Wardrobe and seasonal storage
When the season changes, sort through both people's clothes, wash or clean whatever is going into storage and pack it in breathable garment bags or boxes. Only store clean items.
Winter clothes (in Russian)
Care
Care and upkeep
A home shared by two gets dirty and wears out faster, but caring for it is easier once there is a rhythm. We have laid out the main tasks by season: when to switch wardrobes and put things into storage, how to handle textiles, wallpaper and floors, and what to do with shoes in slushy weather. Who is responsible for what is up to you, by agreement rather than by habit. Always check how to care for a specific item or surface against its care label, marking or the maker's instructions.
Seasonal care is not a deep clean; it is a few small tasks done on time.
How this section works: here you will find general care advice without brands, models or product names. Check how to wash an item or clean a surface on its care label, marking or in the maker's instructions.
Care by item and surface
What to pay attention to in a home shared by two.
Textiles
Wash bed linens, towels, curtains and throws according to the care label. If your laundry habits differ, go by the item's label, not by one person's habit.
Wallpaper
Remove dust from wallpaper dry, with a soft brush or a vacuum attachment. Damp cleaning is only fine for washable wallpaper, as shown by the marking; test any new cleaner on an inconspicuous spot.
Floors
Sand and grit act like sandpaper, so you need a mat at the entrance, and walkways are worth vacuuming more often. How to clean the flooring and protect it is stated in the maker's instructions.
Shoes in the fall
Dry wet shoes at room temperature, away from radiators and heaters, stuffed with paper. Care for them with products suited to their material.
Winter clothes (in Russian)
Furniture and hardware
Tighten handles and hinges from time to time and check that tall wardrobes are securely anchored to the wall. Wipe furniture only with what the maker allows.
Fur, leather and delicate items
Take fur, leather and items with delicate trim to a professional dry cleaner rather than trying to wash them at home.
Winter clothes (in Russian)
Care by season
- In spring, put cleaned winter clothes and shoes into storage, wash throws and heavy curtains, and clean the windows.
- In summer, air out closets and storage boxes more often and make sure no dampness builds up in storage.
- In the fall, take out warm clothes, check their condition and set up a spot by the entrance for drying wet shoes, away from the radiator.
- In winter, vacuum more often by the entrance, where sand and road salt build up, and wipe the floor so no streaks remain.
Who handles what
- Split seasonal chores the same way as everyday ones: by skill, preference and time.
- Each of you prepares your own things for storage; shared things are done in turns or together.
- Mark the seasonal wardrobe switch in your shared calendar so you don't argue about whose turn it was.
- If a task keeps getting put off, talk about handing it to the other person or doing it together.
Read next
- Materials
Surfaces, textiles, lighting and storage for a home shared by two: what holds up to everyday life together. The article catalogue is here too.
- How-to
How to split household chores without arguments, combine your belongings when moving in and pick a wall color together using samples.
- Tools
A shared to-do list, a calendar for two, a basic toolbox, labeled boxes and a folder for manuals and warranties.
What we rely on
- Instructions and care labels from makers of clothing, furniture and appliances
- Editorial materials of the Femina Maskulina guide
Femina Maskulina's advice is written in general terms and relies on the care labels and instructions from makers of clothing, furniture and appliances, as well as on widely accepted home safety rules. Check how to wash an item or clean a surface on its care label or marking, ask your building management about remodeling, leave electrical work to an electrician and anything involving gas to the gas service.