The West is known for warm beaches and cool breezes, but there’s so much more climate diversity than that. And while people on the coast aren’t constantly reaching for a winter coat, it’s always nice to have one on hand. Amanda Titchenal, founder of full-service organizing firm Well Organized, says even her Southern California clients have carved out space for more infrequently used items—anything from heavy ski jackets to safari gear.
Below, discover Titchenal’s tips for developing an organizing system to manage your off-season clothing and home goods.
1. Consider How Much Space You Have to Spare
There are two main routes for off-season storage, and it all comes down to any untouched space in your home. If you have a guest room, rename the closet your “seasonal closet.” There, Titchenal says you can store winter ski gear and climate- or activity-specific items. If you don’t have anywhere to put them in your home, take advantage of your garage, attic, or basement.
Still not sure where to put all of your stuff? In extreme cases, Titchenal pulls out vacuum-sealed bags. “I don’t love space bags as much because they tend to wrinkle or flatten garments,” she says. “They’re great for space-saving, though, and you can store them under a bed, up on a high shelf in your closet, or in the attic.”
Multifunctional furniture could also be a savior for smaller spaces, and Titchenal says an ottoman with storage at the end of your bed could serve as the ultimate dual-purpose piece.
2. Protect Your Gear
Titchenal and her team often rely on these weather-tight storage bins, which have a foam seal and a thick design to hold your belongings. For cashmere sweaters, she recommends cedar blocks and moth sachets.
“Sometimes, we’ll even wrap them in archival tissue paper or garment bags to keep them fresh, clean, and tidy for the next season,” she adds. “There’s also these garment racks with their own cover, making it portable and protected.”
3. Keep Like Items Together
Titchenal reminds us to take it back to the basics of organizing and start with categorizing. “You want everything related to that season together,” she says. “For holiday-related items, every book, every PJ, every kitchen towel, anything Christmas is all put away together. Don’t leave anything behind—not even a beanie. That way, it’s out of your daily life and all in one place.”
As you’re categorizing, Titchenal offers one more request: Whip out your label-maker. “Label everything so it’s ready to go for the next season.”
4. Make It a Biannual Routine
“We switch in and out every season,” Titchenal says, referring to a biannual routine she performs for clients in the winter and summer. “And it’s always a good time to do a quick purge. If it’s something you’ve stored away for the winter and realize you won’t wear or use it this season, it’s probably time to let it go.”
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