Storage Tips for Clothing

Have you run out of space in the house and now you must use a storage unit to keep some of your belongings. Well, you might decide that there is no point in keeping everyone's winter clothing in the house during the summer. Further, you might have to put your extra clothing into storage while you relocate jobs. No matter the reason for packing up your clothing and putting them away, clothes are difficult things to store. Many fabrics break down when crushed, and others are hard to iron out once folded and left stored for a long time. Do not worry, though, because there are some tips that we can provide to help your clothes stay in good condition longer.

Use Tissue Paper Between Layers

If you own delicate satin or silk shirts, blouses, dresses or lingerie, be sure to use sheets of tissue paper between the layers. This will reduce the wear and tear from other garments and other materials rubbing on the fragile fibers. If you do not have tissue paper handy, cotton pillow cases will serve the same purpose. Just make sure the embroidery on the cases does not rub on the fabrics. Plain cases are better.

Use Moth Balls Sparingly

Many people mistakenly believe that moth balls keep clothing fresh. The real purpose, though, of moth balls is to stop moths from ruining wool clothing. So, basically, the balls serve no purpose for other fabrics. But, the scent of moth balls keeps rodents away and that is a major concern when storing clothing. Mice, in particular, love to shred fabric to bits. The problem, however, is that when you unpack your clothes, it is very difficult to get the smell of moth balls out of your clothes. Plus, there may be stains. Instead of placing the balls inside the box on your clothes, scatter them around the outside of the boxes and on top to deter mice. They do not like the smell.

Inter-fold the Pieces of Clothing

Today's materials leave creases very easily. Plus, the thinner the article of clothing, the more chance of a permanent fold mark remaining on the fabric if it has been stored for too long. To prevent crease damage, it is better to fold the clothing piece within one another. In fact, when professionals teach frequent travelers and executives how to properly pack their suitcases, this is one of the first techniques they show them. Instead of folding up a pair of trousers in two or three sections, then laying more clothes on top, lay the trousers down and add another pair so that the fold is not as pronounced. The thicker material helps to reduce the crease. By inter-layering everything, pieces come out nice and fresh when unpacked.

Do Not Jam Pack Boxes

Clothing should not be packed so tight that when you unpack the contents, you have an accordion of material. The tighter and more compact you pack clothing, the more chance of damage through creases, wrinkles and materials rubbing together causing pills or balls on the fabrics. Loose is always better when storing clothing.

Plastic Boxes are More Durable