Can’t stand to part with those old clothes? Need somewhere to store your sweaters during summer? Investing in a self-storage unit has many benefits. At Noah’s Ark, we offer the best self-storage units in Florida and Texas, perfect for putting away things you don’t have room for.
Storing clothing items isn’t as easy as shoving them into cardboard boxes and hoping for the best. If improperly stored, your clothes may become damaged or stained. Read on to learn the best ways to store your clothes.
Wash Each Item
Before you even think about how you’ll store your clothing items, you should thoroughly wash them. Even if you had these items stored neatly in your closet for a while, it’s best to toss them in the washer before packing them away. This will ensure their longevity, so you can wear them for years to come.
Clothes that don’t look or smell dirty can still be carrying stains or scents that might result in some nasty outcomes.
Food Stains
It doesn’t matter how small or hidden food stains are. If left unwashed, they can attract bugs and other pests to come and nibble at your clothes. The same applies to clothes that have been starched.
Lingering Scents
Any perfumes, lotions, or sweat left on the clothes can ruin your clothes. When these substances sit on clothes too long, they can cause the colors to fade or yellow over time. It’s a common reason for wedding dresses turning yellow after years of storage.
Unwashed Items
If you can’t remember the last time it was washed, it’s best to wash it again. Unwashed clothes that are stored for long periods of time can produce mold and mildew. They’ll begin to reek over time, and it may not be a smell you can easily wash out.
Pack Neatly Into Plastic Bins
It’s tempting to shove everything into cardboard boxes or old gym bags. These haphazard methods could result in clothes becoming damaged or smelly over time. Even plastic bags that come with fine clothes can ruin the item, as they can cause yellowing and mildew.
The best way to store clothes is to organize them into plastic storage bins that can snap shut. They can help keep out:
- Pests
- Water
- Dust
- Humidity
Be sure not to overpack the bins, as it could leave gaps in the top of the bin and let in unwanted substances. Let your clothes breathe in the bins so that they’ll be as you left them months or years later.
Clear bins are best for units not exposed to sunlight, as it will be easier to find items later on. Opt for dark bins if they’ll be in the sunlight to keep the clothes from fading.
Avoid Vacuum Sealing
While vacuum sealing your clothes saves a lot of space when packing, it can actually damage the clothes. Your clothes need to breathe, or else they’ll develop permanent wrinkles and creases.
Sucking all the air from your clothing speeds up the deterioration process. Even the bulkiest of sweatshirts can be ruined if you vacuum seal them. By carefully packing clothes, you can save space and your favorite pieces.
Prevent Bugs
Put those mothballs down. There are better-smelling alternatives to saving your clothes from unwanted pests. Cedar chips not only smell better, but they don’t contain pesticides, and won’t cause damage to your clothes.
Another way to prevent pests is to not use bins that may have once stored food. Crumbs attract bugs, no matter how small they might be. You also should avoid storing your clothes in the same unit as food or items used to cook or store food, as they may have residue that attracts bugs.
Refold Clothes
For clothing items you plan on keeping stored away for more than a few months, you should plan on refolding them once to twice a year. This can help prevent permanent wrinkles and allows you to check up on your clothing for any signs of pests or dust.
Storage units are a great way to rid your home of items taking up storage space, but it’s ideal to check on them every so often. You might catch a small problem that could have evolved into a bigger one, such as the sign of mouse droppings or a small puddle.
Rely On Noah’s Ark Self-Storage
Noah’s Ark’s affordable climate-controlled storage units have the ideal conditions for the self-storage of any items. We offer special deals for new renters at each facility. Contact us today to learn more about our clean and spacious units!
