How to Keep Your Clothing Safe in a Storage Space

Rent-a-Store

Whether you’re downsizing, moving away for a bit or just need to make some space in your home and closet, then a great place to start is to move some of your beloved clothing to a safe environment like a storage unit. If this sounds like something you need, then be sure to follow these simple tips below to ensure that your clothes stay safe and fresh for as long as you need while in storage.

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Map out the size of the space that you need

Before you rent a unit for your clothing the first thing you need to do is sort out the clothes that you plan on storing. This is a great starting point since you will know exactly the kind of space you need and the amount of extra storage equipment that you will need to get such as storage boxes, containers, hangers and acid-free tissue paper. Once you have sorted out the clothing that needs to be stored, think about how they need to be packed and how much space it would take up. If you have a lot of thick, heavy garments then chances are that you might need a slightly larger size than if you had lighter linens and cotton. At Rent-A-Store, we have a few different storage spaces to suit your needs.

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Cool and clean

Keeping your storage unit cool, clean and dark is essential if you will be storing your clothing there. This will help to protect your clothes from damage, dampness and from heat.

Prepare the items to be stored

Once you have decided on the items that need to be stored, prepare them for their new home by thoroughly washing and cleaning them. This will help them to stay fresh for longer and smell great. If you have a big load of clothes and want to make sure that they are cleaned properly, then be sure to take them to a reputable dry cleaner who will get rid of stains, fix any holes and replace buttons or zips so that your clothing is stored in their best shape. If you plan on doing this by yourself, then make sure that you wash them properly, allow them to air dry completely and then iron or steam them to get rid of creases.

Use clear, plastic boxes...

It might seem like an easy (and more affordable) fix to use cardboard boxes to store your clothes, but this is a bad idea in the long run. Cardboard boxes are more likely to get damp, cause smells and inviting pests. We recommend investing in a few plastic storage boxes with tight-fitting lids since these will help to shield the clothes from dust, pests and moisture. Using plastic also helps you to see what is in the boxes and makes storage easy.

...But stay far away from plastic bags

It might seem tempting since plastic lasts so long, but this is one fabric that should stay as far away as possible from your clothes. Wrapping and packing clothing in plastic bags increases the risk of mildew and mould, traps moisture and yellow fabrics after some time.

Pack smart

Once you’re ready to pack your clothes, separate them by fabric and season to make packing and then finding them easier. Before you start, make sure to line the bottom of your containers with a cotton sheet. While we get that you might not have a sheet laying around, a good solution for this is to go to a fabric store and buy a few meters of cotton and cut them into squares (about 100cm squares). Use these to line the containers and protect each item in the container by adding a cotton sheet between each item of clothes or even wrapping each item up in a square of cotton. This will provide an extra layer of protection against pests and smells and keep clothes cleaner for longer. When packing a few items in one storage box, remember to pack the heaviest items first so that the lighter items don't squash, crinkle and damage. Another important thing to remember is that if you plan on bringing a hanging rack into your storage space, then be sure to invest in rust-free hangers to ensure the safety and longevity of your clothes.

Keep your storage unit smelling great and moisture-free

After you have packed your clothing into your unit, add a few cedar balls or silica packs around the unit to absorb moisture and smells. If you do decide to use cedar balls, then make sure that you don't add them into your storage boxes and rather around the room and on top of the boxes. You can also use the age-old trick of adding a few fabric-softening sachets around the room to keep it smelling great.

Check-in

Check your items often by either making a turn to your unit once a year (or more) or, if you live in a different state, then getting someone close to you to go and check up on your unit. This is especially important since sometimes items can fall off racks, cedar balls might need to be replaced and the area might need to get some extra air or a dusting. Keeping a hand on your unit will result in the longevity of your items and keep them safe and protected.

If this is the route that you need to take, then be sure to have a look at our website to see all of our offerings and storage spaces that will suit your every need.

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