When you store your belongings in a storage unit, you can rest assured that they’ll remain safe. However, it’s crucial to take a few steps to prevent natural elements, such as moisture, from damaging your clothes. Below are some tips to help you preserve your belongings during long-term storage.

3 Tips to Prevent Dry Rot on Fabrics in Storage

1. Clean & Dry Everything Before Storing

The two major culprits of dry rot are dirt and moisture, so it's important that everything stored in the unit is clean and dry. Launder your clothes, bedding, curtains, and other fabrics, and place them in a dryer until they’re dry. This should destroy any mold spores. Scrub and vacuum furniture upholstery and let them air dry for at least 36 hours before enclosing them in a storage unit.

2. Place Clothes in Plastic Containers

If you intend to store clothing for several months, it's better to fold them and store them in plastic containers than hang them. Plastic containers with snap-on lids are mold- and moisture-resistant, so the fabrics aren’t as likely to develop dry rot as they would if they were on hangers. Additionally, place several mothballs or cedar chunks in the containers to further reduce moisture levels and preserve your delicate fabrics. 

3. Place a Plastic Covering on the Ground

To prevent moisture from affecting boxes, wooden furniture, and fabric, place a plastic covering on the floor. This keeps any moisture from damaging your belongings and causing dry rot to form. In case the area floods due to rainstorms, raise the edges and corners of the plastic and tape them to the sides of boxes or the legs of furniture.

To rent a secure, spacious storage unit, contact Paradise Self Storage, the go-to storage facility in Kahului, HI. They’re family-owned and -operated and have served residents of Maui since 2006.  In addition to self-storage, they also offer moving boxes and packaging supplies. Visit their website to view unit sizes or call (808) 877-7783 to ask about pricing.