The holidays (otherwise know as “holi-daze”) are almost here, and with all the joyful festivities, the feverish pitch of shopping, and the over abundance of sugar also comes a wardrobe transition and the need for last-minute “grab and go” items.

As you run out the door, wouldn’t it be great to have all the hats, gloves, scarves and footwear you need easily accessible?

Here are a few fun tips to make sure you keep your closets and outdoor knitwear organized and in tip top shape! (There are some great ideas for holiday gifts in here as well!)

Winter Gear Organizing Tips

1. Consider a shelf-mounted, pull-out metal basket for each type of item you wear. (My California Closets clients love these!) Hats, scarves, gloves and ear muffs can all be seen in a see-through metal basket, and stowed neatly away back under the shelf when waiting to be worn.

• Laundry alert! Wash gloves and hats several times each season in mild detergent and shape to dry. Makeup, perspiration, and daily germs build up in these items rapidly, and a clean start once in a while will cut down on winter illnesses.

2. One or two large, shallow, open topped plastic boxes on the floor are a great way to store away wet winter boots and shoe covers. The plastic bin will catch the dirt and wet overflow, making it easy to keep floors clean and dry. Just rinse out the box(es) with a hose every so often and you are good to go with clean floors this season.

• Smell great alert! Store lavender or cedar sachets in boots and shoes to keep them fresh smelling all winter long.

3. Maxi or mini bins make great single item storage organizers. Choose 12″, 18″, or a larger box size and just slide into a pre-existing shelf unit. Easy to reach for all ages, each set of gloves, hat, scarf or ear muff gets its own space and stays organized and easy to find!

• Wrinkle alert! Roll hats, gloves and scarves to keep wrinkles at bay and create a tidy look when stored. Never put any knit item away when damp or wet, as it will mildew.

4. Hang totes, backpacks and nylon all weather duffels on hangers to keep them off the floor and dirt free. Pull-out garment rods work well for extra depth storage if the hanging pole is packed, or try wall mounted hooks.

• “I wish I had …” alert! Don’t forget to pack tissues, chap stick, hand cream, and eye drops in each bag for last minute emergencies in the cold air!

5. Keep leather, suede and rubber shoe coverings and boots protected from moisture, salt and dirt. Keep natural and synthetic materials in fantastic shape with a good waterproof spray a few times a season. Stiff suede brushes whisk away dust and dried soil, and polish with a soft cloth cleans up leather beautifully. Rubber rain boots can be cleaned with white vinegar and a light rub with baby oil or petroleum jelly.

• Fashion alert! Investing in high quality seasonal footwear (preferably in dark colors) will pay off for years to come as these basic items are forever classic in style. Look for linings in natural based materials, and thick solid heavy rubber soles. Sorel and Hunter make outstanding boots for all types of weather, and are great looking as well!

Now that you know how to keep your knitwear and winter gear organized and cared-for, you’re ready for the winter holidays!

 

Jeane Perantoni is a design consultant with California Closets Phoenix, where she enjoys helping her clients live a more effective, beautiful, day-to-day lifestyle through ease of use and efficiency.