How To Store Clothes in a Storage Unit
9 Essential Tips for Clothing Storage
Whether you are looking to store baby clothes, winter clothing, or seasonal wardrobes, knowing the proper techniques for storing clothes in a storage unit is essential. It may seem straightforward—simply packing boxes with clothing and loading them into your unit—but the reality is a bit more nuanced. Proper storage is critical for maintaining the quality and longevity of your garments. The right approach involves selecting appropriate storage containers, choosing the right unit, and implementing strategies to prevent moisture and pests from damaging your clothes. Below are the 9 most important tips for how to store clothes in a storage unit.
1. Wash Everything Thoroughly
Before you start packing, ensure that all the clothing you plan to store is thoroughly washed. This step is vital for preserving the longevity of your items. Unwashed clothing can harbor mold and mildew, leading to unpleasant odors and potential damage. Even if your garments appear clean, they may hold invisible stains that can surface over time. Residual substances like perfumes, lotions, oils, or sweat can cause fabrics to yellow. Additionally, food stains or clothes that have been starched can attract pests, ultimately ruining your clothing.
2. Donate or Sell Unwanted Items
As you prepare to pack, take the opportunity to sift through your closet and decide which items you truly want to keep. Consider what you haven’t worn in the past eight months. If you haven’t worn it, do you realistically expect to wear it in the near future? If the answer is no, it might be time to let it go. Set aside items that don’t fit or have stains or rips. You can opt to sell your clothing through yard sales or online platforms like eBay. Alternatively, donating your clothes to charitable organizations like Goodwill or the Salvation Army is a great way to declutter while earning a tax write-off.
3. Invest in Plastic Bins
Many individuals resort to cardboard boxes or plastic bags for clothing storage due to their lower cost, but these methods often leave your clothing vulnerable to damage. Plastic bags can trap moisture, creating an environment conducive to mold and mildew growth. While using free boxes might seem economical, if they were previously used for food, they may contain bacteria or hidden pests. Cardboard boxes are also susceptible to humidity and can sustain water damage.
Instead, invest in sturdy plastic bins that snap shut, offering enhanced protection against moisture, pests, and dust. Be cautious not to overpack these bins, as they require some airflow to keep your clothes fresh. Opt for clear bins to easily see the contents inside, but if your storage unit is exposed to light, consider darker bins to prevent fabric fading.
4. Create a Comprehensive Inventory System
Establishing an inventory system is crucial for maintaining organization and enabling easy access to your clothing items. There are several effective options for setting up your inventory.
Color-coordinated inventory:
In this method, each box in your storage unit is assigned a specific color code. Each color corresponds to a type of clothing, such as by family member, season, or item category. Keep a reference sheet nearby to track which colors correspond to which items, ensuring quick identification.
Labels:
This labeling system requires you to affix clear labels to each box. Phrases like “Mom’s Winter Sweaters” make it easy to find the specific bin you need. Being organized and specific while packing will streamline the unpacking process.
Detailed Inventory List:
The most comprehensive inventory approach involves creating a detailed list that can be combined with the other two methods. This list should include every item stored in your bins, along with a brief description and the size of each garment. You can either tape this list to the outside of the bin or maintain it in a digital format like an Excel spreadsheet. This level of organization will save you time and effort when searching for specific items.
5. Avoid Vacuum Packing
Although vacuum packing can save considerable space, it can be damaging to your clothing over time. This method often leads to permanent creasing and unsightly wrinkles. Natural fibers, in particular, need airflow to remain intact; vacuum sealing deprives them of this essential element, hastening deterioration. To keep your items in the best condition, lightly pack them into bins, placing heavier items on the bottom.
6. Keep Bugs at Bay
Let’s face it—mothballs have a notoriously unpleasant odor. Fortunately, they are not your only option for pest prevention. Instead, consider using cedar chips as a natural deterrent for pests. Cedar chips are just as effective as mothballs without the harmful pesticides that can damage your clothing. You can find cedar in various forms, such as porous bags or larger blocks. Additionally, choosing a responsible storage company that employs preventative pest control and prohibits food storage is an effective way to keep pests at bay.
7. Store in a Dry, Dark, and Cool Environment
When storing clothing, it is vital to choose a dry, dark, and cool environment. Exposure to light can cause fading in fabrics over time. While many individuals opt to store their clothing in attics or garages, these areas often experience extreme temperature fluctuations, which can damage your garments. The ideal solution is to utilize a climate-controlled storage unit. Climate-controlled units maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels, providing an optimal environment for long-term clothing storage.
8. Utilize Wardrobe Boxes for Delicate Items
For storing more delicate clothing items, consider investing in a wardrobe box designed specifically for hanging garments. Always avoid using metal hangers, as they can stretch fabric and may rust in humid conditions or damage clothing with sharp edges. Instead, choose wooden or padded hangers to preserve the integrity of your garments. Additionally, when covering wardrobe boxes, opt for a cotton sheet instead of plastic to protect against dust and light while allowing your clothes to breathe.
9. Refold Your Clothes Every Few Years
If you won’t be regularly rotating your wardrobe, plan to visit your storage unit every one to two years to refold your clothing. This practice helps prevent permanent creasing and gives you an opportunity to check on the condition of your clothes. Regular visits allow you to inspect for any signs of pests, dust accumulation, water damage, or emerging stains.
By following these nine essential tips, you can confidently store your clothing, ensuring that it remains in excellent condition while in storage. Now that you are equipped with the knowledge on how to properly store clothes in a storage unit, your next step is to choose the ideal storage type and location.
Our blog offers plenty of guidance on selecting unit sizes, understanding the difference between climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled storage, andtips on how to choose the right storage company. The best way to determine which unit suits your needs is to visit your local Guardian Storage, where our knowledgeable property manager can guide you through your options and help you select the perfect unit for your belongings.
Storage Success Starts with the Right Space
In conclusion, storing your clothing properly is crucial to maintaining its quality and longevity. By following these nine essential tips—from washing your clothes before storage to utilizing an organized inventory system—you can ensure that your garments remain in excellent condition. Regular maintenance and smart storage choices will save you time and money in the long run, allowing you to enjoy your clothing season after season.
Need extra space to keep your clothes and belongings organized? ✨👗 Renting a self storage unit is the perfect way to declutter your space and keep your seasonal wardrobe within reach. It’s an easy way to ensure your items stay fresh and ready for use! 🌟 Contact us today to discover how we can help you create the space you deserve!
