From Sweaters to Swimsuits: Transitioning Your Closet for an Austin Summer

Ah, Austin winters. That brief moment when we pull out the jackets, sip hot lattes, and pretend like the chilly weather is here to stay. But blink twice, and it’s gone. Before you know it, the sun's blazing, the pavement’s sizzling, and you’re wondering why on earth you have so many sweaters stuffed in your closet.

Welcome to summer in Austin—the season where Barton Springs becomes your best friend, your AC hums non-stop, and lightweight, breathable outfits are the name of the game.

So how do you go from layered and cozy to cool and carefree without your closet becoming chaos? Let’s walk through it together.

Take Stock Before You Swap

Before you break out the sundresses and sandals, give your winter wardrobe one last look. Pull everything out of the closet—yes, all of it. Seeing it laid out makes it easier to spot what needs to stay, what can be stored, and what might need a new home.

Ask yourself:

• Did I actually wear this sweater or jacket this winter?

• Does it fit well and still feel like "me"?

• Is it in good condition, or did last year’s adventures leave their mark?

Anything you didn’t wear or no longer love can be donated or recycled. Textiles past their prime? Austin has several recycling centers that’ll keep them out of landfills. Less clutter means more space for the things you’ll actually reach for all summer long.

Store Winter Away, The Right Way

Once you've decided what’s staying, it’s time to pack it up properly. Heavy coats, bulky sweaters, and wool layers don’t need to hog valuable closet space.

Here’s how to store smart:

• Use sturdy bins or rolling under-bed containers.

• Label everything clearly (your future self will be grateful come November).

• Keep a couple of light layers handy for those random cool mornings Austin loves to surprise us with.

Give Your Summer Wardrobe Some TLC

Now, for the fun part—making room for the breezy essentials. But don’t just toss last year’s summer clothes straight into the closet. They deserve a little refresh after hibernating.

• Wash everything: Clear out any storage smells.

• Inspect for damage: Check for missing buttons, stretched straps, or unnoticed stains.

• Steam or iron now: Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when it's 100°F and you don't feel like pulling out the ironing board.

Set Up a Closet That Works (and Looks) Great

Once your summer lineup is ready, it's all about organizing in a way that makes your life easier:

• Prioritize accessibility: Move your warm-weather favorites front and center.

• Group by category:

  • Tanks, blouses, lightweight tops

  • Shorts, skirts, breezy pants

  • Dresses & rompers for those effortless outfits

  • Swimwear—Austin’s unofficial summer uniform (try baskets or dividers!)

  • Activewear for paddleboarding or those early morning yoga classes

And here’s a pro tip: Pack a dedicated "Summer Go Bag" with sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, and a koozie. Impromptu Barton Springs visits or poolside invites won’t catch you scrambling.

Keep It Tidy All Season Long

Summer tends to fly by, and without a little upkeep, your closet can easily drift back into chaos. Stay ahead of it with a few simple habits:

• One in, one out rule: For every new sundress or pair of sandals, let go of something that’s been sitting untouched.

• Keep a donation bin nearby: When something no longer sparks joy (or fits like it used to), toss it in. Once full, pass it along to a friend, or drop it at a donation center—someone else might love it.

• Quick monthly check-ins: Take five minutes to reassess what's working and what’s not.

Ready for a Summer That’s Light, Breezy, and Organized?

Swapping out your closet isn’t just about clothing—it’s about setting yourself up for an easy, carefree summer. The less time you spend searching for that perfect outfit, the more time you can spend soaking up everything Austin has to offer, from rooftop patios to river floats.

And if the whole process feels like more than you want to tackle solo, we’ve got you covered. At Space Restored, we make seasonal transitions and closet makeovers stress-free, tailored exactly to you. Reach out anytime—you focus on enjoying summer, we’ll handle the organizing.