Tips for storing clothes short and long-term

You might be going travelling, rotating your wardrobe for the new season, or storing clothes because you’re relocating long-term – perhaps you even have some unique or expensive pieces that you want to keep in mint condition – but whatever the reason, you must know how to store clothes properly if they’ll be packed away for any period of time.

Tips for storing clothes short and long-term

Learning how to store your clothing properly can help to prevent fabrics from becoming mouldy, motheaten or fading, as they can in improper storage conditions. On the plus side, storing clothes doesn’t have to be a chore; once organised efficiently, the hard work is done, and you’ll only need to pack them away safely.

Here are a few pointers on how to store clothes efficiently. Next, check out our short and long term storage unit options and start freeing up that precious storage space.

Step 1: Get rid of the clothes you don’t wear

This is a useful starting point when packing away clothes. Have a look through and see if there any items of clothing that don’t fit you anymore or no longer suit your style. By trimming down your pile, you can reduce what you need to sort and potentially save some time down the line.

You could even donate the clothes that are still in good condition to your favourite charity and do a good deed, to boot.

Step 2: Wash and dry your clothes properly

As we mentioned above, improperly drying your clothes can leave them damp, a perfect growing space for mould when stored. Ensure the clothing is dry before storing to help prevent this nasty build-up. Make use of warm days to dry clothes on the washing line and run through a dryer in colder months.

Step 3: Skip the ironing

Whether you are rolling or folding, there is little need to iron your clothes if storing long-term. Once packed, it is inevitable that creasing will occur, so don’t waste time ironing before storing your clothes. Once you take them out, that is the ideal time to put the iron over them.

Step 4: Choose your containers carefully and look after natural fibres

Cardboard boxes aren’t impervious to insects or moisture and vacuum bags can crush and damage the shape of delicate fabrics. Any transparent materials can allow light in, fading the dyes in your clothes.

Instead, consider storing clothes long-term in opaque plastic boxes lined with clean cotton sheets, and throw in some moisture absorbers and wooden cedar balls as an alternative to toxic mothballs.

Step 5: Roll rather than fold

Physics can be a wonderful thing. Rolling clothes, rather than folding, can sometimes enable you to store more clothes in a container. There is also less pressure on items near the bottom, due to the smaller surface area of items above.

Speaking of which, it is advisable to store heavier clothing at the bottom of your boxes, and lighter items on top. It’s a similar logic to packing bread at a supermarket.

Step 6: Check the temperature of your storage space

Store your clothes in the centre of the storage area, as big shifts in temperature or humidity can hamper their quality. Place them away from draughts and vents where fluctuations in temperature can occur and try to ensure a stable, low humidity. Clothes should ideally not be stored in temperature warmer than 23 degrees.

Now you’re prepped to store your clothes properly, do you want to save space at home and leave the storage part to the experts? At Space Station, we’ll make sure your precious pieces are kept in the optimum conditions possible and our staff are on-site daily to field any concerns. Better yet, we have 24-hour security, and you can access your belongings 7 days a week – find out if we can make your life easier, today.