It’s no secret that Americans have a lot of clothes. We have a lot of everything–furniture, technology, electronic cables, etc. But, even if you’ve organized, decluttered, and have carted off a few trash bags full of clothes to Goodwill, chances are you still wish you had more space. The easiest way to free up your closet, attic, or spare bedroom? Store your seasonal clothes in a storage unit and forget about them until the weather changes.
It may not seem like it at first thought, but using a storage unit for your clothes is a great way to prolong the longevity of your items. Storing clothes in a cool, dark place will keep them away from sun damage and other types of exposure, including bugs and smells.
While storing clothes is a good option, as with anything, take precautions to ensure that your clothes are kept in the optimal way, so that in 6 months when you break out your wool sweater, it’s not covered in mothballs.
Keep things clean
Even though your clothes might be clean and hung up now, it’s a good idea to give them another wash before you store. Body oils and other scents can start to degrade various fabrics and odor can become entrenched in them depending on how they’re stored. Make sure bulky coats (and on that subject, bulky towels and sheets, if storing, too) have also been washed. It may seem redundant because you’ll want to wash your clothing items when you take them out of storage, too, but it’s an essential pre-storage step.
To fold or not to fold
Just like at home, there’s some clothes that you’ll want to fold in specific ways, in order to minimize damage. Be sure to zip up jackets, sweaters, etc., and anything synthetic fibers should be folded with acid-free tissues placed in between them.
A vacuum sealer is an ideal way to save space in your unit. They’re water and mildew-proof and you can fit even more clothes in your plastic tubs, saving money and space. This is also a great option when it comes to bulkier items such as winter coats, comforters, and other large blankets.
What to put them in
Sorry, folks, but cardboard boxes aren’t going to cut it when you’re storing your clothes. Cardboard boxes don’t keep your clothing items safe from the elements, and it’s easy for bugs and rodents to get into them.
But no worries, plastic tubs are more than enough. Grab ‘em from Target, Walmart, heck, even the Dollar Store and you’ll be set. In addition to protecting your clothes, plastic boxes are the way to go because you are able to actually see what’s in the container, and you don’t have to rely on a poorly-labeled box that may have faded by the time you get the items out of storage. Pack similar clothes together. For instance, pack your coats all together, cashmere sweaters all together, jeans all together, etc.
Finding storage solutions in your home
If you’re keeping your storage unit clothing free and using it for furniture, then there are options to store your items so that you aren’t drowning in last season’s puffy jackets. Just like for a storage unit, plastic totes and vacuum sealers are your best friend when it comes to space-saving storage techniques.
Garment racks are always a good option, especially if you get one that has a cover around them. Your clothes will be protected from the elements and won’t absorb any food or cooking smells throughout the storage season.
Of course, utilizing space under the bed is an optimal route. There are beds that come equipped with drawers, but vacuum sealing and using plastic totes will keep the space they occupy minimal, and under the bed will keep them hidden from view.
U-Store and you
Of course, we recommend utilizing your storage space if you have it. Decluttering your home helps declutter your mind, so keeping your out of season clothes in your unit can positively affect your mental health.
Keep our tips in mind, don’t use cardboard boxes, use plastic totes and vacuum sealers when you are able, and clearly label what’s in your totes. Storage units don’t have to be a catch-all for all your clutter. They can be an organized extended room for your home. Organizing your storage unit and keeping things clean will make for an easier time when you’re switching things out.
If you’ve ever seen snow in the forecast and couldn’t remember where you last put your winter coat, then switch to a more organized storage unit route and never deal with the last minute panic of not having gloves or coats for that unexpected blizzard in October. If you’re in the Pacific Northwest area, then consider renting a unit from U-Store today.
The post How to Store Your Clothes Optimally appeared first on U-Store Self Storage.