If you live in an apartment or small house, bulky winter items can take up a lot of space in your closets. One solution is to rent a storage unit to keep your off-season clothes in. Here’s how to prepare your winter belongings for storage so they’re ready to wear again at the end of the year.

How to Pack Your Winter Clothing for Storage

1. Wash Everything

Never store dirty clothes. Stains and odors will set over time and can degrade the fabrics. Instead, wash, iron, and fold everything so all of your garments look pristine.

It’s just as important to clean your winter coats. If they’re made of wool or cashmere, have them dry cleaned. You can machine wash a puffy or down jacket, just be sure to remove any fur or faux fur accents. Check the pockets for receipts or loose change before your coats go into the storage unit.

2. Choose Safe Containers

Never store clothing in cardboard boxes or plastic bags because these can retain moisture. Instead, opt for plastic containers that have snap-on lids. These will protect your clothes from dust and condensation. Alternatively, use suitcases.

You can hang your bulky coats in fabric wardrobes, but remove them from plastic storage bags to allow air to circulate. 

3. Add Cedar Balls

Once you have your clothes packed away, add some cedar balls to the containers keep items fresh. These small balls made of cedar wood help protect your items from moths, mildew, and odors. They’re inexpensive and long-lasting, and don’t contain the same harsh chemicals as mothballs.

4. Protect Your Shoes

Your winter boots need some special attention before they go into storage. Wipe them down to remove dirt and salt. Follow care instructions for the material your shoe is made of.

Then, carefully put them in their original shoe boxes before placing them in a plastic tub. This takes up more space, but helps maintain the shape of each shoe.

Arctic Storage at Midtown is the perfect place to store your winter clothing. With three locations across Downtown, Midtown, Northern, and Northeastern Anchorage, AK, they provide secure and affordable units that don’t require security deposits. They also have free moving trucks available to customers. You’ll be able to access your belongings from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day. Visit their website to learn more about their storage units, or call (907) 563-3342 to discuss your needs.