4M– Putting away Winter Clothes #organizing #GO_DPRO

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Is it over yet?  Are we through the worst of it yet? Can I put away the winter gear?  I’m sure that winter is over, isn’t it?  I’m going to go with it almost is so I thought I would put together a 4M post – know as Margarita’s Manic Monday Minutes, 4M is a challenge that I put out to my blog follower to tackle a small project to Get Organized!
This week’s challenge is to tackle your winter wear: coats, mitts, hats & boots.  With spring here it is time to put these items away until next season.  Here are a few tips on how to get started:

  • Collect coats, hats, gloves and boots and assess the damage.  Figure out what matches with what and if they don’t?  Just call it an eclectic look.  If you have young children, consider this: will those mitts and hat  fit next year?  If not, can you donate these item or handed down to a sibling or friend’s child?images
  • Clean all items that were exposed to the elements.  This includes, shoes, boots, bags and even snow pants!  The residual salt will damage your clothing. You can use a diluted mixture of vinegar and water and a clean sponge.  Be sure and wipe off with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.   Insects are attracted to dirt and will make themselves at home.
  • BootShapersBoth mUse boot shapers to keep the shape of your boots and shoe trees to keep the shape of your shoes.  You’ve invested a ton of money on those boots, you should keep them clean, polished and wrinkle-free.
  • Purchase cedar balls (enclosed in a small breathable sachet), planks or squares to keep insects at bay.  There aren’t just in your grandma’s closet anymore.  Avoid using mothballs as they can be hazardous if young children get their hands on them.  If you have bought merino wool or cashmere sweaters or have wool pants, be sure and have them laundered before putting them away.  Either hang the up or keep them in a closed container (see next tip) with cedar squares to protect them.
  • Store items in plastic bins that have a good seal or use vacuum/space bags to store items in a compact area.  spacebagsWhether you use Vacu-Sac or Space Bags (my personal favourites), use this space saving storage solution for clothes, down-filled duvets, flannel bed sheets and comforters.  Air out an comforters, pillows or bed skirts that you are not using.  I have both fall/winter and spring/summer bedding so I’m sure to keep those clean and free of dust while in storage.
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  • If you want to hang up clothing (suits, blouses, trousers, coats) You can use a portable, canvas, clothes closet.  You can purchase ones with built-in cedar planks.  Always store items in a cool, dark, dry area.canvas clothes closet

I hope these tips get you motivated and moving this spring!

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Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.