What to Do WIth Luggage - Long Term Storage Options

We could do it with one bag but we have really refined our list over the years. We only make few changes between winter and summer packing. Since we never wear shorts in summer or boots in the winter, we don't worry about those items. Our shoes are a waterproof ECCO that we wear year around. We don't plan for deep snow or deep water either. If I was starting in the fall months headed into winter. I would pack towards the warmer side with the idea of picking up some warmer clothing as I head into Nov/Dec. For example - For the summer I use a high quality (had it for years) wind-breaker, waterproof jacket. For winter I will add a fleece vest or downfill vest (Germany in Dec) and some long underwear. I would consider buying that in Europe. Those items don't get packed because I am wearing them most of the time. Our pants, socks, basic underwear stay the same winter or summer. And we do change out short sleeved shirts for long sleeved. We add a mid weight sweater and a hat, scarf, and gloves rounds out our changes. All of the latter items could be purchased in Europe as you go along. Anything specific related to summer might be discarded or donated.

Plan it on paper and carefully think it through. I don't think it is that big a problem.

I've taken a number of long trips but never faced the weather challenges you're having to deal with. I trundled a 33-lb. suitcase around Europe last summer (only a few pounds was clothing), and it was a major drag. I hope you find a viable storage option. If you do not (and to some extent even if you do), these are the strategies I'd try to adopt:

• For the first (warmer) part of your trip, try to take clothing you'll be OK discarding when it's no longer useful. If you don't have some old stuff you're close to getting rid of, try your local thrift shops.
• Plan to buy much of the winter stuff you need at cheap street markets or used-clothing shops when you need it. I realize that this idea is probably problematic for acquiring boots. Certainly plan to pick up winter hat, gloves, and scarf on the road.
• Underpack. If you take dark, lightweight slacks for the warm part of your trip, could they work for Paris if worn over a pair of thin long johns? Make sure most of your non-discardable tops can be used in November/December as well as earlier in the trip by adding a warm jacket. Shoes are deadly. Two pairs, max. I don't know whether boots are really essential for November and December in Paris. I'd plan to buy something inexpensive but functional once I got there.
• I'm sure you'll need some sort of full-length coat for the north, but underneath it, try to stick to one warm piece that can also be used if you hit cool weather farther south. I have a very short wool jacket that's quite warm. I use it on chilly mornings and evenings in early and late summer. I avoid longer jackets because they add bulk without providing much additional warmth. I wonder whether you could get by with a short, warm jacket and a really lightweight, dark, full-length raincoat.
• Try not to care about looking stylish. If that thought causes you to recoil in horror, I'm sorry!

Edited to add: I see that Frank and I are thinking along the same lines.

Thanks for your tips! And yes @acraven, I definitely recoiled in horror at the sound of not looking stylish :)

But seriously, you both definitely had some good suggestions. I am a huge fan of thrift shops anyway, and in Paris there are Sympas and Guerrisols aplenty for when the temp drops. I think I personally hesitate to be dependent on finding certain items because I am plus sized. When I go with an open mind I find great little bargains, but when I try to find something specific I seem to strike out.

I haven't faced the temperature changes you describe, either, but I've been to Germany, Italy, Austria and Belgium in late December-early January and got by quite comfortably with an above-the-knee hooded light down jacket, a couple of sweaters, and longjohns. I bought gloves, hat, pashmina once I got there. My other clothing was short- and long-sleeved t-shirts, lightweight pants - things I could layer. I am a proponent of leaving stuff behind to lighten the load.

For a trip of this length, perhaps ship some things home at some point?

Fewer items, things that can double or triple layer, and plan more laundry stops.

You should be fine in Nov. and Dec. In Paris with a jacket and a full length raincoat. Over the years when living in Paris, I've worn jackets in the winter, while my husband wears his zip-in-liner raincoat.

Last year we traveled to Moscow (with snow several times), then to Croatia and Italy with warm, sunny days. I took a lightweight cardigan wool sweater, lightweight down jacket, gloves, a hat and a waterproof longer windbreaker. I also took a few pairs of pants and several tops. I found these items covered all the weather conditions. I only take a rolling suitcase that can go on a plane, plus a backpack. What really helps is using packing cubes (I use Eagle Creek's lightweight cubes). That way you can stow the cold weather items together when you don't need them. My favorite purchase was a Smartwool cardigan sweather that is very wrinkle resistant, lightweight and warm. I've never bought clothes as I go, but I don't like to clothes shop while I travel. But I know many folks do. I also take concentrated soap for hand laundry and reasearch before I leave where laundromats are so I can plan ahead the easiest spots to do laundry every 7-10 days.
Have a wonderful trip! Travel is so special.

While I would expect warm weather in October in Spain and Morocco, one or two pairs of shorts should be enough (don't wear them in Morocco) and I agree that lightweight pants can still work in Paris. Maybe you also have a skirt or dress that you wear with or without leggings in different areas. A lightweight scarf can be a versatile layer without being very heavy.

I have been in Paris in December with just regular shoes and sandals, sweater, raincoat, and umbrella; no boots or heavy coat; this was also at the end of a longer trip.

If you fly into Madrid and have a hotel where you'll stay later, then ask them about holding a bag for you. I'm not advocating a second suitcase; I'm thinking of a smaller tote bag.

If you fly to Paris first, then you can later fly from Paris to Granada on Vueling for about $100.