How to Store Seasonal Kids’ Clothes to Save Space? Declutter Properly in 2026
Need to free up space? Storing seasonal kids’ clothes properly keeps them organized and ready for next year. Sort by size, pack in clear bins or vacuum bags, and stash under beds or in closets. Prevent musty smells with baking soda and rotate items every season. A little effort now means less hassle later—smart storage makes parenting easier!
Table of Contents
With the changing of the seasons, storing seasonal kids’ clothes can be a nightmare. I can’t begin to tell you how nutty it drove me in the beginning storing my kids’ clothes. But now I know there are ways to do it properly. So, I am here to share how to store seasonal kids’ clothes to save space.
By sorting and decluttering and storing the clothes using bags and bins you can save a ton of space and use them for other purposes. To ensure kids can wear these clothes again next season you need to protect them as well. Some clothes need long-term storage while others can be stored for a little while I will share how you can figure this out. And there is more where this came from.
Sorting and Decluttering Before Storage
The first step to storing kids seasonal clothes is to sort and declutter your kids wardrobe storage area. There are a lot of clothes inside that I am sure the kids can’t either wear them or want to wear them. Therefore sorting through them all and declutter the space is important.
Check for Stains and Repairs
The first thing to do would be check all the clothes inside the storage and see which ones are stained or in need of repair. Depending on the level of damage it might be necessary to either throw them out or wash and repair them.
I won’t tell you what to do because you need to figure this out for yourselves. Ask your kids if the thing they will wear some of the clothes in the discard pile to be 100% sure. Because there are some clothes, even if they are damaged, that kids won’t ever want to throw away.
Assess What to Keep, Donate, or Discard
So now you have checked the whole wardrobe and separated the clean ones from the stained and damaged ones. Go through them all over again and assess them. I personally divided the clothes between keep, donate, and discard. Doing so helps me to store seasonal clothes and daily clothes much more efficiently.
The two main questions that I ask myself while doing this is “has my kids outgrown this piece?” and “will my kid want to wear this in the future?” By asking these two questions I can be surer on whether to keep, donate, or discard kids seasonal clothes.
Organize by Size and Season
With the checking and sorting finish its time to organize kids’ seasonal clothes by size and season for storage. While you were doing the checking I hope you separated the clothes by size or season. If you haven’t, please do so because it makes storing so much easier.
Once you have done so then you have store them by size and season however you like. I will share some of my personal methods so you can follow them as well.
Best Storage Solutions for Kids’ Clothes
With sorting of kids’ seasonal clothes complete, it’s time to figure out the best ways to store seasonal kids’ clothes. It might not seem like it but there is more than one way to store kids’ clothes. The one you pick will depend on your preference, need, and ability. Here are some ideas for you.
Vacuum-Sealed Bags
For those looking to save as much space as possible I suggest vacuum-sealed bags. These are an amazing invention that I personally endorse because of how effective they are. Using these bags and the vacuum machine will reduce the bulk of clothes by more than 50%. This means you will now have 50% more space to store kids’ clothes and other things. Isn’t that amazing!?
But do make note of one important thing. Not every piece of kids’ clothing can be stored with inside a vacuum-sealed bag. Clothes made from delicate fabrics, like knits or embroidered pieces, can be damaged badly by the compression.
Clear Plastic Bins with Labels
The most common and helpful way to store seasonal kids’ clothes is to put them in clear plastic bins. These can come in many many sizes so you can get the ones you will need. Pick the right ones and label them for easier storage and usage.
I suggest getting ones in the same size so you can stack them and save some space. Label them in big bright letters for easier recognition. And definitely get ones that are BPA-free plastic and kid-friendly because these will be in a room with kids.
Under-Bed Storage
Depending on the kind of beds the kids sleep on some under-bed storage is advisable. If the room is small to begin with then under-bed storage can be quite valuable because it means more storage area. There are two main ways you can go about using under-bed storage.
One is flat rolling bins which offer easier access and more storage space. The other is fabric storage boxes which can be slide under the bed easily. Both options are ideal for longer-term seasonal kids clothes storage.
Hanging Storage Options
Certain clothes, even for kids, are better stored unfolded such as dresses, suits, or jackets. For these ones I suggest investing in some hanging storage options. Using them will help you to store the clothes without causing any wrinkles.
There are again two main options I suggest. Consider breathable garment bags to store the more delicate clothes. These come with covers, so it won’t wrinkle or get dirty easily. The less delicate clothes can be stored inside hanging closet organizers. Some of them come with multiple compartments so storing more things in one organizer is possible.
Foldable Fabric Storage Bins
Finally, there is the foldable fabric storage bin these are a versatile and space-saving storage option. They are great as nursery shelves or closets and storing shoes and accessories. If your kids’ room is especially small or have tight corners, then these foldable storage bins are a must. Their softer sides make it easier to fit them in and still store a good amount of stuff.
Protecting Clothes from Damage
What’s good about folding and storing season kids clothes if they just get damaged? That’s why you need to know the right ways to protect kids clothes. Here are three simple ideas I follow.
Preventing Moisture and Mold
Moisture and mold is a serious and common damage that clothes in storage have. This is dangerous because the damage will result in mildew and musty smells which can be quite hard to remove.
To ensure this doesn’t happen with kids clothes you need to store them someplace that isn’t damp. Basements are especially not suitable for storing any kind of clothes. While packing the clothes it would be a good idea to also put in some silica gel packs or moisture absorbers. These will prevent the issue of mildew and musty smells.
