How To Pack Clothes For A Storage Unit
It does not matter why you are storing your clothes whether this be for long-term storage or a short-term solution, the need to pack them properly is just the same. The items need to be stored correctly to prevent any damage while they are in storage. We will go over some top tips to keep your clothes looking and smelling as fresh as the day they went into storage.
Wash and Dry All Clothes Before Packing
Ensure all your clothes are washed and properly dried before they go into storage. Leaving any residue on your clothes can cause damage, it can cause staining and encourage pests if not removed, plus it can make a bad odour on your clothes. It is even more important to ensure the clothes are fully dry and aired or this can cause mould and mildew to grow very quickly and can cause significant damage to all of your clothes within the storage unit.
Declutter: Decide What to Store, Donate, or Discard
Encourage readers to assess their wardrobe, selecting items for storage and identifying those suitable for donation or disposal. This step aids in reducing storage volume and maintaining an organised collection.
Before you just put all of your clothes into storage, take the opportunity to declutter your wardrobe. You can go over each item and asses if you really want to keep it and if not is it to be sold, donated or discarded, this can save you money in the long run by not wasting space, in your storage unit, on clothes you no longer want and will keep your unit tidy and organised.
Choose the Right Storage Containers
Plastic Storage Containers
The best type of container to use for storing your clothes in a self storage unit, are the large clear plastic boxes with clip lids. These may be a more expensive option, but will provide the best solution for your clothes, as they will shield you from any pests, dust and moisture ensuring your clothes are kept in the best environment while in storage.
Cardboard Boxes & Plastic Bags
Try to avoid using cardboard boxes, these may be alright for short-term storage but are not recommended for long-term use for clothes as they can be susceptible to pests and moisture. You could be tempted by plastic bags as these are a very cost effective solution but they trap humidity inside and this will then lead to mould and mildew destroying your clothes, and making everything smell.
Use Cedar Balls or Blocks to Prevent Moths and Mildew
Cedar wood has long been used as a natural repellent for moths and odours, it is recommended that if some cedar blocks or balls are placed within the containers along with your clothes, this will really help to prolong the freshness and deter pests, with its natural smell.
Avoid Vacuum Sealing for Long-Term Storage
Vacuum storage bags look to be a great idea, as you can fit a lot more clothes into a smaller space, but these can seriously damage your clothes if used for long periods of time. Taking all of the air out of the clothes does not allow them to breath and those made out of natural fibres need to do this. It can also lead to irreparable creases and wrinkles damaging your clothes from being so tightly packed for long periods of time.
Utilise Wardrobe Boxes for Hanging Clothes
If you are storing longer items such as dresses or items that do not fold well such as suits, you can use wardrobe boxes. These are designed for such items and so keep your clothes in the hanging position preventing them from creasing and losing shape. Although be aware these are often cardboard so you may with to add a moisture absorbing sachet and extra cedar wood, to deter moisture and pests.
Line Containers with Clean Cotton Sheets
If you are storing delicate fabrics such as silk these are likely to be valuable too, you can add an extra layer of protection by lining the storage boxes with cotton sheets. This can provide an extra layer of protection from dust and moisture and also provide a good use for storing the bed sheet you do not need.
Store Clothes in a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit
If you are storing a lot of clothes and or clothes of value, it may be worth considering climate controlled storage. This will ensure that your clothes are kept and maintained at a consistent temperature and humidity levels, therefore safeguarding the clothes fabrics from environmental damage.
Label Boxes Clearly for Easy Identification
Even if you are using large clear plastic boxes for storing your clothes it would be highly recommended to label each container acutely and to keep an inventory. This will allow you to access what you want and need, when you go to your unit with ease, without having to unpack everything you spent time folding and putting away carefully and keeping everything neat and organised.
Avoid Overpacking Containers
It may be tempting to pack the containers with as many clothes as possible, but this would not be advisable. As you may end up with the same effect as vacuum packing the clothes causing creases and distorting the fabrics so they will not go back into their natural shape. This will also make the boxes very heavy and much harder to move and handle.
Check on Stored Clothes Periodically
It would be highly recommended to inspect your clothes regularly and even take them out to re fold the clothes if they are not being used at all. Checking the clothes within the unit can also allow you to ensure the unit is free from pest and moisture. This will allow the clothes to be kept in the best possible condition and not deteriorate at all.
Conclusion
It is essential to make sure you firstly choose the right self storage unit for the clothes you wish the store, if it needs to be climate controlled or not. Then ensure that everything is washed and dried before putting onto your chosen container, the container again must be dry and suitable for the clothes and ideally a large plastic box with clip lid. Ensure that the clothes are stored within the containers correctly, folded, not crammed in and with moisture capture and cedar wood. And finally ensure that the clothes within the unit are regularly checked to ensure for the optimal storage conditions. If you follow these few easy steps then using self storage for your clothes for long term storage should be easy and simply and keeping them at their optimal condition.
