Managing Coat Closet (2)
When storing your coats, empty the pockets beforehand, put them away after dry-cleaning, and remove the plastic from the cleaners. Some coats, such as cashmere or wool, can be stored in cloth garment bags to keep them clean and to prevent fading.
Avoid mothballs, which can be dangerous if you have inquisitive children or pets, and they have a pungent smell that’s hard to air out of your favorite coat. Have you ever noticed on the first cold day of the year there’s always the telltale smell of mothballs lingering in a crowded subway car or on the bus or train?
Instead, use lavender sachets to keep the bugs at bay and your coats smelling fresh. Cedar shavings, blocks, or balls can also be used, but you may end up smelling like a hamster cage when you slip on your winter coat.
Controlled: Try to use your coat closet’s hanging space only for storing your coats. Resist the urge to jam it up with extra bedding, camping gear, and boxes of your college textbooks. Keep similar styles of coats together and hang your coats on sturdy hangers all of the same material.
This uniformity will ensure that your coats are hung properly and will retain their shape. Never jam your coats into the closet, as they can become entangled and cause creasing or rumpling that will make your coat look as if you slept in it.
