The Do’s and Don’ts of How to Store Clothing
Whether you are living with a partner or by yourself, there never seems to be enough space to store all your belongings in your closet. A tidy and well-kept closet can save you extra minutes in the morning when you are frantically trying to get dressed and rush to work. Dividing up your clothes into seasonal items frees up your closet space and allows you to be more organized – not to mention it can also save you time, space and money.
So here are some Do’s and Don’ts of how to effectively store your clothing.
Do wash and completely dry all clothes
Wash and completely dry all clothes. When storing your clothes it is best to wash them beforehand. By washing them beforehand, this will ensure that your clothes are clean and there are no stains or odours. However, you must be sure to have the garments completely dried out, as even a little bit of moister on your clothing can be a breeding ground for mould.
Don’t use mothballs but opt for a natural alternative
Mothballs had their time in the past! And though a lot of people swear by them, you need to think twice about using them with clothing. Mothballs omit a toxic smell that kills moths and other intruders. They can also damage clothes permanently and are very toxic to children and dogs. So, it’s time to move over and allow for some natural alternatives. Cedar Chips, Lavender, Mint/Clove and Rosemary/ Thyme sachets – are a new and more pleasant way to protect clothes. They are easily made by using a small cotton pouch and filling it with dried herbs or chips. Leave the mothballs to grandma’s basement and opt for a more pleasant and non-chemical smell!
Do use boxes or plastic containers with a plastic clip on the lid
Boxes or plastic containers with plastic clip lids are the best solution for storing most things but especially clothing. They provide extra protection for your garments in case of any scenario, and they also are easily stackable and organized based on your seasonal needs.
Don’t vacuum sealed bags, plastic bags and cardboard
Natural fibres such as wool and silk in a plastic bag can be damaged by the vacuum seal and can make clothing lose shape over time. Although it may seem like a good idea and a quick fix to use plastic bags, they can be a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. Same goes for cardboard boxes. They can sometimes even deteriorate and break down over time. Best to stay away from these methods if you are storing for a more extended period.
Do store footwear
Seasonal footwear is perfect for storage. Shoes and boots can take up so much room; it's better to get them out of sight and out of mind when not in use. One of the best ways to preserve your footwear is to make sure they are washed and thoroughly dried. When it comes to leather, it is a great practice to polish them before storing. Just be sure to let them air out before you put them away. Halfway through the storage period, be sure to check on the shoes and reapply some balm or cream, so the leather does not dry out. Another good tip is to get some boot shapers or even fill your boots with tissue paper to avoid creases.
Do check on storage unit periodically
Even though your unit will be climate controlled, have top of the line security, it is always a good call to check on your unit periodically to make sure everything is happy and healthy.
By using storage, and proper storing of your garments, you can keep your clothes and closets looking their best, while also saving time and money!