Whether you’re looking to store baby clothing, winter clothes, or other garments, it’s essential to know the right way to store everything. Here’s our guide to storing clothes like a pro!
Clean Everything
Before you get to storing, it’s crucial to wash and dry your clothes before putting them into storage. Any dirt, food, odors, and debris on your clothes can seep into the fabric and cause smells and stains that are hard to get rid of. Not to mention leftover sweat and body oils can cause clothes to deteriorate over time.
Wash your clothes and try to remove any stains that are hanging around. After your clothes come out of the dryer, wait one to two hours after they come out to start packing. This will ensure your clothes aren’t damp, as any lingering moisture will cause mold and mildew, and that will ruin your clothes for good.
Take Advantage of Storage Supplies
While the average cardboard box will do just fine, there are a variety of handy storage supplies you should consider using when storing your clothes. These include:
- Clothes storage bins – while cardboard boxes work, they can often leave your clothes more vulnerable to damage. Plastic storage containers are a great option as they’re more durable and can protect your clothing from dust, moisture, and pests.
- Wardrobe boxes – if you have jackets, coats, dresses, or other items that can’t be easily folded, wardrobe boxes are very handy. They will keep your clothes from developing creases and come in a variety of sizes, so you will find a box that will suit your storage needs.
- Garment bags – If you’re concerned about moisture or dust getting on your hanging clothes, you can store items in a garment bag before placing them in your wardrobe box. It’s best to get a garment bag made of cotton and not just use a plastic garbage bag, as the plastic can trap fabric-damaging moisture.
Know Which Clothes to Hang and Which to Fold
When storing clothes, it’s important to do it the right way so you can enjoy your clothes for a long time. That means knowing which clothes you need to hang and which to fold when storing. This will ensure your clothing comes out of storage looking as good as it did when it went in.
Here are some items you likely want to hang when storing:
- Winter coats
- Blazers
- Nice blouses
- Button ups
- Dresses
- Easily wrinkled clothing
Here are some items you likely want to fold when storing:
- Pants
- T-shirts
- Sweaters
- Stretchy clothing
- Baby clothes
- Delicates
Keep Natural Fabrics Separate
It might be quick and easy to throw everything into the same box, but unfortunately, it can also increase the chances of damaging your clothing. If you have natural fibers like wool and linen, it’s best to store those separately from your other clothes. Natural fibers need to breathe in order to stay looking fresh and new. It’s also best from a practical standpoint as well – you probably don’t want itchy wool fibers getting into your undies. So make sure you segment your clothes according to fabric and take the time to give any delicate materials the attention they deserve.
Don’t Vacuum Pack
Vacuum-sealing clothing can create more space in your storage area, but it can be very damaging to your clothes as well. If you’re storing your clothes long-term, this is a method you should steer clear of. It will crush some materials (like fur/faux fur) and cause permanent wrinkles in others. To avoid suffocating your items, pack them into bins or wardrobe boxes with room for air instead.
Store with the Seasons
When storing clothes, it isn’t best to “set it and forget it.” To ensure your clothes are in good condition, it’s good to take a peek at them every once in a while. Storing with the seasons is a great way to make sure everything is getting checked and changed out regularly. It will also help you get more space in your closet, which is truly a win-win.
This method is easy to enact. All you have to do is pack away your summer swimwear, shorts, and tank tops in the autumn and your sweaters, mitts, and heavy coats when springtime arrives. Just be sure to check on your clothes every once in a while before you need to swap your wardrobe out.
Let Bay Street Storage help you find the perfect storage unit to keep your clothes safe and secure!
Store Your Clothes at Bay Street Storage
With these tips, your clothes will be ideally prepared for storage! If you need a space to store your clothes, whether short-term or long-term, Bay Street Storage is here to lend a hand. We have two convenient locations in Post Falls for you to choose from, and we’ve got all your storage needs covered. No matter what size unit you need, we have something to accommodate you. We’re here to make your storage experience easy. If you need any help, let us know!
