Whether you’re downsizing your home, preparing to study abroad, or doing some spring cleaning, there will likely be articles of clothing that you don’t want to part with. Luckily, you can use a storage unit to hold on to these items while still freeing up space at home. Before you pack everything away, here are a few tips to prepare your clothes properly, so they remain in good shape until you retrieve them.

Do:

Wash your clothes.

Launder or dry clean your clothing before packing it up and leaving it in your storage unit. Even if stains aren’t visible, the sweat, dirt, oils, and other contaminants embedded in your clothes can discolor fabric, create mold, and attract pests.

Use cedar balls.

While your grandmother may have used mothballs to safeguard stored clothing from insects, they’re not your best option. In addition to smelling unpleasant, their toxic fumes can be hazardous to your health. Use cedar balls instead; they smell better and are just as effective at repelling bugs without the added health risks.

Don’t:

Use metal hangers.

Metal hangers can stretch out clothing and leave them misshapen over time. They can also puncture or tear fabric with their sharp edges. For items in your storage unit that require hanging, use wooden or plastic hangers.

Vacuum seal your bags.

While vacuum-sealed bags save space, they can also damage your clothes. Fabric needs to breathe, so when items of clothing are deprived of air, they become more susceptible to deterioration.

Store your clothes in plastic bins with clip-on lids instead. Choose clear bins so you can easily see what’s inside them.

If you need a secure place to store your clothing, contact Ohana Self Storage in Honolulu. For two decades, this locally owned and operated self-storage facility has provided a wide range customers, from businesses to college students, with the perfect storage units to suit their needs. State-of-the-art security monitoring is active 24 hours a day, and the team provides complimentary consultations to ensure you find the right unit. Visit their website to learn about their specials, and call (808) 841-6799 to request a free estimate.