Is your wardrobe groaning under the weight of too many clothes? Do you find yourself wrestling with hangers every time you try to pull out a jumper, or playing a game of Tetris just to squeeze in one more shirt?
If so, you’re not alone—and you might be making the most common wardrobe mistake of all: trying to fit every season’s clothes into one cramped space.
But don’t despair. A professional organiser has shared her top tips for reclaiming your wardrobe—and it all starts with a simple, seasonal swap.
Why your wardrobe is bursting at the seams
According to Christine Krkach, in partnership with Howards Storage World, the biggest mistake most of us make is attempting to keep all our clothes—summer, winter and everything in between—in the same wardrobe all year round.
‘The trick is to work with the storage you have, not against it, and get strategic about what stays, what gets stored and how it’s packed away,’ she says.
A seasonal swap isn’t just about making space; it’s the perfect opportunity to declutter, reset and make your wardrobe work for you.
Think of it as a wardrobe ‘spring clean’—no matter the season.
How to do a seasonal swap (the right way)
So, how do you actually go about it? Christine recommends removing all your out-of-season clothes—for example, summer dresses and shorts in winter—and packing them away in clearly labelled, airtight storage tubs or vacuum-seal bags.
If you’re lucky enough to have a spare cupboard, you can hang them there instead. But beware: not all storage boxes are created equal.
‘Cardboard boxes are a no-go for long-term storage as they attract silverfish and can yellow fabric,’ Christine warns.
Instead, opt for plastic tubs with tight-fitting lids, or invest in vacuum-seal bags to shrink bulky items down to a fraction of their size. And before you pack anything away, make sure it’s clean.
Even if your clothes look spotless, residual body oils and deodorant can attract mould and moths over time. A quick wash now can save you a nasty surprise next season.
Label, swap, repeat
Once you’ve packed away your summer (or winter) clothes, label the box clearly—‘Out of season’ or ‘Summer clothes’, for example.
When the weather changes, simply swap the contents of your wardrobe with the box.
This keeps your wardrobe minimal, easy to manage and ensures you’re only storing what you truly need.
Still short on space? Get creative
If you’ve done your seasonal swap and your wardrobe is still bursting, it’s time to look beyond the closet.
Christine suggests making use of often-overlooked spaces: the back of doors, top shelves, under the bed or even inside your luggage.
There are plenty of clever gadgets to help, too. Vacuum-seal bags are brilliant for shrinking bulky items, while tiered hangers and slimline velvet hangers can help you make the most of your vertical space.
‘Many clients have more vertical (hanging) space than they think—they just need the right hangers,’ Christine says.
Keep your clothes fresh and pest-free
With all those clothes packed into a small space, odours, mould and pests like moths can become a real problem.
Christine’s secret weapon? Cedar. ‘Cedar is naturally moisture-wicking and pest-repellent. You can use cedar balls, cedar sprays, cedar hanger rings and hanging cedar blocks,’ she explains.
And don’t forget to check that your clothes are completely dry before storing them away—even a little dampness can lead to mould and musty smells.
A wardrobe that works for you
By following these simple steps, you can transform your wardrobe from a chaotic jumble into a streamlined, easy-to-use space.
Not only will you save time getting dressed each day, but you’ll also extend the life of your clothes and make your home feel more organised.
Your turn: Have you tried a seasonal wardrobe swap?
How do you keep your clothes organised year-round? Do you have any clever space-saving or pest-prevention tips that work wonders in your home?
We’d love to hear what has worked for you—share your ideas in the comments below!
Also read: This surprising ingredient might be your new wardrobe buddy—why isn’t everyone doing this?
