Tips for Storing Clothing Long Term
No matter the season, it’s always a good idea to start thinking about storing clothing long term. Head into summer without large, bulky winter items taking up your closet, or head into winter without the clutter of bathing suits and summer clothes. Whatever the case, we’ve compiled tips for storing clothing long term. Whether you’re prepared to store extra clothes in a storage unit for a lengthy period of time or you’re making room for your seasonal wardrobe, Space Shop Self Storage can help you get organized.
Long-Term Clothing Storage Tips
To Vacuum Seal or Not?
When considering long-term clothing storage options, vacuum sealing always comes up in search results. While sealing your clothing in airtight packages may seem like a great idea due to the space-saving qualities, it may not be the best option for maintaining the quality of your items. Vacuum-sealed bags keep all air out, which prevents proper ventilation for your clothes. In some instances, this can lead to mold growing in the bags — especially if you live in an area with a lot of moisture in the air.
If you live in Georgia or South Carolina, we suggest packing your clothing in plastic boxes or containers that have proper ventilation. In order to further prevent moisture from damaging your clothing, insert silica packets or silica gel into the containers.
Proper Packing
Remember to wash your clothes before packing them away long term. This will help make surface stains easier to remove, and they won’t be as likely to attract vermin. While you don’t necessarily have to iron clothing before packing, you should still pack them with care. Remember to put heavier items at the bottom of the box and lighter items at the top. Depending on the clothing, rolling the items may make more room than folding them. Be sure not to overstuff your container, as this can cause items to lose their shape. Have clothing items that should be hung instead of folded? Storage boxes with a hanging rail can be purchased for these items that require special care.
Choose the Right Container
Selecting the right container goes a long way toward protecting your clothing in long-term storage. We suggest air-tight plastic containers as opposed to cardboard boxes and plastic bags. Plastic containers help keep your clothes dry and help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Be sure when using these types of containers to ensure they are clean and dry. You can take it a step further by lining them with clean cotton sheets.
Plastic bags trap moisture and, in addition to mold, can cause the yellowing of fabric. Cardboard boxes won’t be able to protect your clothing from vermin such as rats and mice. Rats and mice can easily chew through the cardboard and nibble your clothing.
Long-Term Clothing Storage at Space Shop Self Storage
At Space Shop Self Storage, we’ve mined through our wealth of experience to bring you storage tips that help you not only when using one of our storage units, but also in the convenience of daily life. Whether packing up your seasonal wardrobe to store in the attic at your home or preparing to move items into a storage unit, these helpful tips for long-term clothing storage can help prevent damage to your items.
Contact Space Shop Self Storage for more information about long-term self-storage options in Georgia.