Since a lot of clothing is reserved for specific weather such as winter coats and swimwear, you may find that storing those items during off-seasons will give you a lot more closet space. Before you store any clothes, however, you should probably follow some general guidelines to make sure your clothing stays safe.
1. Clean your clothing first.
The first thing you should do before packing any clothes away is to make sure they are all clean. Apart from standard laundering, you may also want to take out any tough stains or make repairs as well. The better shape your clothes are in when you put them away, the easier it will be for you when you bring them out again later.
Not only will cleaning your clothes beforehand make it easier on you later, but it will also prevent your clothing from getting further damage. Clean clothes mean there’s less of a chance for insects to get to them, and there’ll also be fewer oils and stains to have a chance to set and become unremovable.
2. Pack your clothing carefully.
It’s important to take the time to figure out the best way to store your different pieces. For example, your first instinct for winter items like scarves may be to toss them in a box, but certain fabrics wrinkle easily and can ruin their quality. Instead, consider buying a special scarf hanger or building shelves to house your scarves when you’re not using them.
You can make additional space for any items in your closet by using hangers, hooks, or building shelves. If you would rather opt for a storage unit outside of your home, you may have more storage options. Again, it’s a good idea to do your research before you start packing.
3. Choose reliable storage bins.
Certain materials are better for storing clothes compared to others. While cardboard boxes are notorious for damaging delicate garments and attracting pests, plastic bins are the preferred choice for many people. See-through containers are especially convenient so you can quickly find any items you may need.
No matter what storage bins you use, you want to make sure they are leak-proof and have a lid that completely closes. Any openings in your containers can allow insects or moisture to get in and damage your clothing.
4. Organize your containers.
As previously mentioned, see-through containers are an easy way to keep your items organized. To be even more organized, label your containers. You can do a simple tag with the type of clothing like “winter sweaters,” or you can go so far as to create a color-coded list of all your items.
You can also set up your containers in terms of which ones you may need most often. Put bins with items you use more often in an easier to reach place compared to items you rarely use, like seasonal costumes or holiday gear.
5. Find a climate-controlled storage area.
One of the most important things to consider when storing clothing is the climate. Clothes should be kept in a dark, cool environment. While they may be fine in your home closet or an attic with good insulation, you can also rent a climate-controlled storage unit.
There are tons of different storage facilities around the country, but if you don’t know where the closest one is to you, you can use a service like EZ storit. EZ storit allows you to find storage units in your area and do an online reservation. Self-storage units are a great option because you have easy access to as much extra space as you need to keep any clothing items you want, while giving you more free space in your home.
