The ‘Seasonal Swap’ Method Is the Best Way to Declutter Your Closet—and Simplify Your Mornings

Maybe your closet is a bit on the “wee” side of the size scale, or perhaps you’re just someone who loves the thrill of a highly-functional wardrobe that minimizes your “get ready” time. Or maybe it’s just that you fancy yourself a minimalist. Whatever the case, seasonal closets are an absolutely genius way of getting the most out of your closet space. Intrigued? We’re diving into all the details of the seasonal swap method and offering some pro-tips to help you create the most strategic, satisfying wardrobe yet. 

What is the ‘Seasonal Swap’ Method for Closets? 

A seasonal closet is a wardrobe setup that rotates your clothing based on the time of year. The idea is that you only keep in-season items accessible while off-season garments are tucked away in elsewhere. This helps keep your wardrobe organized, and it streamlines the process of getting ready since you don’t have to sort through excess stuff.

“I am a huge fan of seasonal closets, especially if you are dealing with smaller closets,” says Tracy McCubbin, organizing expert and founder of dClutterfly. “And even if you have a huge walk-in closet, it’s helpful to move out the seasonal clothes or swap them to the back of the closet.” Pretty genius, right? 

Benefits of Seasonal Closet 

• Improves Efficiency: Seasonal closets help eliminate visual and physical clutter, making getting dressed effortless. An organized, streamlined closet is also easier on your eyes. 
• Encourages Editing: “Regular rotations will encourage you to refine your wardrobe, keeping only what you love and wear regularly,” says Lisa Adams, closet organizer and founder of LA Closet Design.
• Protects Investment Pieces: Proper storage in dust bags, boxes, and cedar-lined cabinetry also helps preserve fabrics and extends the life of your outerwear, knits, boots, and other expensive or delicate pieces. 

Tips for a Functional Seasonal Closet Setup

Interested in turning your closet into a season-focused masterpiece? Follow these organizing pro tips. 

Commit to a Twice-Annual Swap

If there’s one drawback to a seasonal closet, it’s that it requires you to carve out some time to sort and rotate your garments. However, McCubbin says this is something that really only needs to be done twice—fall and spring—and it’s totally worth it. “Once fall hits, swap out spring and summer clothes for fall and winter, and then when it is springtime again, out goes the fall and winter and in goes the spring and summer,” she says. 

Take Inventory Between Each Season

Before swapping out clothes, evaluate each item. If you didn’t wear it last season, consider donating, selling, or repurposing it. At the start of each season, assess what’s missing, mend any damaged pieces, and update your wardrobe with a few strategic additions that fit your lifestyle. 

Invest in Storage Solutions 

After assessing your clothing stockpile, determine how many (and what type of) storage containers you need to house off-season garments, shoes, and accessories. Clear bins are especially helpful since they allow you to see inside in the event you need to go hunting for something. If you’re on a budget, thrift stores are great places to look for bins, baskets, bags, and containers. 

Get Creative With Secondary Storage Spaces

If you need to store out-of-season clothing outside of the closet, get creative about where to store your bins and boxes. “Guest closets, home offices, coat closets, and well-ventilated attics are all great options to consider,” Adams says. Also consider under-the-bed storage (there are storage containers made to fit in these snug spots), or potentially even off-site storage facilities. 

Consider Using Garment Bags and Dust Bags

If your closet is large enough to store your off-season items, take advantage of that fact. Adams says, “Designated areas to keep garment bags and dust bags in your primary closet will help you cycle through your wardrobe seasonally.” Even smaller spaces may be able to accommodate this via upper shelves, free-standing storage units, or hanging organizers. 

Make Sure All Your Garments Are Clean

Before putting items away for the season, take care to clean them well and address any damage. Dry clean garments like coats or fancy dresses and take pieces to the tailor or cobbler that need fixing. “Nothing will make stains become permanent more than storing dirty clothes for six months,” McCubbin warns. “Plus, cleaning before storing will help keep the dreaded clothing moths at bay.” 

Store Out-of-Season Clothes Strategically 

Be sure to store any off-season clothes in an organized fashion, Adams says. This makes unearthing them way less of an intimidating task, and it also allows you to find what you need if necessary. For example, if you need to find some summer clothes during winter for a tropical vacay, it’ll be nice to know exactly where they are. Labels are your friend!