How to Store Your Clothes to Make Them Last Longer

To the woman with 14 handbags on her doorknob: You are slowly but surely taking years off that Marc Jacobs’ life span. Next time, put your purses in their dust bags, slide them upright on a shelf and use dividers to keep bulkier bags from shifting.

Truth: You are more likely to snag your hosiery if you’re digging through a disheveled pile. Fold and stash eachpair in a resealable plastic bag, then stick them in your sock drawer for easy retrieval.

Stuffing: It’s not just for boots, people. Fill any shoe (we’re talking heels, sneaks and flats) with tissue paper or even wadded-up newspaper to help it keep its form over time. As for boots, go with Styrofoam shapers or cut-up pool noodles.

Because there’s nothing sadder than a silk dress with little puckers in its shoulders.

There’s a reason celebs’ covetable walk-in closets are filled with floor-to-ceiling shelving: Folding and storing clothing puts less stress on the material--particularly for coats, sweaters and jeans.

Much like you after a weekend with your mother-in-law, your nicest clothes need room to breathe. Resist the urge to squeeze garments tightly into a closet or storage bin, which can cause wrinkles and pilling and make weird smells stagnate.