When spring and summer approaches, it is time to store your winter clothing. You won't need those heavy coats, snow shoes, and thick sweaters for several months, so there is no reason to try and find a place to store them in your closet. When the season changes, storing your winter clothes in a self-storage unit is a great idea. Here are some tips for storing your seasonal clothing.
Clean the Clothes First
It is extremely important that all of your winter clothing has been thoroughly cleaned first. If any particles are left on the clothes, the stains will set in and the clothes may be ruined by the time you retrieve them shortly before the winter season. Having clean clothes also reduces the risk of insects targeting the clothing. If they are soiled, insects will smell it and might go searching for them.
Choose Your Storage Container Carefully
You have a few different container options when it comes to storing clothing. Many people choose to store them in cardboard boxes, but keep in mind a lot of insects and pests like cardboard. This isn't usually the best option unless your storage location has no risk of pests. If you do decide to use cardboard boxes, make sure they are new boxes with lids. Avoid old flimsy boxes from your last move.
A better container to use is a plastic storage container that includes an airtight lid. This will keep pests from invading your clothes. Make sure no bug larvae are in the boxes, or you will open them in a few months to a bin full of insects. If you are running out of boxes, try storing some of your clothing in suitcases. All containers should be lined with acid-free tissue before placing your clothes inside.
Be Careful With Hanging
Some storage solutions allow you to hang your clothes, but be careful when you choose what and how to hang your clothes. You should avoid fabrics that could warp while being on a hanger for a long time, such as knitted sweaters. It can stretch out on the hanger and you won't be able to fix it. When choosing the hangers, never use metal wire hangers. They can rust and stain your clothing. You only want to use plastic or wood hangers. For hanging clothes, store them in garment bags meant for this purpose; don't just hang them freely without protecting them.
Store Them in the Right Location
Clothing can get ruined if it is left somewhere with a lot of moisture and humidity, so your basement, attic and garage are probably not the best places to store clothing. A better option is renting a small self-storage unit and storing them in there. You can get a storage unit that has climate control so that you can reduce the humidity. Make sure to check in on the unit a few times while you are storing items to be sure it has not been attacked by pests and that there isn't any water that has gotten in the unit. To find out more about storage, speak with someone like Capitol City Storage.
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