Need a place to store your belongings between moves? Or simply want to declutter your home? Renting a storage unit is often a convenient solution. However, different possessions will need to be packaged differently to ensure they remain in good condition. If you need to store shirts, pants, dresses, and other garments, the guide below offers maintenance advice.

3 Tips for Storing Clothes 

1. Wash First

When you put dirty garments into storage, dirt or stains sink further into the fabrics, making them hard to get rid of and creating an unpleasant odor. Smells might also attract pests.

Wash your clothing and make sure the pieces are completely dry before packing them up. This will stop mold and mildew from forming. Dry clean leather, suede, formal attire, and delicates.

2. Use Plastic Containers

Cardboard boxes often contain acidic compounds that may rub up against fabrics and cause them to deteriorate. 

By contrast, plastic containers with airtight lids effectively prevent moisture, dust, debris, and pests from affecting your clothing while in self-storage.

Fold your blouses, pants, skirts, and other garments neatly before stacking them in plastic containers. Place heavier garments at the bottom so they don’t put stress on lighter pieces and damage them. 

By choosing clear containers, it also makes it easier to look inside them in case you need to retrieve a particular item.

Delicate fabrics can be hung on a moveable rack.

3. Don’t Vacuum Pack

Vacuum packing may lock out moisture, but it also puts pressure on fabrics. While synthetic fibers are more likely to withstand this process, natural materials, like leather and wool, will not fair well. As a result of being crushed while folded, your clothes may rip or tear. The resulting wrinkles can also be difficult to get out.

When you need secure and climate-controlled storage units for clothing, furniture, and other items, get in touch with Downing Company. This self-storage facility offers affordable rentals to Kearney, NE, clients. Call 308-236-6431 to reserve monthly storage or rent a moving truck. Visit the website for more information on storage unit sizes and pricing.