We all wish we had magnificent walk-in closet space, but many of us are pressed for storage space for clothes. Using a personal storage unit to ease your space constraints is an excellent option, but it’s important to understand how to store clothes to protect them.
Whether the seasons are changing and you need to rotate your wardrobe, or you are wanting to learn the best way to store clothes long term for those valuable wardrobe items you rarely wear, the following storage unit tips will outline best practices that will keep your clothes clean, safe, and ready to wear again the moment you need them.
Trim Your Collection
Whether you are storing seasonal items because the weather is warming or considering long term self storage for pieces in your collection you don’t regularly wear, it’s a good idea to take the time to trim down your clothing collection before storing it.
Most people find the act of selecting and giving away clothing they don’t use difficult, and avoiding this step tends to lead to a buildup of clothing that we don’t use simply because we don’t want to give it away. Despite the difficulty, consider taking the time to do this step before you store away your clothing. Doing so will save you time, money, and space by reducing the amount of clothing you need to store.
Give Your Clothes a Thorough Cleaning
Before storing your clothing items be sure to completely clean them. Spot treat any stains that might be on them, dry-clean delicate garments, and run clothing that can be washed normally through a complete wash cycle.
Cleaning your clothes before you put them into storage is a best practice that should always be followed. By getting rid of pesky stains before you place your clothes into storage you’ll avoid darker, set-in stains after your clothes come out of storage. A thorough cleaning will also make your clothes less appealing to insects which can damage your clothing. Lastly, a thorough cleaning will ensure you aren’t greeted with any unexpected unpleasant smells when you are ready to wear your clothes again. Rather, your clean clothes will likely be in wearable condition immediately.
Consider Your Container
If you aren’t sure what to store clothes in, take the time to find storage solutions that will protect your clothes for the long haul. Though it may be tempting to throw your clothes into those cardboard storage boxes you’ve been saving up, you might want to think again.
For long-term clothing storage, cardboard is less than ideal. Cardboard can be attractive to insects which can damage your clothing. If you do choose to store in cardboard boxes, use only new cardboard boxes. If you are short on cardboard boxes, our Price Self Storage locations have extensive moving and packing supplies available for purchase.
For long-term clothing storage, both plastic containers and suitcases are good options. Be sure to thoroughly clean the containers or bins you choose and allow them to fully dry before placing your clothes into storage. Any moisture trapped in the container is going to be a problem for storage. So, be particularly aware of any residual moisture in any container you use. It’s a good idea to line the containers with acid-free tissue paper as well.
Be Wary of Hanging
It’s tempting to hang all of your clothing in wardrobe boxes for long-term storage, but you should be aware of the effect that gravity can have on those items over time. If you want to store sweaters, knit items, or other delicates it’s usually a better idea to carefully fold them and store them in a container rather than putting them on hangers. This is critical for how to store clothes long term, particularly if they are delicate or loosely knit items. Hanging knit items can quickly lead to misshapen clothing that isn’t usable when you are ready to wear them again.
If you do choose to hang some clothing, such as sturdy coats, give those clothing items room to breathe in their wardrobe box. Overcrowding your hung items can limit air circulation and create ripe conditions for the development of mildew and mold.
Store With Access in Mind
The best way to store clothes is to keep them accessible. It might be tempting to toss your containers in the back of the storage unit, but you should consider packing a storage unit in a way that makes your clothes accessible. Store like items together with plenty of room for air to circulate within the containers. Label containers if it isn’t obvious what clothing is in them. During the time your clothing is in storage check your containers periodically to ensure that there aren’t any obvious signs of damage.
Expand Your Storage
Is closet space too tight in your home to store your seasonal clothing or keepsakes? Space constraints don’t mean you should get rid of those items. If you aren’t sure where to put your stored clothing, it might be time to expand your storage space with a self-storage unit.
Our Price Self Storage facilities offer storage solutions in a variety of sizes that can accommodate even the largest clothing collections. Additionally, our facilities have features that make storing your clothes a breeze. These include the option of drive-up storage units, free courtesy carts for moving your clothing containers back and forth, and well-lit facilities so that you can store or access your clothes when you need to.
Closing Thoughts
When storing your clothes, keep them clean, dry, and accessible. Avoid storing your clothes in cardboard boxes. Be sure to clean your clothing before you store it, and ensure that any storage container is completely dry before you place your clothes inside. Fold and stack delicate knit clothing to ensure it isn’t misshapen, and be sure to periodically check on the containers your clothing is in to ensure no damage has occurred.
Aren’t sure what to do with winter clothing you won’t need for a while or those hand-me-downs you want to hang onto but don’t have room for in your home? Store them in a self-storage unit at one of our many Price Self Storage facilities.
By following the simple tips outlined here you’ll be well on your way to decluttering your closet and streamlining your clothing storage. Once you have, you can move onto a whole-house declutter and find the best way to store shoes and other items like old furniture. If you have any additional questions, contact us today and our Free Concierge Service will be happy to help.
Sources
- https://www.thespruce.com/storing-seasonal-clothing-1900114
- https://www.zillow.com/blog/pack-organize-storage-unit-201374/
- https://www.esquire.com/style/news/a49623/ask-a-clean-person-store-clothes/
