Storing Clothes and Blankets: Best Practices

Launder Everything Before Storing

Before placing your clothing and blankets in storage, launder them well. Follow all manufacturer's instructions for laundering to ensure that the items are in good condition when you place them in storage. Before putting anything into boxes, ensure that all material is dry. If the material feels unusually cool, it is probably not dry yet. 

Say No to Mothballs and Yes to Cedar Balls

Mothballs are a type of pesticide made from chemicals that are shown to be dangerous to humans. In addition, mothballs have a generally unpleasant odor that can make your clothes smell strange but distinctive. Mothballs are not necessary!

Cedar is known to have all the same benefits as mothballs and more. In addition to deterring pests, cedar can absorb moisture from the air, thus preventing your clothes from molding while in storage. Cedar also smells very good, and clothes that are stored with cedar balls take on that same smell while in storage. 

Hang Delicate Clothes

Many delicate clothes, like suits, dresses, suede jackets, and items made from velvet, need to be hung instead of folded. To hang your clothes in storage, purchase a wardrobe box. Do not use wire hangers. Instead, use thick wooden or cloth-covered hangers.

Choose Breathable Containers

Plastic containers don't breathe, which means that any moisture that becomes trapped in your clothing boxes could cause your clothes to become moldy. The best boxes for your clothes are made from a breathable material like cardboard or linen. 

Check Your Storage Unit for Pest Control Measures

Some pests like to eat, shred, and nest in cloth. You can protect your materials by choosing a storage facility that uses good pest control measures. Find out what kind of pest control measures your storage unit uses to keep pests away. Your storage facility should have controls in place to protect against silverfish, moths, mice, rats, and cockroaches. All of these pests are attracted to cloth.

If your storage facility does not have controls in place to manage pest infestations, this could be a sign that you need a new storage facility. If you see pest control measures like traps and bait stations on your storage facility's property, do not assume that this means your storage facility is infested. This could be a good indication that your storage facility is taking steps to prevent infestation. 

Choose a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit

Climate-control devices like air conditioners and heaters typically reduce the moisture in the air, which in turn can help keep your clothes and blankets protected from moisture. If you plan to store your clothes in a storage unit for a long time, get a climate-controlled unit. This, along with the cedar balls, will help prevent mold and mildew from ruining your clothes.

Get a Unit at a Reputable Storage Facility

You can protect your clothes by renting a storage unit at a reputable storage facility. To find a reputable storage facility, talk to friends and family who have rented at facilities in your area. Read online reviews, and interview storage associates who can tell you about what their storage facility does to ensure that their storage units are protected from pests, mold, and mildew.

For more information about how you can store your clothes safely in a storage unit, contact Brownsburg Self Storage Locker Inc. We'll be happy to answer your questions about clothing storage.