With winter approaching, it’s 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, but don’t assume that you can toss them in storage containers and call it a day.
Whether your winter storage will go in a separate closet, attic or storage facility, it’s important to keep in mind the best practices for clothing preservation. Noah’s Ark Self Storage is here to share these tips with you to offer some helpful insight on storing your clothes for the season and every season to come.
To Discard, Donate Or Keep? Oh My!
An excellent way to prepare for storing clothes this winter is to first sort through your entire closet. Create piles to specify which pieces you’ll be getting rid of or storing for the winter. Plastic storage containers, hangers and trash bags are good to have for easy storage.
Categorize your piles, such as one for keeping, one for donating and one for discarding. To maximize your storage space, try to be strict about what clothes you choose to keep for the next season. If you haven’t worn a piece of clothing in over a year, it may just be taking up needed space.
Clean And Wash Your Clothes Before Winter Storage
Washing or dry cleaning your clothes before storage helps to keep them in good condition through the winter. Cleaning your garments helps to prevent foul odors, stubborn stains and bug infestations. If stains are left untreated, especially food stains, they can develop into permanent dark stains and attract pests like moths and beetles that damage your clothing.
You can take preparation a step further by cleaning the storage area in which your clothes will be placed. 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 With Care
When storing your clothing in plastic containers or boxes, try not to fold thin fabrics as this tends to form harsh creases. An alternative to folding is rolling your shirts and jeans or laying the garments flat to avoid hard lines. Wooden hangers help prevent creasing but also take up a large amount of space.
If you have a smaller storage area, opt for plastic or velvet hangers, as they are significantly thinner. For your dry-cleaned items, make sure to remove the plastic bags before storing them as they trap heat and moisture, which causes discoloration.
Consider The Length Of Stay In Storage Space
Vacuum seal bags are a popular choice amongst homeowners when it comes time to store their clothing. Vacuum seal bags are great – but only for short periods. To preserve clothing, there needs to be a constant circulation of air to keep the fabric in good condition. If you know it might be a while before you get around to taking your clothes out of storage, consider plastic containers with lids or self-hanging boxes.
Find A Climate-Controlled Self Storage Unit
The last, and perhaps most important, step for ensuring the longevity of your clothes is to pick a reliable storage space. If not stored properly, your clothing is more susceptible to discoloration, yellowing and mold growth. Pick a cool and dry place, such as a climate-controlled storage unit, to guarantee your clothes are safe and sound all winter long.
At Noah’s Ark Self Storage, we offer quality storage spaces in San Antonio and Bulverde, Texas as well as Pensacola, Florida. If you’re in the area, give us a call today and reserve a climate-controlled unit for all your winter storage needs!
