With proper packing, clothing can remain in excellent condition, even in a long-term storage space. If you intend to reuse the clothing, sell the items, or pass some pieces along to others, it’s crucial to preserve each one. Use this helpful guide for tips on how to properly preserve your clothing items while they’re in storage.

5 Tips for Long-Term Clothing Storage

1. Wash the Clothes

Before storing the clothing, wash each item, so they’re fresh and free from spots, dirt, or food. Fresh clothing will stay in better shape during long-term storage.

Items that haven’t been thoroughly cleaned may begin to develop mold or mildew and start to smell. Leftover residue, like perfumes, can discolor your clothing over time. After the items are clean and fully dry, neatly fold each piece for safekeeping. 

2. Use Plastic Bins

Cardboard boxes are a common choice for clothing storage, but these boxes break down over time and won’t prevent bugs or dust from reaching your items. Use plastic bins with airtight lids to store heavier items like blankets, coats, jackets, and sweaters.

Plastic bins won’t degrade like cardboard, and their sealable lids help keep out moisture, bugs, and dust. They’re also easy to stack, and won’t break down or get crushed by boxes placed on top of them. 

3. Get Vacuum-Sealed Bags

Vacuum-sealed bags are useful for storing certain types of items, like cotton, spandex, or polyester clothing. While this method is gentle enough for unstructured pieces of clothing, it can damage materials like leather or suede. Vacuum sealing can also permanently crease or wrinkle some fabrics, so beware of how you pack away certain clothing pieces.

4. Use Dust Bags

Dust bags are helpful for preserving gowns, suits, and items made of delicate materials, like silk or wool. The bags are perfect for keeping out dust, bugs, and other debris that might destroy your clothing. They can also attach to hangers, effectively preserving more structured pieces, so you don’t have to fold up your high-quality items. 

5. Have a System

It’s helpful to have an inventory system for your clothing, especially if you’re storing many items in the same place. Clearly label each box and garment bag. Take pictures of each box so you know what items were stored and where. Keep two records of the inventory—leave one in the storage space and keep one at home for safekeeping. 

If you’re de-cluttering your home and need a secure storage space for your items, turn to Windmill Storage And Business Park. This facility serves residents throughout Kalispell, Whitefish, and Columbia Falls, MT. They have over 750 general units and 45 climate-controlled spaces that are designed to keep your valuables and belongings safe. Call (406) 892-8900 to inquire about availability. Learn more about this storage facility online.