Best Way to Pack Clothes for Storage

Spring is the perfect time to clean and reorganize your closet, and this often means getting rid of or storing away clothes. It can be an overwhelming task to complete, however, it can definitely be a rewarding one. Storing clothes can be especially tricky if you want to keep them in good condition. At XYZ Storage, we have over two decades of experience helping Torontians with their storage needs including storing clothes away in storage. We understand the handful of challenges that come with storing clothing properly whether you plan on doing so for a short or long period of time. Therefore, we want to help you by exploring the best practices for storing your clothes and answering some common questions related to clothes storage.

Decluttering

What is Decluttering?

As you embark on your journey of storing your clothes, it’s important to have a plan in place to ensure that you’re making the most of your efforts. One of the first steps in decluttering is to sort through your clothing and decide what you want to keep, donate, or discard. This process can be time-consuming, but it’s essential if you want to create a clutter-free living space. Once you’ve decided what to keep, it’s important to find a storage solution that works for your needs. A few storage solutions could be storing them in your extra bedroom closet, the basement, the attic, or maybe even your parent’s house. However, if you lack space or room self-storage can also be a great potential option in the short or long term.

What are the Benefits of Decluttering?

Decluttering can have a tonne of benefits and one of the main benefits is the reduction of stress and anxiety that comes with an overly cluttered living space. When your living space is disorganized, it can be difficult to find what you need when you need it, which can add unnecessary stress to your life. Another benefit of decluttering your clothes is that it can help you save money in the long run. When you get rid of clothes that you no longer wear or need, you’re less likely to make unnecessary purchases in the future. This can help you save money and make more intentional purchases that are better for your budget. Lastly, decluttering your clothes can also help you feel more confident and put together. When your closet is filled with clothes that you love and wear regularly, it’s easier to put together outfits without having to dig through clothes that no longer bring you joy on a day-to-day basis.

Cleaning Your Clothes

When storing your winter clothes away for the spring and summer months, it’s important to clean them thoroughly first. You want to avoid storing dirty clothes away that may contain food stains which means you should wash or dry-clean them before packing them away. This will help prevent any dirt, stains, or odors from setting in and make it easier to use the clothes again when you need them. It can also help prevent attracting insects to your storage unit or storage space. It’s a good idea to allow clothes to fully dry before packing them away, as moisture can lead to mildew growth and damage. By taking the time to properly clean your clothes before storage, you can ensure that they remain fresh and in good condition for future use.

Ways to Protect Your Clothes in a Long-Term Storage Unit

If you need to store clothes for a longer period or store away delicate clothing such as wedding dresses or other delicate or special items, it’s important to take extra precautions to protect them. One of the best ways to protect clothes in long-term storage is to use a climate-controlled storage unit. This will help regulate the temperature and humidity, preventing damage from extreme temperature changes. Additionally, you should use appropriate storage containers, such as vacuum-sealed bags or eco-friendly storage boxes, to prevent dust, insects, and moisture from getting in. For extra protection, you could purchase insurance in case there is any damage to more delicate or special items you plan on storing in your storage unit.

Preventing Mold in Stored Clothes

Mold is a common problem in stored clothes, especially in humid climates. In order to prevent mold, make sure all your clothes are completely dry before storing them. You can also use moisture absorbers, such as silica gel packets or activated charcoal, in your storage containers to help absorb any excess moisture. Storing your seasonal clothes or more delicate clothing in climate-controlled units will be extremely beneficial in preventing mold.

How and Where Should You Pack Your Clothes?

Should Clothes be Packed in a Suitcase?

Packing clothes in a suitcase can be a convenient option if you’re short on storage space. However, suitcases are not ideal for long-term storage as they don’t allow for air circulation and can cause creases and wrinkles in your clothes. Additionally, suitcases are not airtight, which can allow dust, moisture, and insects to get in. If you need to store clothes for an extended period, it’s best to use a dedicated storage container that is designed specifically for clothing storage. These clothing storage containers are often made of materials that allow air inside and keep moisture out, helping to preserve the quality and condition of your clothes. Moreover, using a dedicated storage container also makes it easier to organize your clothes and access them when you need them.

Should Clothes be Rolled or Folded for Storage?

When deciding if your clothes should be rolled or folded really depends on the types of clothes and how you plan on storing them. For instance, lightweight and stretchy clothes, such as leggings or t-shirts can be rolled. When you roll them it can help save space and prevent any wrinkles. Although, you want to be careful to avoid over-folding which can ultimately lead to creases in your clothing. On the other hand, heavier clothes such as winter sweaters or jackets should be folded. The reason for that is to prevent stretching and distortion of the clothing piece. 

Can You Store Clothes in Cardboard Boxes?

Choosing to store your clothes in cardboard boxes is probably the most affordable option as you can use an old delivery box or shipping box. Unfortunately, it is not the ideal option when storing belongings long term as they are not as airtight and can potentially allow dust and insects to get in. They are also not moisture-resistant and can be damaged by humidity or moisture. If you do choose to go with the cardboard box option make sure they are in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area.

Should Clothes be Stored in Plastic Bags?

While plastic bags may seem like a convenient storage option, they’re not always the best choice for storing clothes. Plastic bags trap moisture, leading to mold growth and damage to your clothes. Plastic bags also don’t allow for air circulation, which can cause musty smells and attract insects. However, if you choose to use plastic bags, make sure to use only high-quality, breathable garment bags if possible, and avoid packing clothes too tightly. 

Is it Better to Store Clothes in a Bag or Box?

There are benefits of using either bags or boxes to store your clothes. However, there are also downsides to using either as well. Bags can provide protection from dust and moisture, however, they are not as durable long term. If you choose to use boxes it can provide better protection for more delicate or expensive clothing and may last longer. It really depends on your specific needs, such as the type of clothes being stored, how long you plan on storing them for, and how much space you have available wherever you choose to store your clothes.

Can You Store Clothes in Plastic Containers or Bins?

Plastic containers can be a great way to organize your wardrobe. It allows you to easily see what is in each container without having to pull everything out of it. It can help protect your clothes from insects, dust, and moisture, hence extending the lifespan of your clothes. You do however need to choose the right type of plastic. For example, you want to avoid those that trap moisture and cause mold and mildew to form. You should also avoid over-stuffing your plastic containers with clothes as it can cause damage.

Eco-friendly Storage Options

There are plenty of eco-friendly options that you can use for storing your clothing nowadays. For instance, there are canvas storage bags, bamboo storage containers, or eco-friendly cardboard boxes available. All those options are better for the environment and also are great alternatives as they allow your clothes to breathe. It’s a win-win!

How XYZ Storage Can Help

At XYZ Storage, we offer secure and climate-controlled self-storage units that can help prevent damage to your clothes while they’re in storage. We also provide various moving and packing supplies that are designed to protect your clothes during transport and storage. You can purchase these supplies at our facilities, which makes it easy to find everything you need in one location. Our storage experts are committed to making your storage experience stress-free, and we’re happy to help you choose the right unit size and provide guidance on how to properly store your clothing. You can contact any of our XYZ Storage facilities to learn more about how we can help you store your clothes safely and confidently, and free up valuable space in your home.