Last Updated on August 24, 2023 by Used House Of Vintage

Storage units are convenient when moving interstate, intercity, or wherever. You can protect your valuables from potential damage by placing them in a storage facility. Every storage unit has various features you can choose from according to your needs. For instance, you can pick a suitable size from a wide range of sizes to meet your storage demands. 

If you are interested in storing your clothes in a storage unit, here is a guide to follow to get a seamless experience.  

Take an inventory  

The first and foremost step in preparing your clothes for a storage unit is taking an inventory of them. Not all clothes are the same, so they require different methods depending on their nature. Understanding the difference will help you to store your clothes in a storage unit with proper care. Some clothes must be folded, while others are okay with hanging them in the storage unit. You can fold clothes for storage units, including T-shirts, denim pants, khaki trousers, sweaters, and stretchy dresses. On the contrary, you can hang blazers, dress pants, wrinkle-prone clothing, and dresses. 

Select a secure and climate-controlled storage 

A climate-controlled storage unit is a viable option for long-term clothing storage. Suppose you are considering relocating from Delaware and want to keep your clothes in environment-friendly storage for the transition period; consider Lewes self storage. The items stored in this facility never get damaged by extreme temperatures, fluctuations, or moisture. Instead, climate-controlled units offer excellent protection against dirt, dust, and pests. With good air circulation, they have low chances of mold and mildew, thus keeping the stored items in good condition. In addition, an alarm and video monitoring system of self-storage units keeps your clothes secure and safe with insurance coverage. 

Wash your clothes properly

Before placing your clothes in a storage unit, wash them properly. You can choose to simply pass them through the cleaning process of a washing machine or dry cleaning. Whatever method you choose, it must remove all stains from your clothes. The spots remaining on clothes caused by perfumes or sweat can cling to the fabric, potentially causing wear and tear over time. Soiled clothing can fill the storage unit with unpleasant odors and become a possible reason for attracting pests and other insects.

Avoid vacuuming your clothes

A vacuum is a great tool for creating a room in a storage facility when bags are sealed. But it does not work well for packed clothes before placing them in a self-storage. Vacuum compression of the fabric alters the shape of the garments and even causes wrinkles that might last a lifetime. In addition, natural fibers require air to breathe. Sucking the air from clothes makes it hard for them to breathe, eventually speeding up the deterioration and ultimately ruining the clothing.

Plastic bags aren’t a good choice for storing clothes in a storage unit. They tear easily and hold moisture. As a result, mold can grow, exposing your clothes to pests, dust, and dirt. 

Use moisture absorbers and pesticides

If you reside in any humid place, consider using moisture absorbers and pesticides to store your clothes safely. Cedar is a natural moisture absorber and a secure way to keep pests out of clothes. It discharges phenols to prevent the spread of rodents, insects, and vermin. Organic wood is better than chemical pesticides, which can deteriorate clothes and infuse bad smells after seeping into them. The pleasant aroma of cedar lasts for a long time and helps in reducing the effect of other odors. Another great option is silica gel packets to ensure the pristine condition of your clothes whenever you want to wear them.

Use storage supplies for maximum advantage 

Cardboard boxes

Organizing your storage unit will not become a difficult job with cardboard boxes. You can easily stack them one over another. However, retrieving clothes from the last box on the floor may become challenging if you have multiple containers placed on top of each other. Moreover, placing a clothing box on the storage unit’s floor is not recommended. Placing the container on the floor has a greater chance of damaging the box and the stored clothes.

Shelf Units or Storage Racks

It is better to purchase a shelf unit or a storage rack and use them to organize your storage boxes. It will improve your experience with the self-storage facility. You can take out clothes from a container at your convenience without moving containers. 

Wardrobe boxes

The purpose of wardrobe boxes is to store clothes on hangers. It is great for dresses, jackets, and other clothing articles that can’t be folded easily. They are also useful for clothes you want to save from getting creased. With sizes ranging from small to extra large, you can certainly find a box that meets your storage demands.

Garment bags

Before putting your clothes in your wardrobe box, you can place them in a cotton garment bag to protect them from moisture and pests. You can use acid-free tissue paper to wrap folded items for extra protection. 

Get insurance

You cannot neglect the chances of an accident at the storage facility. Accidents, such as floods, fire eruptions, and break-ins, may happen overnight. As a result, you might lose your valuable belongings. An insured clothing storage unit is best to keep your valuable clothes safe and secure. 

Check your storage unit regularly

If you want to keep your clothes in a storage facility for a long time, check them often. Refolding your clothes once in a while will help you to examine their condition and avoid permanent creasing. 

It is essential to check your storage unit often to ensure that everything is working fine. If any problem arises, such as related to pests or moisture, and you identify the problem early, you can avoid getting more damage to your clothes. 

Conclusion 

Regardless of storing your clothes for a short or long time, you need to pay attention to every detail to receive clothes in good condition at the end. Don’t overlook the basics like washing, storage containers, and the security and environment of the storage unit. They all contribute to the original outlook of the clothes. Don’t forget to follow the tips mentioned above to eliminate the risks of potential damage to the clothes.