Clothes are one of the more common items placed into self-storage units.
These can be seasonal clothes or baby clothes while you wait for the next arrival, or maybe you just have a wardrobe that has grown out of control – Whatever the reason, it is important to store your clothes properly.
In this guide, we look at some useful tips to help you achieve just this. Taking care when storing your clothes can prolong their life, save you money, and create space in your home.
Self-storage units are a perfect solution to free up some wardrobe space or store all those winter clothes. Here are our top tips for making sure your clothes stay in good condition.
1. Wash before storage
Make sure all clothing is thoroughly cleaned before storing the items. Stains can become permanent, and crumbs and debris in pockets can become mouldy. Even perfume and deodorants can stain if left on clothes for a long period.
2. Mind the delicates
When it comes to delicate fabrics like wool, cashmere, and silk, extra care should be taken when storing. Vacuum sealing them in bags is fine for shorter periods (say a few weeks) but avoid this if storing them for a long period.
For longer periods, these fabrics are best stored in breathable packing containers. Boxes are ideal, as they can be sealed to prevent infestations from pests like moths. Wardrobe boxes are a great way to store delicate items.
3. Never mind the ironing!
Ironing every single piece before you store it is merely a duplication of work! Folded clothes that are stored for any period will quickly crease and inevitably will require ironing when they come out of storage.
Save yourself a bit of time, and don’t bother ironing all of your clothes before you place them in your self-storage unit.
4. Use an effective labelling system
It is easy when you are packing things to make the mistake that 6 months down the line, you will remember where everything is! An effective labelling system will save you a lot of frustration as you open up boxes searching for that elusive scarf.
Good labelling will let you find the right item without undoing all the careful work done preparing your clothes for storage.
5. Plan your packing carefully
When packing your clothes, always place heavier items like shoes and winter jackets at the bottom of the boxes. Additionally, try to spread the weight throughout all your storage boxes. This makes for easier handling and stacking.
Another factor is the size of the box that is used. Bigger does not always mean better. Large boxes are more difficult to handle and not as easy to stack. Try to stick with the same size of boxes as well. This makes it easier to stack and lets you get more out of your storage space.
Finally, when planning your storage, make sure that you select packing materials and boxes that are up to the job! Saving a few Pounds on packaging supplies is a false economy when considering the value of the stored clothing.
6. Store in a suitable environment
Fabrics and clothing need to be stored in a clean and dry environment. Sheds, attics, and garages might seem like an ideal solution. But damp and dusty environments will rapidly degrade your expensive clothing.
Self-storage units are the perfect solution for storing clothes. Available in a range of sizes to suit all needs – Self-storage offers clean, dry, and secure storage without breaking the bank.
At Belfast Self-Storage, we can tailor a storage solution to suit your exact needs. Why not contact us today to find out more?
