10 Tips on How to Store Clothes in a Storage Unit

If you have too many clothes at home and would like to do some decluttering, you may have considered renting a storage unit. Clothing is one of the most popular stored items in a unit, and getting a storage unit will definitely help keep your clothes safe.

However, you need to be careful when storing your clothes, because packing them the wrong way can cause them to get ruined. To maintain the quality of your clothes, it’s essential to store them in your unit the proper way. Here’s a guide on how to store clothes in a storage unit:

1. Preparing Your Clothes: Wash and Dry Before Storing Them

It’s important to wash your clothes before storing them. Ensure that all your clothes are free from dirt or stains. This is to maintain the longevity of the clothes you are storing.

Stains will worsen if not cleaned, and dirty clothes may have odors that could settle in over time and affect other clothes in your storage unit. Even unworn clothes should still be washed as they can still pick up dust.

Your clothes also need to be as dry as possible before storing them. Moisture can cause mold and mildew, which could ruin your clothes in storage. It can also cause odors, so make sure all your clothes are completely dry.

2. Make an Inventory

Make a list of all your clothes that will be going into the storage unit. This will help keep things organized and help you remember which clothes you placed in storage. Also, include a brief description.

A list will definitely come in handy in the future. While creating an inventory, you can also think about the clothes you want to keep and the clothes to get rid of. You can then separate them and list the remaining clothes that will be placed in your unit.

3. Do Not Mix Fabric: Pack Similar Fabrics Together

It may be easy to just put all your clothes together in the same box, without regard to their fabric. However, storing different types of clothing in the same boxes increases the chances of ruining your clothes.

Separate natural and synthetic fabrics, as natural fabrics need to breathe, while synthetic fabrics don’t. So, make sure to pack similar fabrics together, and separate different ones.

4. Use Plastic Bins to Pack Folded Clothes

The best containers for storing clothes are plastic bins. Clear plastic bins last longer and are waterproof. They even keep bugs away. You also won’t have to worry about your clothes losing their quality or getting dusty because plastic bins protect them well.

However, plastic bins can be costly, so an alternative could be cardboard boxes. Just remember that cardboard boxes don’t protect your clothes from humidity, and bugs can easily eat through the cardboard and get to your clothes.

So, the better option would be to use plastic bins, especially when storing clothing long-term. But, if you’re storing clothing short-term, using cardboard boxes is fine.

Additionally, don’t forget to label everything. Label all those bins or boxes so that you won’t have difficulty locating clothes in the future.

 5. Do Not Overpack Containers

Let your clothes breathe. It may be tempting to see how many clothes you can fit into one bin or box, but overpacking can cause damage to your clothes. You also wouldn’t want your clothes to get wrinkles and creases. So, it’s best not to overpack, and instead, leave space in each bin or box so that your clothes can breathe.

6. Use Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes

Use wardrobe boxes to store dresses, blazers, suits, gowns, fur coats, long jackets, and easily wrinkled clothing. Wardrobe boxes are huge, heavy-duty boxes with a built-in bar that allows you to hang your clothes so that they won’t get crushed or wrinkled.

Also, like with bins and cardboard boxes, do not overpack wardrobe boxes. Even though wardrobe boxes are strong, it is recommended not to put in too many clothes, as the clothes can get wrinkled.

 7. Do Not Vacuum Pack Your Clothes

Using vacuum bags may be a great way to save space, but unfortunately, it can ruin your clothes. Vacuum packing will definitely not help preserve the quality of your clothes, as it can cause wrinkles and fabric damage.

It must be noted that natural fibers need to breathe, and by taking air away, deterioration speeds up, which would then result in ruined clothes. Avoid using vacuum bags, especially for long-term storage, as moisture can become trapped inside the bags, leading to mold and mildew problems.

 8. Keep Bugs Away With Cedar Chips (Not Mothballs)

Using cedar chips is a safe solution for keeping bugs, insects, and pests away from your stored clothes. They have a pleasant smell, absorb moisture, and keep bugs, insects, and pests away.

Mothballs, on the other hand, can be harmful to both your health and your clothes. They contain toxic elements and have a very strong smell that can stick to your clothes.

So, use cedar chips to keep all those bugs away. But, just remember not to put them directly onto your clothes. Instead, put the cedar chips in a small plastic bag and leave the bag slightly open.

 9. Use Shelves or Plastic Racks to Organize Your Clothes in Storage

You wouldn’t want your storage unit to end up being a mess, right? To keep things organized, you can use a shelf unit or plastic racks. Things will be easier for you, as you won’t have to lift many boxes or bins to get your clothes.

Shelves or plastic racks are useful, especially when you plan to visit your unit regularly and take out clothes. Things will also be safer for your stored clothes, as your bins or boxes won’t be placed directly on the floor.

10. Choose a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

When picking a storage unit for clothes, it’s best to choose a climate-controlled unit. They are kept at steady temperatures and humidity levels, which makes them a good option for storing clothes.

Climate-controlled storage units are also tightly sealed and have good air circulation, which means they help reduce exposure to dust and lower the risk of mildew. If you go for climate-controlled storage, your clothes will definitely be kept in good condition.

Are you looking for a storage unit or are you in need of storage solutions? Contact us today!