If you’re planning to bring your seasonal clothing to your self-storage space soon, you should take some preventative measures before locking them away for the next few months. The right preparation ensures the clothes you love will stay in good condition instead of succumbing to stains, pest infestations, and other issues. Use these tips to store clothes properly and enjoy more closet space.

How to Best Keep Clothes in Your Self-Storage Unit

1. Wash Them

Before you pack up, wash your clothes to remove body oil, food residue, and all other staining agents that can soil the fabric during storage. Allow your clothing to dry completely before you start packing to prevent damage from mold and mildew growth.

2. Use Vacuum Seals for Short-Term Storage Only

Vacuum-seal clothing only if you are storing it for a few weeks. The lack of air in vac-sealed bags stresses fabric, causing the fibers to warp. It can also result in long-term creases and fold lines. If you’re packing for long-term storage, use clear plastic containers with snap-on lids instead to protect them from dust, dirt, mold, mildew, and pests. Line the containers with acid-free paper or cotton sheets for further protection.

3. Add Cedar Blocks

Purchase cedar blocks or fill muslin bags with lavender herbs to naturally deter moths and other insects. Mothballs contain toxic chemical fumes that damage clothing fibers, so avoid this option. Keep the containers on blocks to keep them off the ground, especially if yours is an outdoor storage unit which is more susceptible to pests.

4. Check Your Unit Periodically

Visit your storage unit at least twice a season to ensure the clothes are in good condition. Depending on what clothes were stored, you may want to re-fold some of the items to avoid serious creases when you next wear them.

Keep clothes, seasonal sporting equipment, and other non-perishable items at All American Self Storage in High Point, NC, for reliable, stress-free storage. The family-owned facility offers residential and commercial services as well as 24-hour video surveillance. Call (336) 434-1222 today to speak with a friendly team member or visit the facility online for unit information.