As the weather gets warmer, you’ll gradually replace cozy knits and bulky outwear with shorts, T-shirts, and more light, airy apparel. To make room for summer clothing in home closets, put winter wear in off-site storage. To ensure belongings remain in top condition, below is a guide to storing clothing correctly.

Do:

Wash clothes.

Sweat residue and oils can break down fibers, so wash and dry clothing before putting items in boxes for storage. This will also wash away food and beverage stains, making your clothing less desirable to pests. You can put baking soda in the washing machine to eliminate lingering odors, which could be more difficult to remove later. 

Place fragile fabrics in acid-free tissue or garment bags. 

Wrap delicate, protein-based fabrics such as wool, fur, and silk in acid-free tissue paper before putting the items in storage boxes. The membrane will prevent dirt buildup and reduce the risk of discoloration. If you place items in garment bags, use cloth instead of plastic. Unlike cloth, plastic isn’t breathable, which means moisture can collect inside the bags and damage clothing fibers. 

Don’t:

Use cardboard or wooden boxes.

Wood and cardboard are porous, which means water could saturate boxes and damage the clothing inside. To eliminate this concern, put clothing in plastic storage containers. Not only is the material non-porous, but it also doesn’t contain cellulose, a substance in plant cell walls that some insects eat for sustenance. 

Store leather with other apparel.

If you plan to store leather goods, apply a conditioning agent formulated for leather first. This will remove grime embedded in the material. You can also use a leather oil to hydrate the organic material and prevent cracking. Oils can transfer to other fabrics, so store leather clothing in separate cloth garment bags.

If you want to keep seasonal attire and additional belongings in off-site storage, the staff at Stayton Mini Storage will keep your items safe until needed. Since 1993, residents in Stayton, OR, and the neighboring communities have enjoyed peace of mind knowing the team takes every precaution to keep clients’ possessions protected from theft and vandalism. To find out about storage unit sizes and availability in Marion County, call (503) 769-6464. Visit the company online for service information, and connect on Facebook for storage rental advice.