Storing Winter Clothes
As it starts to get colder, it is time for you to swap out your summer clothes for all of your winter clothes. If you’re short on closet space, a self-storage unit can be the perfect solution for storing bulky winter clothes. Properly storing winter clothing helps protect your items from damage and keeps them in good condition for when the cold weather returns. Here are some essential tips to keep your winter wardrobe safe and ready for next season.
Before packing up your winter clothes, make sure they’re clean and completely dry. Even small amounts of dirtiness can lead to your clothes getting ruined overtime. Washing your clothes removes any unwanted odors and prevents issues like mildew. Items like coats, sweaters, and scarves, especially those made from wool or down, should be carefully washed or dry cleaned before storing. Thoroughly drying your clothes also prevents any trapped moisture, which can lead to mold or mildew.
As you go through your winter clothes, take the opportunity to declutter. You could throw out or donate any items that you no longer wear or are worn out. This step helps reduce the number of items you’ll need to store, saving you valuable space. Sorting your clothes also allows you to group similar items together, making it easier to pack and find things later.
Using the right containers is crucial to keeping your winter clothes in good shape. Here are a few options:
- Plastic Bins with Lids: These are great for keeping out dust, pests, and moisture. Choose clear bins to easily see the contents, and make sure the lids snap securely to maintain an airtight seal.
- Vacuum-Sealed Bags: For bulkier items like jackets, sweaters, and blankets, vacuum-sealed bags can save a lot of space. They also help protect clothes from dust and insects. Just remember that prolonged vacuum sealing can flatten items and may damage natural fibers like wool, so use this method carefully.
- Cloth Garment Bags: For delicate items like wool coats or formal wear, cloth garment bags allow clothes to breathe while still providing protection. Avoid plastic garment bags, as they can trap moisture.
While it may be tempting to hang everything, hanging can actually stretch out some materials over time, especially heavy items like sweaters or coats. Instead, you should fold or roll all of your clothes to save space and the fabric. Place heavier items at the bottom of your storage container, with lighter items on top to avoid crushing delicate pieces.
Pests like moths can damage winter clothes, especially wool and cashmere items. To keep these pesky bugs at bay, consider placing cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your storage containers. Cedar has natural pest-repelling properties, and lavender is another effective and pleasant-smelling alternative. Avoid using mothballs, as they contain chemicals that can leave an unpleasant smell and may be harmful to children and pets.
If you’re using lots of storage bins, it’s a good idea to label each one with a description. This makes it easier to find specific items when you need them, especially if your storage unit is also holding other seasonal or household items. A quick label like “Winter Coats and Jackets” or “Sweaters and Scarves” can save you time and hassle.
I conclusion, to keep all of your clothes nice and organized, it would be very helpful to follow these tips. Our Storage in Lafayette CO is here to help you with all of the tips and tricks to keep all of you items nice and organized.
