Whether you are looking to store baby clothes, winter clothing, or seasonal wardrobes, it’s crucial that you know how to keep clothes in a storage unit correctly. It may seem as easy as packing boxes with clothing and loading them into your unit, but it’s a bit more complex than that. To maintain the quality of your clothing, you want to make sure they are stored properly. You should choose suitable storage containers, storage units, and steps to prevent moisture and pests from ruining your clothes. Below are the eight crucial tips for storing clothes in a storage unit.
1. Wash All Of Your Clothes
Before you begin packing, you must make sure to wash all the clothing you want to store. This step is crucial to maintaining the longevity of all the clothes you are keeping. Unwashed clothing can produce mold and mildew, which will lead to a stench if left too long in storage. Even if your clothes don’t look or smell dirty, they may reveal stains over time. Residual perfumes, lotions, oil, or even sweat can sit in the fabric and turn your clothing yellow. Clothing with food stains or clothes can attract pests, which will ruin your clothing.
2. Store Clothes in Plastic Bins
For cost-effective reasons, you might choose to use cardboard boxes or plastic bags to store clothes. However, these methods leave your clothing vulnerable to damage. Plastic bags can trap moisture and will lead to mold and mildew. Free used boxes may seem appealing, but they might contain bacteria or hidden pests if they held food. Cardboard boxes are also vulnerable to humidity and water damage.
Instead, invest in plastic bins that snap shut to keep your clothing safe from all threats. These bins will keep your items safe from pests, water, humidity, and dust. Ensure not to overpack the containers, as there is no air flowing through to let your items breathe. Opt for clear bins so that you can see the things inside. If your unit is exposed to light, choose darker containers to avoid fading in your fabrics.
3. Create an Inventory System
Creating an inventory system is crucial to keep you organized and allows you to access clothing items easily. There are a few options to choose from when deciding on an inventory system.
Color-coordinated inventory: For this inventory system, you will color-code each box in your unit. Each color should have a specific type of clothing, divided by family members, season, or item type. Keep a sheet to refer to that will indicate which color coordinates with which items.
Labels: Establish a labeling system for each box. For example, “Winter Sweaters” or “Summer Tanktops.” This way, you can easily find the bin that has the item you are seeking. Make sure you are organized and specific while packing to help when you need to unpack.
Inventory List: The inventory list is the most extensive option. It can be combined with the other two options and help you know where your items are. On this list, you will write down every item in your bin. You should list the item, a brief description of it, and the size of the article of clothing. Tape the label onto the container or include it in a spreadsheet. It will allow you to know for sure the contents of your bins so that you don’t waste time digging through them.
4. Never Vacuum Pack Your Clothes
Vacuum packing may save much space, but it’s also very damaging to your clothing. Packing clothing this way long-term can lead to permanent creasing and wrinkles. Natural fibers need to breathe, and by sucking all the air out of them, you are quickening the process of deterioration to your clothing. To avoid suffocating your items, lightly pack them into bins, keeping the heavier items on the bottom.
5. Keep Bugs Out Of Your Unit
Use cedar chips in with your clothes to deter pests. Cedar chips work just as well as mothballs, without pesticides that can be harmful to your clothing. You can purchase them in either porous bags or larger blocks. Storing with a responsible storage company that practices preventative pest control and does not allow food storage is another way to avoid pests in your clothing.
6. Store in a Dry, Dark, and Cool Place
Store clothing in a dry, dark, and cool environment. If the area is bright, the light can cause fading in your fabrics. Many people choose to store their clothing in attics or garages. Still, these areas are susceptible to extreme temperature changes, which can damage clothing. Your best option will be a climate-controlled storage unit. Climate-control units are kept at consistent humidity and temperature, providing you with a perfect environment for long-term clothing storage.
7. Use a Wardrobe Box
For more delicate clothing, invest in a wardrobe box to hang your clothing. It would be best to avoid metal hangers, as they can cause the fabric to stretch. They may also rust in humid environments or rip clothes with their sharp edges. Instead, invest in wooden or padded hangers for your clothing. Do not cover wardrobe boxes with plastic. Instead, cover with a cotton sheet to protect them from dust and light.
8. Refold Every Few Years
If you are not rotating your wardrobe, you should visit your unit every 1-2 years to refold your clothing to help prevent permanent creasing. It will also allow you to check on your clothing. You can check and make sure there are no pests, dust, water damage, or stains developing.
Contact Us
We hope you learned a lot from our eight crucial tips for storing clothes in a storage unit. Are you looking for a storage facility that can provide the security you need to keep your clothes looking fresh and new? Call Belleair Storage today! We offer climate-controlled units to keep your clothes protected!
