Care and Storage

“What do you wear while relaxing or working at home?” “How do you care for your clothing?” “How do you store out of season items?” “How do you store accessories and bags?” Thank you for all your questions and lovely comments. Your helpful feedback dictates many of the subjects I cover.

I enjoy a couple of glasses of filtered water every morning with slices and the juice of half a lemon. When adequately hydrated and rested, I always feel more focused and productive.

You may remember seeing all these pieces worn in different ways, but today I styled them in a relaxed, very casual way while at home. I bought the cashmere shell as a warm layer over lightweight blouses, but it can also serve as the first layer under a cardigan or jacket. The pull-on slacks are old from Talbots. I bought them to wear with blazers, but I’ve found them to be very comfortable to wear at home. Finally, the white cotton girlfriend cardigan is here.

Sturdy leather sneakers are perfect to wear while vacuuming, doing laundry, or taking a short walk around the neighborhood on warm afternoons. The shoes are here. Casual footwear, light makeup, and no jewelry reflect that I’m staying at home for the day. However, if I need to run an errand, I can add some accessories and be on my way in minutes.

Other than handwashing and putting my cashmere sweaters in a drawer for the summer with freshly sanded cedar planks and lavender sachets, I don’t store items for the seasons. Most of my garments are appropriate for three or four seasons in East Tennessee’s climate. For example, in winter, I layer a v-neck cashmere sweater over the same thin cotton button-up shirt that I wear in the heat of summer.

In winter, I hang lightweight sweaters on felted hangers inside out so that the shoulder bumps will be on the inside. Then, I arrange the knitwear and long sleeve tees by color within the sections. For example, the V-neck sweaters are together and the crewnecks are together. All the long sleeve tees and cotton cardigans are to the left on the rail.

Long sleeve cotton or silk blouses and shirts (above) serve me well year-round. Vests and sweatshirts (below) are often layered over shirts, blouses, and long sleeve tees, so they hang together in the same corner as the sweaters. Tissue turtle necks and workout tanks will be worn as a first casual layer.

Each time I wear a jacket or sweater, I hang it inside out on a rolling rack to air out for a couple of days before putting it away. I never put a coat back in the closet without letting it air out and fully dry first. Even a tiny amount of moisture from the weather trapped between garments stored in a warm dark closet can introduce mold and other issues. So I treat my wardrobe with respect and care, never tossing anything on a chair, bed, or the floor.

On the left in the photos above and below, you can see ruanas, dresses, and the tops I wear only in summer. (Pajamas, pants, and jeans hang in the guest bedroom.) In the section behind the door are the jackets. I have fewer dressy blazers and more casual jackets than ever before. I place all empty hangers in the same section so they aren’t taking up space between clothing.

The belt hanger was from Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Handbags are stuffed with their dust bags filled with tissue paper. When shoes and bags lose shape from improper storage, you can’t make them right again. Everything needs room to “breathe.”

I avoid using the dryer for some items since that can be the most damaging thing we do to clothing. Instead, I hang still damp pants from the hemline and put them on a hook or rolling rack to air dry. The weight of the pants pulls out most of the wrinkles. (See photo above.) Steaming is the best option for getting a smooth finish since ironing can easily scorch jackets and pants. When items need cleaning, repair, or alteration, I do it before putting them away. I have lint rollers and a clothes brush in my closet and laundry room. Also, there is a lint roller in my car and travel bag.

A tie-rack from Bed, Bath & Beyond makes a useful necklace organizer behind the door. I place pearls, bold necklaces and bracelets in a felt-lined drawer in a bureau. Earrings, rings, and watches are in a jewelry box. I fold scarves and place them on felted hangers.

I rarely use shoulder straps on bags, but I don’t want to lose them, so I hook them onto the end of the rail at the entry. (Left side of photo below.)

Shells, tanks and camisols are on a top rail above the scarves, followed by bras. I hang Shapeez bras to retain their shape. I bought the hatboxes along the top shelves at TJ Maxx and Steinmart. You may also find them at Marshalls.

An overstuffed closet means creases and stressful mornings, so I have edited things that no longer serve me well. There is now ample space between each garment and room for each handbag to be stored neatly. All shoes have their place on a rack. I press garments as needed before putting the laundered items away. It makes getting dressed a breeze when everything is ready to wear and easy to see.

Previous organization posts are here and here and Mr. Mickey’s closet is here.