have to be in excellent condition. If they do not sell your items after a certain period of time, you can take them back or the store will donate them to a local charity.

5. Sell them online. If you have high-end label clothes, they sell well on sites such as eBay and Craig's List. This takes time and costs money. Determine beforehand if the time you spend will be worth it.

6. Distribute them among family members and friends.

7. If they are in poor condition, throw them away.