Clothing that you’re not currently wearing shouldn’t take up valuable closet space. You can save seasonal items and clothing that no longer fits – conveniently out of the way – in your storage unit until you’re ready to use them again. Prepare your items for storage, so they are in perfect condition when you pull them out months or years from now.

Clothing Prep Guide for Storage

1. Use the Right Container

The ideal container for clothing is a plastic box with a sealable clip-on lid. This lid prevents problems with insects, moisture, mold, and mildew, which can easily invade cardboard boxes. Only vacuum-seal the clothing if you are storing for less than a few months as this will damage the fibers and permanently change the shape of the item.

2. Wash Them

Even if your items have been hanging in your closet, wash them all. The clothing fibers can trap dust, sweat, and mold spores, which would further settle into the clothing while sitting in storage. Stains and odors will set. By washing everything, it’s likely to be fresh when you pull it out again. Allow them to dry completely before packing them.

3. Sort & Label

Find items when you need them by sorting and labeling each object. Sort them into the groups that you would want to access together, such as clothing for a particular season or babies’ clothing in all the same size. Label each box with an overall description (i.e., winter coats, baby age 3-6 month, etc.), then write down a list of everything inside and leave it near the entrance to your unit. When you place the boxes into storage, put this label facing out, so you know what’s inside without moving or opening the box.

Your belongings are safe and secure at Stronghold Self-Storage in Cincinnati, OH. This facility is accessible seven days a week and monitored by on-site staff for your peace of mind. They have units ranging from 25 to 300 square feet, so you can choose the one to fit your needs. They also provide free moving trucks to get your clothing into storage. Learn more about available sizes online or by calling (513) 752-7772.