Topcoats. Tweed suits. Flannel shirts. They were good to you this winter.
But now that winter’s days are numbered, you’ve got to figure out where your winter-weight clothing is going to hibernate until the next time the temp falls.
For best results, stick to the simple pointers below:

Give it a brush. With repeated wear, it’s common for clothing to absorb a little dirt or dust over the season—topcoats and suit jackets especially. Before you lay them to rest for the next six months, take the time to softly and gently brush each with a garment brush.

Store your suits in garment bags. Remember that funny-shaped bag with a zipper that came with your suit? Hopefully you held onto it (and if not, it’s worth finding a replacement). Storing your suits in zipped garment bags will protect them from dust and moisture, and make them less susceptible to moth attack.

Find yourself some airtight boxes. You wouldn’t throw food into the fridge without a lid—so don’t let your clothing sit out for six months without an airtight, sealed container either. Get some clear plastic boxes, and for organization’s sake try to stick with one type of clothing for each box.

Fold carefully, stacking from heavy to light. You don’t want to fold those pants or that sweater half-heartedly: that’s the shape the clothing will take on for the next six months or more, so causing wrinkles now will be a major pain later. Fold every article of clothing with care, and start placing the heaviest articles of clothing at the bottom of the box, getting progressively lighter as you go.

Upgrade your hangers. If you’re going to hang rather than fold your seasonal clothing until the next winter, don’t let them wait it out on a flimsy wire hanger. Nothing beats a good wooden hanger, but for an adequate and vastly more affordable option stock up on the plastic hangers that can be found at almost any CVS or Walgreen’s.

Consider what you haven’t worn. As you pack, keep an eye out for the pieces you haven’t worn this whole season. Then ask yourself why not. Does it no longer fit, or just not mesh with your style? If you’ve got a good reason, make packing easier by donating the item instead.