Just like you need a roof over your head to keep you safe, your clothes need a place to call home as well. And while many people may think that keeping clothes in the laundry basket you used to take them out of the dryer with or left in piles on the floor is an adequate way to store and organize your clothes, it’s actually very important to properly take care of storing your clothes if you want them to last. So to help you make the most of your wardrobe investments, here are three tips for perfectly storing your clothing.

Picking the Right Closet System

Depending on the types of clothes you have, the closet system you choose to use will vary. For example, if you’re a fitness instructor, you won’t need the same structure in a closet system as you would if you wear suits for your profession.

When choosing what materials to have your closet system made of, Jeannie Matteucci, a contributor to HGTV.com, shares that coated wire is a versatile and inexpensive choice that will work well for almost anyone while melamine systems tend to have a more luxurious look which you may find more appealing if you have an open closet system. Just make sure that whatever you decide to go with, you have enough space to hang or shelve all the clothing you plan to keep in your closet.

Don’t Showcase Everything

If you’re like most people, you probably have more clothing than you actually have functional room for in your closet. And like most people, you probably either don’t or can’t wear every item you’re keeping in your overstuffed closet. To fix this problem, InStyle recommends taking any items that need repairs or alterations out of your closet to make room for the clothes you actually can wear. Not only will this help you remember what articles of clothing you need to address, but it will also make getting dressed in the morning easier when all the clothes you have available to you are ready to wear.

Long-Term Clothes Storage

If you live in a climate where you have distinct summer and winter clothing, or even if you just like to cycle through your wardrobe, it’s crucial that you know how to store your clothing for long periods of time without them getting harmed. Sarah Aguirre, a contributor to About Home, suggests cleaning the clothes before storing them, packing the clothes in suitcases if you can, and being careful with what you choose to hang. By keeping the right air circulation around your long-term stored clothes, they should be all set to wear when you bust them out again.

If you’ve ever wondered about the best way to store your clothes, use some of the tips mentioned above to always have your clothing ready at a moment’s notice.