When you’re looking to put unused baby clothes or seasonal items in storage, it’s essential to make sure that they are adequately protected so that they remain in good condition. In this blog, we’ll be looking at 4 tips for storing your clothes properly.
Store in a dark, cool, and dry place
Storing your clothing in a dark, cool, and dry environment is essential to ensuring that they do not become damaged over time. If the environment you store them in is too bright, this light can cause the colour in your fabrics to fade. Many people make the mistake of storing their clothing in a garage or attic, but these areas are particularly susceptible to changes in temperature which can damage your clothing. The best option for keeping your clothes in good condition is by keeping them in a professional storage unit.
Wash everything
One of the most important things to do before you put your clothes into storage is to ensure that they are properly cleaned. They may not look dirty upon first glance, but over time, any soil, sweat, or dirt present on your clothing can lead to stains. Unclean clothes are also more likely to attract pests, so it’s important to make sure they are perfectly clean and dry before you fold them up and put them away. If you dry clean your clothes, it’s essential to take the time to remove the plastic bags that cover them as these can trap moisture inside and make them smell musty over time. It’s also important to make sure that your clothes are completely dry before storing them to avoid any mould growth or mildew.
Choose high-quality containers
Packing and storing your belongings in the right containers with specially made wrapping is vital to ensuring that every item of clothing is kept in the best possible condition. It’s a good idea to choose storage containers that are designed for specific purposes, such as clothes hanging boxes and linen cartons. Hanging your clothes in clothes hanging boxes is a great way of preventing creasing, but it’s essential to make sure that you use a thick, high-quality coat hanger to hang each item rather than a thin wire hanger so that your clothes don’t become misshapen over time.
Keep bugs away
One of the most common issues with storing clothes for a long period of time is the risk of pests invading them and causing damage. Once critters like carpet beetles and clothes moths have access to your items, they rip holes in them and make them unwearable. If you have washed your clothes and placed them in the correct containers but are still looking to add additional protection, you can add some cedar balls or blocks into your storage container to sit with your clothes. Cedar oil acts as a moth deterrent, but you will need to sand down the blocks from time to time to ensure that you can smell the cedar. To prevent the oil from staining your clothes, it’s a good idea to wrap them in an old sheet.
If you are looking for a self-storage unit to keep your clothing items safe and secure, get in touch with our team at Big Box Self Storage today.