Keeping hats and gloves organized can be a challenge, especially during the winter months when you are using them more frequently. Having an efficient storage system will help you save time and frustration when getting ready to head out the door. Here are some tips for organizing your hats, gloves, mittens, and other cold weather accessories.
Use Designated Drawers or Shelves
The best way to keep hats, gloves, and mittens organized is to store them together in designated drawers or on shelves. This allows you to see all your options in one spot instead of digging through your entire coat closet. Pick a dresser or shelf that is easily accessible – somewhere you can grab items quickly on your way out the door.
Use drawer organizers or cubbies to separate types of accessories. For example, you can have a section for warmer wool hats, a section for baseball caps and sun hats, and an area for lightweight gloves and mittens. Signs or labels on the front of each cubby help identify contents even faster.
Drawer Storage Tips
- Use shallow drawers so items don’t get buried underneath.
- Line drawers with fabric to prevent snags.
- Store accessories upright, not stacked or piled.
- Roll gloves into pairs to keep them together.
- Limit items to one layer so nothing gets lost in the back.
Shelf Storage Tips
- Use open shelving to easily spot items.
- Arrange hats and gloves by type and color.
- Store mittens clipped together or in bags.
- Use dividers or trays to separate shelf areas.
- Keep the number of items reasonable so the space doesn’t get cluttered.
Use Hanging Storage
Hanging your hats and gloves is another practical storage method. Use hooks, racks, or shelving units to hang accessories for easy grabbing. This vertical storage style also allows you to see all your choices at a glance.
Hanging Storage Tips
- Hang items on hooks near your main entryway.
- Use wall-mounted racks or over-the-door units.
- Organize by type – wool hats together, baseball caps together.
- Install sturdy hooks, racks, or cubbies to hold items.
- Hang gloves clipped together or stuff mittens to hold pairs.
Use Bins and Baskets
Bins and baskets also work well for corralling hats, gloves, and other winter gear. Look for storage containers in different sizes that fit your space. Label the front so you know exactly what’s inside.
Bin and Basket Storage Tips
- Use collapsible fabric bins to save space.
- Look for stackable baskets to double storage.
- Store gloves and mittens in mesh bags inside bins.
- Use bins for less-used seasonal accessories like ski masks.
- Place bins on shelves, in closets, or under beds.
Purge Items You Don’t Use
Clutter is the main enemy of organization. If you have hats, gloves, or mittens you never wear, it’s time to purge them. Donate, sell, or recycle accessories taking up space unnecessarily. This leaves room to neatly store and find the items you actually use.
Questions to Ask When Purging Hats and Gloves
- When was the last time I wore this?
- Does it still fit properly?
- Is it damaged, worn out, or stained?
- Do I have another one just like it that I prefer?
- Would someone else get better use out of this?
Store Items Properly to Limit Damage
Use proper storage methods to keep your hats, gloves, and mittens looking their best. Certain fabrics and materials require more care than others when organizing.
Storage Tips by Material
Wool
- Store flat, not hanging to prevent stretching.
- Keep wool safe from moths using cedar blocks or sachets.
- Avoid plastic bins or bags which prevent air circulation.
Leather
- Keep leather gloves in glove compartments or breathable cases.
- Use cedar accessories to absorb moisture and prevent mildew.
- Stuff fingers with tissue to hold shape when not being worn.
Straw and Felt
- Pad hats with tissue paper to keep brims and crowns straight.
- Store in breathable hat boxes, not plastic bags.
- Keep out of direct sunlight and heat to avoid fading.
Group Sets Together
Hats, gloves, and mittens that are designed to be worn together should be stored together. This way you can grab the full set as you head out the door. Options include:
- Scarves, hats, and gloves in a matching set
- Baseball caps and batting gloves
- Sunhats and lightweight gloves
- Cold weather headbands, ear muffs, mittens
Store sets in bins, bags, or boxes labeled with the contents. Include any care instructions so you know how to properly clean and store them.
Keep Items Visible and Accessible
The goal of organizing hats and gloves is to make them easy to find and grab on your way out. Make sure your storage solutions are in visible, convenient spots. Some good places to store these accessories include:
- Near your main entryway
- In a coat closet or mudroom
- On a shelving unit near the garage door
- Inside cabinetry by your front or garage door
- On hooks mounted near your most-used exit
Avoid tucking these items away in a cluttered hall closet or spare room. The more visible the storage spot, the easier it will be to stay organized.
Have a Donation Box
As mentioned earlier, periodically purging unused hats and gloves helps keep your space organized. Have a designated donation box or bin where you can immediately place accessories to get rid of.
Making donations right away prevents clutter from building up again. Don’t simply toss things in a heap to deal with later. Empty the donation box regularly so it’s always ready to accept more items.
Tips for Donation Boxes
- Use a bin or fabric tote so items stay contained.
- Label it clearly as a donation box.
- Put it near your main storage area for convenience.
- Empty it frequently – monthly or seasonally.
- Wash or clean dirty and damaged items before donating.
Assign Someone Responsibility
If everyone in your household uses the hats, gloves, and other accessories, make one person in charge of keeping the area organized. This prevents arguments about where things go and who was last to use them. Basic responsibilities include:
- Monitoring inventory and purging unused items
- Ensuring items are returned to the proper storage spot
- Notifying others when something needs replaced
- Keeping storage areas tidy and labeled
- Washing gloves and mittens periodically
Post a little chore chart or make an announcement at a family meeting about who will be in charge of overseeing these organizational duties.
Add Storage Furniture as Needed
As your hat and glove collection expands, you may need to add storage furniture or containers. Look for solutions that fit your space rather than cramming things where they don’t fit comfortably. Expanding your storage options helps keep things neat.
Some furniture additions that can help store accessories include:
- Entryway benches with built-in storage bins
- Wall-mounted hooks and floating shelving
- Over-the-door hanging racks or shoe organizers
- Freestanding coat racks with shelves
- Cabinets with hooks and drawers
IKEA, The Container Store, and stores like Target and Walmart all sell affordable storage furniture suitable for hats, gloves, and other accessories.
Incorporate into Your Daily Routine
The best organizational systems are those that become habit. Make storing hats and gloves properly part of your regular daily routine. For example:
- Put items away immediately when you return home, don’t leave them lying around.
- Check storage areas periodically for unused items to purge.
- Assign someone to tidy and straighten accessories weekly.
- Wash mittens and gloves after several wears so they are clean for next use.
- Do a seasonal purge and reorganize during spring and fall.
Daily repetition soon makes proper storage second nature. Include kids in the process so everyone learns good habits.
Label Storage Areas Clearly
Use labels, signs, or chalkboard paint to identify what goes where in your storage solution. For example, label bins or hooks with “wool hats,” “baseball caps,” “waterproof gloves,” etc. This helps family members correctly return things to their designated homes.
Other labeling ideas include:
- Putting name labels inside gloves and mittens
- Using personalized fabric tags on hat brims
- Placing photos on bins and hooks to show contents
- Taping an index card on baskets with a list of what’s inside
- Letting kids decorate labels for their own accessories
Take time to label upfront and then enforce strict rules about using the system properly so things stay organized.
Conclusion
Hats, gloves, mittens, and other cold weather accessories seem to easily become a jumbled mess. But keeping them organized doesn’t have to be complicated. Use designated drawers, shelves, hooks, and bins to group similar items together. Purge what you don’t need and store properly to prevent damage. Make accessibility and maintenance part of your daily routine.
With some effort upfront to create a practical storage plan, you’ll save yourself time and hassle all winter long. You’ll be able to quickly find the right accessories to head out looking stylish and warm no matter the weather.
