Professional Organizers Say Using This One Simple Storage System Makes Winter-to-Spring Closet Swaps Effortless
You don't have to live with a crowded closet
With spring looming over the horizon, switching out your winter wardrobe for one a little more suitable for warmer weather will likely be on your mind.
To ease this changeover without clutter overwhelming your dressing area, now is the perfect time to implement effective storage systems that clear space in your closet. In fact, professional organizers swear by rotating clothes in and out of underbed storage, and you don't have to wait till spring to do it.
Professional Organizers Swear By Underbed Storage Systems for Seasonal Wardrobe Swaps
The reason for tackling crowded closets now, whilst the chill of winter is still here, is that come spring, you can transition into lighter garments without having a stuffed wardrobe to contend with.
Many closets simply do not have enough storage space to accommodate all the clothing a person owns, particularly if you're very good at acquiring garments, but not so good at capsule decluttering.
Cathy Orr, co-founder at the Uncluttered Life, says that using underbed storage ideas for holding key clothing, shoes, and accessories as the seasons rotate makes storing summer clothes and vice versa easier than ever. In fact, it's her one non-negotiable when tackling bulky items on the tail-end of winter.
She says, 'Bulky items like coats and vests for winter don't need to take up space during the spring and summer,' she continues. 'Keep out what you'll actually wear during that time of year, and let the other items take a backseat. It's much easier to see what you love, what needs to be donated, and what has seen better days if you have less to look at when you open the closet.'
When asked about the storage system she swears by in winter, Cathy Orr, co-founder at the Uncluttered Life, had a pertinent piece of advice. 'One thing to remember about winter storage for spring is, when storing, decide whether or not you'd be excited to unpack the container in March,' she says. 'If not, now is a good time to donate, so that you are not burdening yourself in the spring.'
Cathy adds that many people tend to keep all their clothing in the closet, whether or not it is seasonal, which can often make even the most well-thought-out closet organization ideas overfilled and inaccessible.
You can also make use of built-in underbed storage solutions, like this one.
She explains, 'I think it's better to divide up what you'll be wearing in the colder and warmer months so that you can see exactly what you have to wear for that season. A storage container should be breathable and have rollers and windows, if possible, so that it's easy to access, and you can see what it contains.'
The Yecaye Under Bed Storage with Wheels, available in a pack of two at Amazon, is a good example of this. However, advises Cathy, even if you can see what's inside, it's still a good idea to make a list of the items that are stored within it, either on the container, your phone, or on paper, so you don't have to go digging around in the container once you've packed it. 'Look for storage containers that vary in size, depending upon your needs,' she adds.
Sophia Martinez, cleaning expert and professional organizer at Sparkly Maid Austin, agrees with Cathy on the importance of labelling.
'Seasonal swapping is simple with this method, because the bins are labeled, making it easy to quickly switch from winter to summer or vice versa without having to dig through the boxes to find the correct season's belongings,' she concurs.
The Benefits of Using This Seasonal Storage Solution
Keeping only the clothes in your closet that relate to the current season will make it easier to find exactly what you need, when you need it.
Put simply, says Cathy, clothing takes up a lot of space. 'When we help people declutter and organize their closets, there is a lot more there than they realize,' she explains. 'That’s why Marie Kondo always says to “make the pile” so you can see the volume that you own.
'When you see the quantity of clothing, it may make you stop to think the next time you go to the store to shop. There is a big difference between “need" and ‘want."
'If you feel the need to purchase, then make sure the items fit into your current clothing style, and be selective in what you buy. That way, you’ll be able to contain the amount of clothing that takes up room in your closet,' making even organizing a small closet doable, and, in some cases, even enjoyable.
What to Shop
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
These underbed storage boxes handily come with labels, while a transparent lid design makes it easy to see what you have in each with a quick glance.
These stackable under-bed storage boxes are low-profile for slipping under beds, and sturdy enough to be stacked up vertically in slightly taller spaces.
These strong underbed storage containers are complete with reinforced handles to ensure they won't rip or break as you pull them out from under your bed.
This zippered underbed storage is available in six colors and is designed to fit under most beds with enough space to store comforters and even pillows.
This might not be the most attractive option, but it's perfect for budget-friendly seasonal storage and can be squashed into almost any space.
This stylish storage bin features a removable lid for easy access to items, and looks good enough to be spotted underneath your bed, without ruining your decor.
Meet the Experts
Cathy holds the prestigious Certified Master Consultant designation in Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method, which fewer than 100 professional organizers have achieved worldwide. She's also the co-founder of The Uncluttered Life, which has been featured in Architectural Digest, Real Simple Magazine, The Spruce, Martha Stewart, and more.
Wondering how to organize a closet without buying anything? Always begin by decluttering first to make space for more storage.