Keeping Pests Away
Aside from not storing clothes someplace damp you also need to remember to not store them someplace where pests can easily get to them. When I say I mean pest such as moths, roaches, spiders, rats, and silverfish. Pests damage kids’ clothes by biting and tearing them and some can even pee on them.
Since these are kids seasonal clothes so we shouldn’t be using too many chemicals on them. So go with natural deterrents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets. These can naturally keep pests away due to their smell and natural oils.
Avoiding Yellowing and Odors
The whole point of learning how to store seasonal kids clothes is that you can keep them fresh enough to be worn again. But sometimes if they aren’t stored properly they will get yellow and smell bad. This isn’t the fault of where they are stored instead its because they weren’t clean before being stored.
Therefore, wash all the seasonal kids clothes and dry them before folding and storing. Sometimes I put a bit of baking soda inside the bins where I store the seasonal clothes. The soda is able to absorb all the bad smells so they smell fresh whenever opened.
Creative Space-Saving Storage Ideas
Sometimes there are more clothes than storage space in the house. In those cases, figuring out some creative space-saving storage ideas becomes important. Here are some I had that might be of use to you.
Multi-Functional Furniture
Instead of just buying regular furniture for the house go with something that’s a bit more multi-functional. There are tons of this furniture in the market that can double as storage areas that would be perfect for storing seasonal kids’ clothes.
A previous example I gave would be the beds with storage underneath them. There are ones that come with these under-bed storages built in that will save you time and money. You could also get ottomans that have storage built-in them as well for storing some accessories, toys, and even clothes.
Over-the-Door Organizers
When storing the more delicate seasonal kids clothes it will be better to store them with over-the-door organizers. These come in a variety of designs so there are many types where you can store shoes, accessories, or delicate clothes. These organizers are a great choice if you are looking to make the most out of the vertical spaces in the kid’s rooms.
Rolling Carts for Easy Access
For those looking to set up a seasonal clothes rotation system then rolling carts are a good choice. These portable carts make it easier for parents to plan and set up a seasonal rotation system without having to completely rearrange the kids’ wardrobes.
Seasonal Rotation System
Since I mentioned seasonal rotation system, I bet you have become interested in it. And why wouldn’t you be? The system makes it super easy for parents to rotate seasonal clothes without making any fuss.
How Often to Rotate Clothes
Basically, the system is to help you rotate between two sets of seasons. So, make the system in such manner to allow you to rotate clothes in the spring/summer and fall/winter seasons. Before going too far with the system definitely check the clothes you have picked and ensure they can be worn properly. In particular, check the sizes of the clothes and ensure they are big enough that growth spurts won’t be an issue.
Storing Off-Season Clothes Efficiently
To make the rotation system as efficient as possible, only store the current season clothes on hand. The off-season clothes should be in their labelled bins and stored someplace proper. As the current season comes near its end bring out the bins and keep them close-by.
Long-Term Storage for Hand-Me-Downs
Sometimes you need to store seasonal kids’ clothes to save space for a long term. And in those cases, the regular bins and storage space isn’t good enough. So here is what you do.
Preserving Clothes for Younger Siblings
Store seasonal clothes for the younger kids someplace that isn’t too temperature sensitive. By which I mean that the basement or attic aren’t the best choices. Instead find someplace where the temperature is more stable and isn’t damp or bright.
Tracking Sizes and Growth Spurts
Always keep track of the kids height and make plans ahead of time regarding growth spurts. Planning ahead will help you to anticipate what your younger kids will need to wear and what they won’t need.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What’s the best way to store baby clothes to save space?
For maximum space savings, use vacuum-sealed bags for lightweight baby clothes like onesies and sleepers. For bulkier items (jackets, blankets), clear plastic bins with labels work best. Store by size and season for easy future access and consider under-bed storage for small spaces. Always wash and dry clothes thoroughly before storing to prevent odors.
How can I prevent musty smells in stored kids’ clothes?
To avoid musty odors, always wash clothes before storage using fragrance-free detergent. Place moisture absorbers (silica gel packs, activated charcoal, or baking soda) inside bins. Store in a cool, dry place—avoid damp basements or attics. For extra freshness, add lavender sachets or cedar blocks as natural deodorizers.
Are cardboard boxes okay for storing kids’ clothes?
While plastic bins are better for long-term storage (they resist moisture and pests), sturdy cardboard boxes can work if lined with acid-free tissue paper. Avoid humid areas and label boxes clearly to prevent unnecessary opening. For valuable or delicate items, archival-quality storage boxes provide extra protection.
How do I organize clothes for multiple kids in a small space?
Maximize space with color-coded bins (assign each child a color) and stackable drawers. Use over-the-door organizers for shoes and accessories and rolling carts for easy rotation. Store off-season clothes in vacuum-sealed bags under beds or in closets. A digital inventory (photos or notes) helps track sizes and styles.
Conclusion
To store seasonal kids’ clothes to save space you don’t have to go too overboard. Instead of stressing out, check the clothes, assess what to keep, and organize them based on your preference.
To store them you can go with various organizers and the kid’s wardrobe. Remember to label everything to make your lives easier later. For more creative storage, use under-bed and multi-functional furniture storage. With a little planning, managing kids’ wardrobes becomes a stress-free task.
