As we say so long to the cold weather and hello to spring, here are some great tips on how to properly and efficiently store your winter clothing.

1. Clean all your clothing

Properly clean all your clothes, including the ones that look clean. Give them another wash.

2. Smart Storing

• Avoid cardboard boxes. They are not air tight and can attract bugs.
• The best way to store is sealable plastic storage containers. If you want to keep your clothes as safe as possible while they are in storage, then you should purchase some plastic storage containers.
• Lining the container with acid-free paper will also help protect your winter clothes in storage. You can purchase acid-free paper at craft stores.

3. Avoid Insects

• Mothballs are not a good idea. They're toxic to people and pets, leave an awful smell and are not 100 per cent effective.
• Instead, opt for little pouches of lavender or cedar chips inside the garment racks or storage boxes. Cedar has essential oils stave off adult moths and beetles.
• Cedar does, however, lose its power after a while. So rub the cedar blocks or chips with sandpaper periodically to release new oils.

4. Perfect packing and storage

When packing, put your heaviest clothing at the bottom of the container. If you store heavy items over lighter items, then the heavy items could crease or stretch out the lighter items. When storing, avoid wet or musty basements. Also avoid warm attics.

Never store clothing directly on the floor without protection. Place a plastic sheet on the ground. Store your clothing in clean, cool, dark and dry places like a spare bedroom closet, away from a window.