With fall here and winter approaching, it is finally time to whip out those cozy scarves and sweaters that have been tucked away in your self storage rental all year. Say goodbye to your favorite tank tops and shorts that you have worn all summer long, but don’t assume that you can just toss them in storage containers and call it a day. Whether your winter storage will go in a separate closet, an attic or a storage facility, it is important to keep in mind the following rules to ensure the longevity and proper preservation of your clothing.
Discard, Donate or Keep
A good way to start is by sorting through your entire closet. Create piles to indicate what you will be getting rid of or storing for the winter. It’s a smart idea to have plastic storage containers, hangers and trash bags at your disposal to make organizing easier. An easy way to categorize your piles is to discard, donate or keep. One tip to maximize your storage space is to be strict about what clothes you will keep for the next season. For example, if you have never worn a garment of clothing, really consider whether you will wear it in the future – or if it is just taking up space.
Clean and Prepare
These next steps are vital to ensure that your summer clothes maintain their form throughout the winter. Wash or dry clean all of your clothes prior to storage to prevent foul odors, stubborn stains or unwanted bugs. Food stains can attract pests like moths and beetles that will damage your clothing. Additionally, stains can turn into permanent dark spots if left untreated. Smelly clothes can become even more odorous if not cleaned, which will only make the unpacking process even less exciting in the future.
You can take it a step further by also cleaning the storage area that the clothes will be placed in. Sanitizing storage containers, wiping down dressers and dusting the walls will benefit your storage experience by minimizing the presence of dust and mold.
Store and Organize
When storing your clothing in plastic containers or boxes, it is important to avoid folding thin fabrics – as this tends to create harsh creases. A good alternative to folding is to roll your shirts and jeans, or lay the garments flat in order to avoid hard lines. It is recommended to use wood hangers to further prevent creases. However, one drawback is the substantial amount of space they require. If you have a smaller storage area, velvet hangers are a great alternative since they are significantly smaller. For your dry cleaned items, it is crucial to remove the plastic bags when they are placed in storage. These plastic bags trap in heat and moisture, which causes discoloration.
Pick a Perfect Storage Place
The last, and perhaps most important, step to guaranteeing that your clothes remain in perfect condition is to pick a reliable storage place. Not only should you keep your clothing away from humid areas, but places with direct and harsh sunlight should also be avoided. Discoloration, yellowing and mold can all damage your clothing if not stored properly. It is recommended to pick a cool and dry area, such as a climate-controlled storage unit, to ensure that your clothes will be safe and sound all winter long.
For more information on climate-controlled storage units, contact Noah’s Ark Self Storage.
