How to Prepare Clothing for Long Term Storage
Whether you’re downsizing your home, preparing for renovations, equipping yourself for a change in seasons, or some other reason, if you need to know how to pack clothes for long term storage, we’ve got you covered.
Though it might seem pretty intuitive to some, there’s a lot that goes into the best way to store clothes in a storage unit, and we want to make sure that your belongings are treated the way they deserve, both for their sake and yours. Nothing is worse than putting clothes away for several months, only to come back and have all of them ruined by pests or mold.
In this short guide, Advantage Storage wants to give you our best practices for how to store clothing in a storage unit.
How to Pack Clothes for Long Term Storage
When it comes to long term clothing storage, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to ensure your garments stay in good condition. Here are some tips on how to pack clothes for long term storage:
- Make sure clothing is clean before storing – dirt and stains can set over time and be difficult to remove later.
- Inspect clothing for signs of wear and tear – mending any tears or holes before storing will help prevent further damage.
- Choose the right storage container – breathable containers such as cardboard boxes or cloth bags will allow air circulation and prevent musty odors.
- Layer clothing in the container – start with a layer of acid-free tissue paper followed by folded garments, ending with another layer of tissue paper on top. This will help protect delicate fabrics from being damaged by heavier items.
How to Store Clothing in a Storage Unit
When the time has come to store your clothes in a storage unit, it is important to take precautions to ensure that your clothes stay in good condition. With sufficient organization and storage techniques, you can not only keep the integrity of your wardrobe intact, but make it quick and easy to add or remove things from storage as convenient.
First, when preparing a storage unit for clothes, avoid storing clothes in plastic bags. Plastic bags can cause clothes to become musty and can trap moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Instead, store clothes in breathable containers such as cardboard boxes or garment bags.
Then place a layer of fabric at the bottom of the storage container before adding any clothing items. This will help protect your clothes from being scratched or damaged by the container itself. Especially important if you aren’t using a garment bag and you’re throwing your clothes into a container not designed for them.
If possible, try to store clothing items on hangers rather than folding them. This will help prevent creasing and damage caused by folding.
To make the most of your space, try to keep your clothes as close together as possible without compromising their shape. If you don’t have the space to give every piece equal care or attention, prioritize the more important or expensive pieces, such as nice dresses and suits, giving them the space to remain straight and upright.
The Best Type of Storage Unit for Clothes
Fortunately, most storage units accommodate most clothing, however there are a couple considerations to keep in mind.
The most important thing to consider is whether or not your storage unit should have climate control. This just means the unit has been designed to regulate the humidity and temperature levels inside it, a very valuable quality for sensitive items that would otherwise be negatively affected by outside weather. Some clothes, especially expensive clothes, would benefit highly from a unit with climate control capability, if only because it would prevent increased moisture inside the unit, lowering the chances of mildew or mold developing.
The second thing to keep in mind is more obvious: how much space do you need? The more clothes, the more space you’ll want, especially if you intend to store other belongings as well. Most storage units will have a smallest option that is either 5×5 or 5×7 (roughly the size of a bedroom closet), but depending on the facility, they can be several times larger than that. It’s best to evaluate how much you plan to store, and then select a unit that will not only be able to accommodate your belongings, but provide enough space that you can easily move around to reach the items you need, when you need them.
Long Term Clothing Storage with Advantage
Advantage has taken great effort to expand into dozens of facilities across several states. If you’re in need of long term clothing storage, check out the full list of our available facilities, so you might find the one closest to you. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in all aspects of our storage buildings, from the cleanliness to the security to customer service. These are your clothes, they deserve to be cared after.