Tips for Storing Clothing

Fall is a great time to sort through your wardrobe and organize your clothing for the upcoming seasons. Storing clothes from the past season in a storage unit will declutter your closet and home, and allows you to take an inventory of the items you actually have. It is beneficial to store your clothes in a storage unit because they will be in a dark environment which prevents clothing from fading. In order to successfully store off-season clothing, it is important to get rid of unwanted items, clean the items you will be storing, and use the proper storage containers to keep your clothes in good condition. Tackling your wardrobe may feel like a daunting task, but these tips will help make it effortless.

Say Goodbye to Unwanted Items

The first step to storing your off-season clothing, is to go through every item and throw away or donate items that you no longer wear. It is recommended to take the clothes out of the closet/dresser and put them somewhere that you can actually see them, like on a bed or chair. If you haven’t worn the item in the past year, you probably won’t over the next year; it’s time to donate. Marie Kondo, tidying expert, has crafted her own method, “Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go.” If the item no longer brings you happiness, you probably don’t need it.

Wash Items to Be Stored

Once you have sorted through your closet, the next step is to decide which items you will be storing and make sure that they are clean. It is important to remove stains if necessary, and make sure your items are wrinkle free. By washing items, you will ensure that you will not be storing unwanted odors with your clothes, and they will be fresh when you get them out in the future.

Use Proper Storage Bins

When storing clothing, it is important to use the correct storage bins. Cardboard boxes do not protect from water and are not pest proof. Vacuum packing is not suggested because it can cause permanent wrinkling. For items like shorts and t-shirts, it is recommended to use clear Rubbermaid storage tubs. Clear tubs allow you to see what is inside. You can also use duct tape to label your storage bins so you know what exactly is inside. Using duct tape instead of writing directly on the bin allows for you to reuse the bin. Make sure that the tubs can close and they are not over stuffed. If the tubs do not have a proper seal, things like water or pests may be able to get inside. Pro-tip: use dryer sheets in the tubs to keep your items smelling fresh and to repel pests. For items that need to hang, consider investing in a wardrobe box or case. Wardrobe cases keep items sealed and allow them to hang and prevent wrinkling.

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