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It’s Sweater Weather: Time to Store Summer Items

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October is here! I always greet this month with a little happy dance. The weather is perfect, the trees are gorgeous and the craziness of the holidays hasn’t kicked in yet. As we leave behind warm weather clothes and activities and begin to think about what we’ll need for the cooler temperatures, it is important to take a minute to store our summer gear well. This ensures everything will still be in great shape when spring hits. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Summer Clothing
Wash all items before storing, even if they look clean. Hidden stains and sweat can oxidize over time and be difficult to remove months down the road.

Vacuum-seal plastic bags are fabulous for out-of-season clothing. They store a ton and tuck away into small storage spaces. If you have the space for large plastic bins, those are great, too. Just don’t use cardboard boxes, which are acidic and feel like a five-star resort to bugs.

Flip flops and summer sandals fit well in shallow, under-the-bed lidded storage bins. You can even find zippered canvas bags with dividers created specifically for shoes.

Outdoor Activity Supplies
Pool toys and other summer fun gear store nicely in large zip-closure bags. Winding string lights around a piece of cardboard will keep them from getting tangled; a shallow tub is safer than something deep for holding fragile items like lights.

Store outdoor dishes in large plastic tubs, cradled in summer tablecloths, placemats and napkins to prevent breakage. If you don’t have the space for a large deck box to protect your patio chair cushions and pillows, there are canvas bags made just for this purpose; hang the bag by the handles in your garage, basement or attic.

Place a small piece of plastic wrap over the opening of sunscreen and bug spray bottles, securing with the lid of the bottle to prevent leaks. Then place the bottles in a shoe-box-sized plastic bin. Put leftover bags of mulch, potting soil, fertilizer and such in a trash can or tub with a tight-sealing lid to keep out moisture and hungry critters.

Fall is also the perfect time to touch up your garage organization. Move summertime things to the back and winter supplies front and center. Find the window scraper and put it in your car. Buy a bottle of windshield washer fluid and a bag of rock salt.

These tips will make quick work of your fall organizing projects so you can hurry back outside and enjoy the best season of the year! ■

If you need help finding the perfect storage solutions for your favorite summer trappings, feel free to contact me: joanie@organizewithjoanie.com.


Written by: Joanie Nicholas

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Organizing Coach Joanie Nicholas, owner of All Things Organized, is not an ordinary organizer. She approaches your home from a soulful place. For over 20 years, Joanie has led people across the metro area in creating lasting, positive changes to their space. Joanie brings professional guidance, enthusiasm, empathy and humor to her hands-on work with each client. Connect with her at OrganizeWithJoanie.com, or by phone at 913-390-3432. For regular tips and inspiration for your home projects, follow All Things Organized on Facebook and @ATOJoanie on Twitter.