Putting diapers away for a while? For some of us this moment came far too quickly, while others elate in their new, diaper-free milestone. Many of us may sit somewhere in the bittersweet. There comes a point for us all when the cloth diapers are just a pile, no longer used. Whatever your plans are for your cloth diapers long-term, the solution to this problem is in five easy steps.

1. Clean. Give them a deep clean with multiple hot rinses (with Calgon if you have hard water) or with an RLR wash to ensure anything left behind on them is long gone.  Take the time to sun out those stains. Whether you sell or store them this step will help keep your diapers in top-notch shape. Last, make sure they are completely dry before storing to prevent mold or other such muckiness.
2. Sort. Donate any you don’t need to The Rebecca Foundation or Giving Diapers Giving Hope. Plenty of families can put your unused diapers to good use. Sell. Consider if you want to use any around the house as dust rags, especially well-loved prefolds that might be thinning. No need to throw them out just yet! I personally also pulled out one that I will keep in each kiddo’s hope chest for when they are grown. This will streamline your storing as you make space in your closet for only what you need.
3. Repair. You can do this later, and maybe should if you won’t pull your diapers out for several years. Otherwise, save your later self some time and fix elastic, hoop/loop, or snaps as needed. 
4. Pack. Use a breathable, loose storing method. At the same time, make sure the packaging is secure from friendly critters that might try and find a cozy place to call home. I use a pillowcase that I tie at the top. Storing the diapers loosely allows breathability as well. Add cedar if you would like to prevent moth troubles.
5. Store. Store in a climate-controlled environment to preserve your diapers most effectively. Consider temperature and humidity as both can affect your diapers. Attics, basements, and garages are likely more extreme than ideal. Consider a back corner in a closet or under the bed.

Lynette Moran shares her life with her husband and two sons, ages 1 and 3 years. She has cloth diapered both since birth and enjoys all things eco-friendly and mindful living.