How To Store Clothes in a Storage Unit

Storing clothes in a storage unit is a practical solution when you’re dealing with a temporary move, changing seasons, or need to declutter your space. However, leaving garments unattended without preparation can lead to damage from moisture, pests, or wrinkles. We’ll walk you through how to store clothing properly to keep it in great condition.

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1. Wash Everything Before Storing

Clean your clothes thoroughly and according to the care instructions on the tag before moving them into storage. Unwashed clothes may harbor body oils, sweat, perfumes, and food stains, which can cause staining and attract pests.

For best results in storage, use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent to avoid leaving any residue or scents that might catch the attention of curious pests. Ensure each piece is completely dry before packing to prevent mold and mildew.

Before storing wool, cashmere, mohair, or other natural fibers, pay special attention to cleaning. These materials are particularly attractive to clothing moths, whose larvae “make a beeline for the good stuff,” as TOH Magazine notes. Even tiny amounts of body oils or food residue can attract these pests during storage.

2. Use the Right Storage Containers

It’s important to steer clear of using plastic bags and cardboard storage boxes to store clothes. While cardboard boxes may seem like an affordable option for moving and short-term storage, they are unfortunately susceptible to moisture and pests. Similarly, plastic bags may lock in moisture and odors, but they provide little to no protection from physical damage, which can be a cause for concern.

Sturdy plastic bins are the best bet for storing clothes long-term, and plastic storage bins provide robust protection from dust, humidity, and pests. If you use an airtight container, air out your clothes at least once a year, and choose a PVC-free container (indicated by a #2, #4, #5, HDPE, LDPE, or PP recycling symbol).

Wardrobe boxes are another potential packing solution if you plan to store your clothes for less than six months in a climate-controlled unit. However, they can leave your clothes vulnerable to damage if you live in a particularly humid climate. Place your hanging clothes in a cotton garment bag for added protection before putting them in the wardrobe box.

3. Don’t Mix Fabric Types

Organize your clothing by fabric type. Don’t store different fabrics in the same container. Natural fabrics need a small amount of air circulation to look good, but synthetic fabrics don’t. Organizing fabrics prevents damage and streamlines the retrieval process.

4. Know When to Fold, Roll, or Hang

You can gently fold delicate knits, sweaters, and casual wear, which prevents stretching and maintains the garments’ natural shape. Lay items flat, avoid excessive stacking to minimize wrinkles, and separate the items with tissue paper. Place heavier and bulkier folded items at the bottom of boxes or bins.

You can also use the Army rolling technique to fold your items into tight, burrito-like rolls. This approach minimizes creases and maximizes storage space. It works best with less delicate clothing, such as T-shirts, jeans, and stretchy clothing.

Hang formal wear, dresses, and garments prone to creasing to maintain shape and appearance. Invest in high-quality wooden or padded hangers to prevent distortion and sagging. Hang items in a wardrobe box or on a clothing rack, and use garment bags for added protection. Avoid wire hangers.

For delicate items and sweaters, store them on open shelves rather than packed in drawers. As organizing expert Jenkins notes: “When you shove things in a drawer, you end up constantly wearing the stuff on top because you don’t want to dig down to the bottom.” On shelves, it’s easier to keep track of what you have.

5. Don’t Vacuum-Pack

Vacuum-packing may seem like a great way to save space and protect your clothes, but it’s not a good solution for long-term clothing storage, especially for garments with natural fibers. The extreme compression of vacuum-packing can cause wrinkles and damage delicate fibers. Vacuum-packing is best used for quick moves and short-term storage only.

6. Inventory Your Clothing

Creating a detailed inventory system is a game-changer for organized storage. Label each container with its contents to help you easily locate items, and consider using a spreadsheet or smartphone app to catalog the pieces of your wardrobe digitally. You can also organize your wardrobe into different types of clothing or sort clothes by season or color to make them easier to find.

7. Add Cedar Chips to Containers for Pest Control

Add cedar chips, blocks, or balls to your storage containers to defend against pests naturally. This option is less toxic than mothballs and smells better. Cedar can also absorb moisture so that your clothes stay dry and mildew-free. Adding small packs of desiccant material to each box will also keep moisture out.

8. Opt for a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

Invest in a climate-controlled self-storage unit of an appropriate size to shield your clothing from fluctuating temperatures and humidity. Extreme conditions can lead to mold growth, fabric deterioration, and color fading. You should also avoid storing clothes in direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can accelerate color fading and compromise the integrity of natural fibers.

9. Insure Your Clothing

It’s wise to insure your stored belongings against theft, fire, and water damage, particularly if you store lots of clothing or high-priced items. If you already have homeowners or renters insurance, talk to your insurance agent about what that policy covers and whether you need extra coverage. Then, explore the self-storage facility’s insurance options.

10. Refold Your Clothes Every Few Years

Visit your storage unit to air out and refold clothing once a year to prevent musty odors and permanent creases. This will also allow you to reassess your wardrobe and storage needs. You may find you don’t need or miss some of your items and might consider donating them.

Our Conclusion

Following the basic steps above can transform your storage unit into a safe haven for your wardrobe. Proper preparation and packing techniques ensure that each item emerges from storage unscathed. If you have the budget, invest in higher-quality packing materials and climate-controlled storage to keep your clothes looking good.

FAQs About Packing Clothes in a Storage Unit