Whether you’re moving to a new space or just looking to free up space in your closet, it’s helpful to have a safe place to stash your clothes. When putting them into storage units, there are several do’s and don’ts to follow to ensure they remain safe while in storage. Follow the tips below to preserve your clothes. 

Do:

Wash them before storing them. 

When putting clothes away for months, make sure they’re clean. Stains and dirt become harder to remove the longer they’re allowed to seep into the material. Even if clothes don’t seem dirty, it’s best to wash them to remove any lingering odors. Small traces of sweat and cologne or perfume residue can cause clothes to fade, while even minor food stains can attract pests.

Organize them for easier access.

Save yourself the hassle of looking through every box when you retrieve your clothes by categorizing them neatly beforehand. Organize them by style, season, and material. If you’re storing multiple people’s clothing in your unit, put each person’s in a separate spot so you don’t have to sort through everything later. If the clothes are in containers, use labels for easy identification. 

Don’t

Use cardboard boxes.

Don’t use cardboard boxes because they absorb moisture, which makes your clothes more likely to mold. Plastic bags have the same problem, so steer clear of those as well. Instead, use plastic storage bins. Secure lids will keep out dust and pests, and keep the clothes dry and free of mold and mildew. 

Vacuum-pack your clothes. 

While vacuum-packing your clothes may seem helpful for freeing up space in the bins and unit as a whole, it could seriously damage your clothes. Natural fibers require ventilation between them so they don’t become brittle and rip. Additionally, clothes folded too tightly will develop creases that can be impossible to iron out.

Do you need secure storage units for your clothes? Choose Paradise Self Storage in Kahului, HI. Established in 2006, this family-owned business offers storage options in a secure, gated facility for the entire island of Maui. They even offer packaging supplies, moving boxes, and carts to help you transport your belongings. To browse their storage units, visit their website or call (808) 877-7783 to discuss your storage needs.