Autumn Wardrobe Transitions

After the heatwaves and long evenings of summer here in the UK, many of us will be making the eventual swap over to our autumn and winter wardrobe. Today we’ll be discussing tips on cleaning, sorting and storing your clothes for the colder months of the year and how to avoid pest and damp issues.

After months of sundresses, sandals, and lightweight fabrics, transitioning to our autumn and winter wardrobe can feel like quite the undertaking. But with a bit of planning and some tried-and-tested strategies, you can make this seasonal shift both efficient and enjoyable.

Before diving into the clothes themselves, take a moment to give your wardrobe a proper clean. Remove everything and give the interior a thorough wipe-down with a damp cloth, paying special attention to corners where dust might have gathered. This is also the perfect opportunity to check for any signs of damp or pest damage that might have occurred over the summer months. A clean, dry wardrobe is your first line of defence against moths and mildew that could damage your more precious items of clothing.

• Consider placing some cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your wardrobe – they'll keep things smelling fresh whilst naturally deterring unwanted insects. Just remember to replace these every few months to maintain their effectiveness.

Now comes the task of dealing with your summer wardrobe. As you pack away those floaty dresses and linen trousers, be honest about what you actually wore this past season. That impulse-buy bikini that still has tags on? The dress that never quite fit right? This is your chance to declutter without sentiment getting in the way.

Create three piles: keep, donate, and bin. Items heading to the donation pile should be clean and in good condition – someone else might find joy in that barely-worn summer top. For pieces you're keeping, ensure everything is thoroughly clean before storage. Even clothes that appear clean can harbour invisible stains that will attract pests and may become permanent over time.

Here's where vacuum storage bags become absolute game-changers. These space-saving marvels are perfect for bulky summer items like beach towels, thick cotton dresses, and those voluminous maxi skirts that take up far too much hanging space. The vacuum seal protects your clothes from moisture, dust, and pests whilst dramatically reducing the storage space needed.

• When using vacuum bags, fold clothes neatly and avoid overpacking – you want to be able to remove the air without creating permanent creases. Label each bag clearly with its contents and the season, so you're not playing guessing games come next spring.

As you clear space, it's time to reintroduce your autumn and winter pieces. Start by giving stored woollens a gentle shake and brief airing before hanging them up. Check for any moth damage or mustiness that might have developed during storage.

This is where organisation becomes key. Arrange your wardrobe so that current season items are most accessible. Your autumn jackets and cardigans should take prime hanging space, whilst your heaviest winter coats can wait a bit longer in less accessible areas.

Don't hide away your beautiful scarves, hats, and gloves in dark drawers where you'll forget about them. A decorative basket near your front door for everyday scarves, or hooks on the back of your bedroom door for your favourite wool hats can make cold-weather dressing feel more intentional and stylish.

• Consider investing in some drawer dividers or small boxes to keep accessories organised and prevent that frustrating tangle of scarves that somehow happens every winter.

One of autumn's greatest wardrobe challenges is transitioning between unpredictable temperatures. This is where your unseen layering pieces become invaluable investments. Quality thermal tops, comfortable camisoles, and well-fitted base layers should be easily accessible in your wardrobe.

Dedicate a drawer or section specifically to these foundation pieces. They might not be glamorous but they're the unsung heroes that make autumn dressing comfortable and versatile. When these basics are well-organised and easy to find, layering becomes effortless rather than frustrating.

Remember, the goal isn't perfection – it's creating a system that works for your lifestyle. Some of us are natural organisers who colour-coordinate everything, whilst others prefer a more relaxed approach. The key is finding what feels sustainable for you. Your future self will thank you when you can effortlessly find that perfect autumn scarf on a chilly morning!