The short answer
Empty, clean, then refill: pull summer clothes, wash or clean them before storing, dust shelves and rods, vacuum the floor, and bring fall clothes out. Store off-season items clean and fully dry.
The Brewster Fall Festival brings vendors, food, and music to Main Street each September, near the Southeast Museum at 67 Main Street. It is about the time cool mornings make sweaters sound good again. The seasonal closet swap is also the one time a year most closets are close to empty, which makes it the best time to clean them.
Step 1: Empty
- Pull summer clothes and shoes.
- Set aside anything that no longer fits or was not worn.
- Wash or clean what you will store. Stains set over time.
Step 2: Clean
- Dust the top shelf, the rod, and any light fixture.
- Wipe shelves and drawer bottoms.
- Vacuum the floor and corners, where dust and lint collect.
- Wipe the door, handle, and frame.
Step 3: Store summer clothes
Use clean, lidded bins and label them. Make sure everything is completely dry. Store bins somewhere dry rather than a damp basement corner.
Step 4: Refill
Bring out fall and winter clothes. If they smell stale from storage, wash or air them out first. Hang heavier coats on sturdy hangers.
The hall closet too
Coats, boots, and umbrellas are coming back. Clean the entry closet the same way, and see our Brewster midwinter deep clean for the colder months.
Getting help
Organizing is different from cleaning, but a professional cleaning while closets are open can include floors, shelves, and surfaces. Ask about it when you request a quote.
House cleaning in Brewster
We serve homes in Brewster and the surrounding area in Putnam County. Learn more on our house cleaning page for Brewster, NY.
Check the Brewster Chamber of Commerce or the village for this year's Fall Festival date.
Closet swap questions
Should I wash clothes before storing them?
Yes. Stains and body oils set over time, and clean clothes are less likely to attract pests.
How often should closets be cleaned?
A full clean during each seasonal swap, with regular vacuuming of the floor.
Do house cleaners organize closets?
Organizing is separate from cleaning. Ask when you request a quote and we'll confirm what we can include.
When is the Brewster Fall Festival?
It is traditionally held in September on Main Street. Check local listings for this year's date.