Nine Tips For Storing Clothes Long Term in New York

It’s important to know how to store clothes in a storage unit the right way, whether you want to store baby clothes, winter clothes, or seasonal wardrobes. Putting your belongings into storage may not be as simple as filling boxes with clothing and shoving them into your container. To keep your clothes in good shape, you should store them in the right way. This means picking the right storage containers, and e right storage unit, and taking steps to keep your clothes from getting damaged by moisture and pests. Here are the 9 best practices for storing your wardrobe in a self-storage facility.

 

Tip 1: Wash Before Storing

Before you even start to pack, you should wash all the clothes you want to keep. This is very important if you want your clothes to last as long as possible. If clothes aren’t washed for a long time, they can get moldy and start to smell. Even if your clothes don’t look or smell dirty, they may get stains over time. Your clothes can turn yellow if they still have perfume, lotion, oil, or even sweat on them. Pests can damage your clothes if they get into clothes with food stains or that have been starched.

Tip 2: Sell or Donate Unwanted Goods

You should look through your closet as you prepare to pack and determine what clothes you want to keep and what to donate. Everything you haven’t worn in the last eight months should be set aside.  Everything that doesn’t fit or has stains or rips should be set away. Holding yard sales online on social media marketplaces is an easy way to make some extra money while downsizing your clothing. You can also consider donating items to a local shelter or Goodwill store for a tax donation.

Tip 3: Invest in Plastic Bins

Many people store their clothes in cardboard boxes or plastic bags because they are cheaper, but these ways leave your clothes open to damage. Plastic bags can trap water, which can cause mold and mildew to grow. Used boxes for free may seem like a good deal, but if they were used to hold food before, they could be full of bacteria or pests. Boxes made of cardboard can also be hurt by humidity and water. Instead, invest in plastic bins that snap shut to keep your clothing safe from all threats. These bins will keep bugs, water, humidity, and dust from getting into your things. Make sure not to pack the bins too full, because there won’t be enough air to let your things breathe. Choose bins that are clear so you can see what’s inside. If your unit will be in the sun, choose darker bins so your clothes won’t fade.

Tip 4: Inventory Your Clothes

Creating an inventory system is important if you want to stay organized and be able to find clothes quickly. When deciding on an inventory system, you have a few choices.

·        Pack various clothing together in a group (winter clothing, summer clothing) but ensure to label the outside of the box with a description of what is inside (ie bathing suits, ski suits)

·        Color Code Inventory- Gather each family member’s clothing and label the outside box with a coordinating color (ie, your clothes blue, children’s clothing yellow)

·        Detailed labeling- Label each box according to the description of what is inside- (ie, mom’s summer shoes, dad’s winter sweaters)

Tip 5: Vacuum Sealing is Not Recommended

Even though vacuum packing can save a lot of space, it is very bad for your clothes. When you pack clothes this way for a long time, they can get permanent creases and wrinkles. Natural fibers need to be able to breathe, and if you take all the air out of them, your clothes will wear out faster. To keep your things from getting crushed, pack them lightly into bins and put the heavier things on the bottom.

Tip 6: Use Cedar Chips

Truthfully, nobody uses grandma’s mothballs anymore. We have more choices than our grandparents. Use cedar chips in with your clothes instead to keep pests away. They work just as well as mothballs but don’t have any chemicals that could hurt your clothes. You can buy them in bags with holes or bigger blocks.

Another tip is to check with your storage facility to ensure they will also utilize pest control sprays and systems to add another layer of protection.

Tip 7: Choose Climate Controlled Unit When Possible

Clothes should be kept in a dry, dark, and cool place. If it’s bright outside, the light can cause your fabrics to fade. Many people choose to keep their clothes in their attics or garages, but these places can get very hot or cold, which can damage clothes. A New York storage unit with climate control will be your best bet. The humidity and temperature in climate-controlled units stay the same, making them perfect for long-term clothing storage.

Tip 8: Consider Using Wardrobe Boxes

You should buy a wardrobe box to hang your more delicate clothes. You should never use metal hangers because they can stretch the clothes. They could also rust in wet places or tear clothes with their sharp edges. Instead, buy clothes hangers made of wood or that have padding. Don’t use plastic to cover wardrobe boxes. Cover them with a cotton sheet to keep dust and light away.

Tip 9: Rotate  or Refold Wardrobe Regularly

If you won’t be switching out your clothes, you should go back to your unit every one to two years to refold them. This keeps your clothes from getting wrinkles that won’t go away and lets you check on them. You can check to see if there are any bugs, stains, water damage, or dust.

 

If you follow these 9 tips, you can be sure that your clothes will be in good shape while they are in storage. Now that you know how to store clothes in a storage unit in Manhattan, NY, the next step is to choose the right storage unit for you. We have shared a lot of information about how to choose the right storage company in New York, unit sizes, and the difference between climate-controlled and non-climate-controlled storage. The best way to figure out which unit is right for you is to stop by your local Moishe’s Self Storage, where our friendly staff can help you reserve the perfect unit for you.