Top 8 Best Ways to Store Clothes in Storage

Storing your wardrobe can feel like a bit of a nightmare if you don’t know where to start. Maybe you are moving house or just trying to clear out the spare room for guests. Whatever the reason, keeping your clothes in good nick while they are tucked away is really important. If you just throw them in a black bin bag and hope for the best, you might find some nasty surprises like mould or moth holes when you open them back up.

At Green Oak Self Storage, we see people bringing in all sorts of gear and we always want to make sure your favourite jumpers and suits stay looking fresh. We have put together this guide to help you figure out the best way to store clothes so you can relax knowing your threads are safe.

1. Wash everything before it goes away

This is probably the most important rule but people often skip it because it takes time. Even if a shirt looks clean, it might have tiny bits of sweat, perfume, or food on it. Moths absolutely love these smells and they will find them even in a dark storage unit. If you leave a stain for six months, it will probably become permanent too. Give everything a good wash or a trip to the dry cleaners first. Make sure every single item is bone dry before you pack it. If there is even a tiny bit of damp, you will end up with mildew and that smell is really hard to get rid of.

2. Use plastic boxes instead of cardboard

Cardboard boxes are cheap and easy to find but they aren’t great for long term storage. They can get damp and bugs like to nest in the corrugated bits. If you want the best way to store clothes, go for clear plastic bins with lids that click shut. These keep out the dust and the pests. Plus, because they are clear, you can see exactly what is inside without having to dig through everything. It makes life much easier when you are looking for that one specific winter coat.

3. Stop using vacuum bags for everything

Vacuum bags are brilliant for saving space and we use them a lot for bulky duvets but you should be careful with natural fibres like wool, silk, or leather. These materials need to breathe. If you suck all the air out and leave them squashed for months, the fibres can break or lose their shape. Your lovely fluffy jumpers might come out looking flat and sad. For your best knitwear, just fold them neatly in a plastic box with a bit of space at the top.

4. Fold your heavy knits

Speaking of jumpers, never hang them up for long periods. The weight of the wool will pull the garment down and you will end up with those weird pointy shoulders from the hangers. The best way to store clothes like cardigans and sweaters is to fold them gently. Put the heaviest items at the bottom of the stack so they don’t crush the lighter ones. If you have something really delicate, you can put a bit of acid-free tissue paper between the layers to prevent any snagging.

5. Invest in proper hangers for suits

If you are storing suits or dresses that have to be hung up, don’t use those thin wire hangers from the dry cleaners. They are too flimsy and can ruin the structure of a good jacket. Use wide wooden or padded hangers instead. They support the shoulders properly. It is also a good idea to use breathable fabric garment bags rather than the plastic ones they come in. Plastic can trap moisture and cause yellowing on white fabrics over time.

6. Keep the moths away naturally

Nobody wants to open a box and find holes in their best cashmere. Mothballs are a bit old fashioned and they smell terrible. Instead, try using cedar wood blocks or lavender sachets. They smell much nicer to us but moths hate them. You can pop a few in your storage boxes or hang them on the rails. At Green Oak Self Storage, our units are clean and dry, but adding that extra layer of protection gives you that bit more peace of mind.

7. Think about the environment

When you are looking for the best way to store clothes, think about where you are putting them. A damp garage or a leaky shed is a recipe for disaster. You want somewhere cool, dark, and dry. Light can fade colours and heat can damage certain fabrics. Our facility near Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield is perfect because it is purpose built and secure. We keep things tidy and dry so your clothes stay in the same condition they went in.

8. Label your boxes clearly

It sounds obvious but when you are staring at ten identical plastic boxes, you will wish you had a label maker. Write exactly what is in there like "summer dresses" or "kids winter coats" but don't just write it on the top; put a label on the side too so you can read it when the boxes are stacked up. It saves so much faffing about later on.

Finding the best way to store clothes with us

Storing clothes doesn't have to be stressful if you follow these simple steps. It is all about preparation and using the right kit. If you are running out of wardrobe space or you are in the middle of a big move, we can help you out.

At Green Oak Self Storage, we have various unit sizes to suit whatever you need. Whether it is a few boxes of seasonal gear or a whole wardrobe's worth of designer gear, we have the space. We are a family run business and we really care about looking after your things.

If you need a hand deciding which unit size is right for your clothing collection, just give us a shout. We are based in Middleton, right between Tamworth and Sutton Coldfield, so we are easy to get to. You can keep your home clutter free and know your favourite outfits are tucked away safely until you need them again.

The best way to store clothes is to treat them with a bit of respect before you put them away. Take the time to wash, fold, and pack them properly. Your future self will definitely thank you when you pull out a fresh, clean jumper next winter. Stop by and see us if you want to see our units and talk about how we can help with your storage needs. Alternatively, you can give us a call on 0121 378 2870 or complete our online contact form.

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