The $13 ‘In-Between’ Basket Simplifying My Summer-to-Fall Closet Transition – Finally, No More Clothes in Limbo
Such a simple fix has solved a problem I've struggled with for years
We’ve reached that awkward time of year when, in many parts of the country, the weather can’t seem to make up its mind. Mornings can be bitterly cold, only for the afternoon to feel like summer all over again.
That makes switching over and organizing clothes a logistical nightmare. I’m ready to bring out the sweaters and heavier layers, but I still need a few summer pieces within easy reach to see me through those unexpected warm spells.
Rather than cram everything into my closet and make getting dressed a battle every morning, I’m trying an ‘in-between’ basket: A lidded caddy for those lingering summer pieces that keeps them close at hand when I need them, while taking some of the pressure off my clothes storage. These foldable baskets from Amazon are perfect for the job, giving me a neat place to stash seasonal stragglers without committing to a full closet switch-over just yet.
My favorite thing about these storage bins is that they are foldable, meaning they can be collapsed down and slotted away on a shelf or between units when not in use. I can use them during key transitional times in the year, without committing full-time. They are also great for extra storage during guest season.
My fall wardrobe swap is a serious undertaking. Every year, I have to ruthlessly declutter my closet just to make all of my sweaters and cardigans fit. There is simply no room in my small home storage to keep my summer and winter clothing side by side.
That makes things particularly tricky in the transitional period, when I need to carefully layer clothing to avoid being too hot or too cold through the day.
Using a storage basket with a lid, from Amazon, means that I can keep some of the summer clothing that would otherwise go straight into my under-bed storage to one side, without awkward cluttered piles laying in limbo on my bedroom chair. The boxes are dust-proof, protecting items from dirt and damage, and are extra-strong (supporting up to 25 lbs) for easy stacking. Rather than leaving clothes out on display for a few weeks, I can keep them folded away neatly.
The best part? Once the weather makes up its mind and the rest of my summer items can go away, the boxes fold flat for easy storage, so I do not have to commit to finding a use for them year-round.
It's a quick, seriously simple fix that makes this awkward inter-season period a little bit more organized.
What Else to Shop
To keep your clothes neat and protected throughout winter, I’ve curated a selection of clever closet essentials that the most organized people rely on to keep their closets in order.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
These dust-proof storage bins feature flip-top lids and three soft sewn-in handles on the front and both sides.
Save space in your off-season storage by using vacuum bags to flatten summer clothing. They are ideal for protecting from pests, dirt, and damage, too.
Cedar blocks are a far less toxic method for repelling moths, helping to protect delicate natural fibers without damaging moth balls.
If you have a lot of natural fiber clothing, garment bags can help to protect against moths and snagging while they hang in storage.
I always store my out-of-season clothing under my bed. Not only does it prevent it from getting in the way, but it keeps it within easy reach should I need anything last minute.
Whether storing clothes for use in a transition period or organizing smaller items in drawers and on shelves, these smaller pre-divided baskets are ideal, making it easy to grab what you need in passing.
With your bedroom closet organized, move on to your fall pantry reset to arrange your kitchen for the hosting period.
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