It’s that time again: panting dogs, melting ice cream cones, and unruly hot-weather induced hair. Just the thought of your favorite sweater makes you want to go jump in a lake. But before storing your winter clothes away, follow these eco-fashionable tips on how to pack for maximum care, and what not to box up this summer.

Don’t pack any black

Believe it or not, black is the new black. The motorcycle/grunge/rocker trend will be reigning furiously upon us come fall, and fashionistas everywhere are revving up by wearing black-on-black outfits on hot summer nights. As tempting as it is to store dark colored clothing, put all of your black stuff in one section of your closet to mix and match pieces all summer long. As for accessories, ditch the gold for silver to complete the punk-rock look.

Pack up all cold-weather clothing

Packing up winter wear helps prolong your pieces while they’re not in use. But before putting sweaters, jackets, and scarves away, don’t forget to launder! Moths love to gnaw on dirty clothing – even the synthetic stuff. Cleaning and drying will help avoid unsightly moth holes and also prevent unnoticed stains from setting in.

Green your system

Save on resources by not buying a brand new plastic storage system, simply put your clothes in unused luggage or seal in boxes for the summer time. And don’t even think about toxic mothballs to keep critters out. Small blocks of cedar will repel moths and carpet beetles the natural way, and come October, your outerwear will smell fall-ready.