How to Organise and Store Winter Gear Efficiently
Winter brings its share of bulky gear—coats, boots, scarves, and gloves all seem to take over our homes during the colder months. While they’re essential for staying warm, they can quickly create clutter if not managed properly. Let me guide you through the process of organising and storing winter gear efficiently, so you can enjoy the season without feeling overwhelmed by clutter.
Declutter Before the Season
Before winter truly sets in, go through all your cold-weather gear. This is the time to assess what you have, what you actually use, and what can be let go.
Take each item out—coats, boots, scarves, hats, and gloves—and decide whether it’s still useful or makes you happy. Anything that’s worn out, doesn’t fit, or hasn’t been used in years donate, recycle, or throw away.
Decluttering before the season starts not only frees up space but also ensures you’re only keeping items that you’ll genuinely use.
Create a Dedicated Winter Gear Zone
Once you’ve pared down your collection, the next step is designating a specific area for winter gear. For many homes, this is usually near the entryway, as it’s the most practical spot for items like coats and boots.
If you have a hallway or coat closet, that’s ideal. If not, consider using a standalone coat rack, wall-mounted hooks, or a set of storage cubes. The goal is to have a single, convenient location for all your winter essentials.
Use Space-Saving Hangers and Hooks
Winter coats and jackets can be quite bulky, so invest in slim, sturdy hangers to maximise closet space. For lighter items like scarves, use specialised scarf hangers or hooks.
Wall-mounted hooks or over-the-door organisers are brilliant for storing hats, gloves, and other smaller items. I’ve even used clear adhesive hooks on the inside of closet doors to create extra storage for scarves and bags.
Contain Accessories
Winter accessories like gloves, hats, and earmuffs can easily get lost if not stored properly. I like to use small bins or baskets to keep everything together.
Clear bins are particularly helpful because you can see what’s inside at a glance. For added organisation, I label each bin with its contents—hats, gloves, or scarves—so everyone in the household knows where to find and return items
If you’re short on space, consider a hanging organiser with pockets. These can be hung inside a closet or even on the back of a door, making it easy to store and access accessories.
Tame the Boot Chaos
Boots are another winter essential that can quickly create clutter. To keep them organised, use a boot tray near the entrance to catch dirt and snow. Boot trays are a lifesaver for protecting your floors and keeping everything tidy.
For taller boots, I use boot shapers to maintain their shape and prevent them from flopping over. If space is tight, an over-the-door shoe organiser can also work well for storing ankle boots or even rolled-up scarves.
These are the boot shapers that I got from Amazon.
Rotate Seasonal Items
One of my favourite tricks for managing winter gear is rotating seasonal items. When winter arrives, store away summer gear like sandals and lightweight jackets, freeing up space for bulkier winter items.
Storage bins or vacuum-sealed bags are perfect for this. label each bag or bin with its contents and store them in a less frequently used space, like under the bed or on a high shelf in the closet.
Maximise Vertical Space
When storage space is limited, thinking vertically can make a big difference. Wall-mounted shelving, hooks, or pegboards are fantastic for making use of unused wall space.
For example, I’ve installed a row of hooks in my hallway for coats and bags, freeing up space in my closet. A high shelf above the coat rack holds baskets for less frequently used items, like heavy-duty gloves or backup scarves.
Keep It Accessible
During winter, you’ll be reaching for your gear daily, so it’s important to keep it accessible. Make sure the items you use most—the go-to coat, boots, and scarf—are within easy reach.
For items that are less frequently used, like formal coats or special occasion boots, store them slightly further back in the closet or in a separate area.
Establish a System for the Family
If you’re organising winter gear for the whole family, it’s crucial to establish a system that works for everyone. Assign each person their own space—whether it’s a hook, basket, or shelf—so they know where their items belong.
For families with kids, lower hooks or bins are ideal, allowing little ones to hang up their coats or grab their gloves without assistance.
Maintain the Organisation
The key to staying organised throughout the winter is regular maintenance. Do a quick check every week or so to make sure everything is in its place.
If you notice items piling up or the space becoming cluttered, take a few minutes to tidy up. This prevents the chaos from building up and keeps the system running smoothly.
Prepare for Storage Post-Winter
When winter ends, it’s time to store everything away until next year. Before storing, make sure all items are clean and dry to prevent any mould or damage.
Use breathable storage bags for coats and vacuum-sealed bags for accessories like scarves and gloves. Boots are stuffed with tissue paper or boot shapers to maintain their shape before being stored in bins.
Labelling everything ensures you can easily find what you need when the next winter rolls around.
Organising and storing winter gear efficiently doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a bit of planning and the right storage solutions, you can create a system that keeps everything tidy, accessible, and ready for the season.
No more hunting for gloves or tripping over boots—it’s all in its place, ready to go. If you’re tackling your own winter gear organisation, I’d love to hear your tips and tricks. Let’s keep the winter clutter at bay and enjoy the season to the fullest!