After all that time searching for the perfect summer suit, why leave it out for moth bait? Be smart: protect your clothes, and pack them away when they’re no longer in season. You’re not going to wear those linen pants and madras shirts in the middle of fall anyway, right? Right. Some tips on how to store them for the next six months.

Keep it clean.
If you don’t wash clothing before storing it, mildew spores will spread, insect eggs will hatch—and stains will set so deep you’ll never get them out. Come spring, you’ll be left with nothing but duffle coats and corduroys.

Check your pockets.
This is to make sure you don’t accidentally pack away anything important—license, keys, lunch money. Now tidy up: zip those zippers, button those buttons.

If it’s broke, fix it.
You’re not going to remember all those snags, rips, and tears in May.

Do summer shoes a solid.
If you’ve got the space, keep them handy so you can throw on some leather conditioner every once in a while. You want to keep them from drying out.

Beware of sunlight.
Choose a place that’s cool, clean, and dry. Back of the closet, under the bed—both are fine, just be sure to vacuum first. And make sure it’s not exposed to direct sunlight (unless you’re going for that premature vintage look).

Get garmnet bags—and good hangers.
Put suits, jackets, and trousers inside garment bags—muslin or canvas versions are best, because they’re breathable—to keep out insects and dirt. And use curved hangers with flared shoulders for jackets, or they’ll sit on your shoulders like pitched tents when you’re ready to wear them again.

Get bins or baskets.
Put your knits, shirts, chinos, and other sturdy or hanger-averse clothing in plastic bins. Drill a few small holes in the lid so air can get through (woven baskets achieve the same effect and circulate air naturally). Airflow prevents moisture buildup, which means no mildew.

Be gentle.
Don’t overstuff your containers. Gently fold your clothing, and put the heaviest articles in bins first. If you’re especially protective, set them between sheets of acid-free tissue paper. But that should be about as much effort as you expend on this.

Mask wool with cedar or lavender.
Bags and bins help, but take all necessary precautions against the moth menace. Throw a few cedar balls or some lavender in your bags and bins. If your cedar is old, hit it with some sandpaper to get the scent going again. If you can’t smell the cedar, it’s not going to do its job.

Be (a little) afraid of the dark.
Strong light repels larvae. If you’re looking for an extra layer of defense against moth damage, hang anything with wool—think tropical weight trousers and jackets—in direct sunlight for a few hours after giving it a good shake (to ensure none of the little buggers are hiding), then pack it away.

Give it away.
If you're about to store something that you haven't worn all season, save yourself the trouble and donate it to charity.