First-Time Mom? How to Store Maternity Clothes

Are you a first-time mother? For the past nine months, you've built up an extensive wardrobe of maternity shirts, pants, dresses, and other essentials. Now that you don't need these pregnancy picks, you're left with a few options - sell, give away, donate, or store everything. If this isn't your last pregnancy, take a look at what you need to know about maternity clothes storage.

Choose What You Want to Store
Even though you're no longer pregnant, you may still want to hold on to some of your maternity clothes. Your body is going through significant changes in the first few months after pregnancy (also known as the fourth trimester). Women may need to gain anywhere from 11 to 40 pounds during pregnancy (depending on the woman's starting BMI), according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Even though you'll lose some of this weight immediately after childbirth, it could take weeks or months before you feel completely comfortable in your pre-pregnancy clothes. This means you may want to keep a few select maternity separates or outfits on hand to wear - especially during your fourth trimester. Before you store your entire maternity wardrobe, separate what you might still want to wear from the items you won't need until your next pregnancy.

Along with items you still want to wear, you may also need to choose some pieces to discard. Significantly worn or damaged items don't need to take up room in storage.

Rent a Storage Unit
Between your baby's new clothes, diapers, wipes, and the rest of the gear your newborn needs, you may not have the extra storage space necessary to keep maternity clothes at home. Before you add to the clutter, consider an off-site rental unit.

If this is your first experience with storage unit rental, you may need to visit a few facilities before you select one. Think about what you need in a storage unit or write a list of must-haves. Some storage facilities have long-term (such as annual) contracts, while others offer short-term or monthly options. New mothers who want to store their maternity clothes for the next few years will need a longer-term rental.

Beyond the term, you also need to think about and choose a rental unit size. While your maternity wardrobe may not take up much space, you may also want to store other items. If you plan to use the unit for clothes and excess baby gear, furniture, or anything else, talk to the facility manager about the right size unit for your needs. Many storage facilities offer size options for renters to choose from.

Some maternity clothing may require special storage. Anything made from leather or a temperature or humidity-sensitive fabric will need to go into a climate-controlled unit. This type of storage unit stays a steady middle-of-the-range temperature and humidity level throughout the year.

Prep and Pack Your Maternity Clothes
Now that you know what you want to store and which type of storage unit is the best option for your needs, the next step is to pack your maternity clothes. Before you can bring these items to your storage rental, you need to choose the just-right containers.

Cardboard boxes, plastic bins, and bags (totes, garbage bags, or garment bags) are the primary types of containers used for self-storage. Each option has advantages and disadvantages. Cardboard boxes are low-cost or free. But these containers are often flimsy and may break under heavier weights. If you need to store delicate or dressy maternity clothes, use a cardboard wardrobe box. These specialty boxes act like movable closets.

Plastic bins can hold more items than most cardboard boxes - but you may need to pay more. Bags are ideal for packing anything that won't wrinkle easily.

Do you need to rent your first storage unit? Contact Brownsburg Self Storage Locker Inc. for more information.