Guidelines To Consider Before Keeping Clothing In A Self-Storage Unit

Are you planning to get a self-storage unit to store seasonal clothing, baby clothes, or the attires you rarely use? Self-storage units are an ideal storage solution and will help keep all your clothing in excellent condition until the day you retrieve them. 

You'll need to get a climate-controlled unit and take the necessary measures to ensure pests don't ruin the outfits. Below are essential tips to consider before keeping clothes in storage units.

Wash All the Clothes

If you want to maintain the longevity of your clothes during storage, you will need to wash and dry them first. Dirty clothes produce mildew and mold and will start to smell when stored for an extended period. The residual oil, perfumes, lotions, and sweat on the fabric may turn the material yellow. 

Also, the longer the grime or stains sit on the fabric, the more they'll be embedded in the fibers and cause permanent stains. Food stains or crumbs may attract rodents that will ruin the clothes. So, wash everything to ensure the clothes stay in good condition.

Separate Fabrics

One clothing storage mistake people make is keeping different kinds of clothes in one box. This often occurs unknowingly or when one is in haste to pack. Mixing fabrics in one package increases the probability of damaging the clothing. 

For instance, garments made of natural fibers will require breathing space to stay fresh. Therefore, make time to segment all the outfits according to the fabric and handle the delicate materials with care.

Determine the Clothes You'll Fold and Hang

Not all clothes can be stored in boxes, so identify the clothes to hang before you start packing. Knowing which clothes to fold and hang will ensure the clothes aren't damaged while in storage. Some items you can fold include shirts, sweaters, stretchy clothes, jeans, and khaki pants. Be sure to pack these clothes in a clothes storage bin or garment bag. 

Items like blazers, dress pants, jackets, dresses, blouses, and other wrinkle-prone cloth should be hung. Consider using wardrobe boxes to ensure the garments don't develop creases. Remember that wardrobe boxes come in various forms, so you'll need to pick one that suits your storage requirements.

Organize Regular Visits to the Facility

Even if you have leased a climate-controlled unit to control the unit's temperatures and ensure the clothes aren't damaged by mold or mildew, you will need to visit often. These visits will allow you to check on the clothes, clean up the storage unit, and look for signs of issues, particularly those caused by pests. The earlier you notice the problem, the easier it'll be to fix it.