Tips for Preparing your Clothes for Long Term Storage

There are many reasons why people choose to store their clothing in long-term storage facilities. Whether you are in the middle of a major relocation, taking an extended holiday, or simply making more room in your home, storage facilities are a perfect way to ensure that your clothes are kept secure and undamaged for an extended period of time.

If you are concerned about how to keep your clothes looking their best while stored, Elite Container Storage is here to help! There are several tricks to preparing your clothes for storage, and we’ve put together the following tips for protecting your clothing before leaving on your next adventure!

Prepare Your Clothes Before Packing

The crucial first step to preparing your clothes for long term storage is to thoroughly clean them prior to packing. Even if your clothing appears to be clean and in good condition, it is always a good idea to run them through a wash cycle before packing them away. Dirt, bacteria, and organic matter may be hard to see, and leaving this debris on your clothing can cause permanent staining or draw pests during storage.

Choosing the Right Packing Method

When packing your clothing, your first instinct may be to just put the items in a cardboard moving box – just don’t do it! Cardboard is highly susceptible to moisture and pests that can cause extensive damage to your clothing.

There are several effective options for packing your clothing, including:

• Wardrobe Boxes: For humid climates, wardrobe boxes are an excellent way to store your clothing. By utilising a hanging rod within the container, your clothes will have adequate ventilation and be well-protected during storage.
• Vacuum Packing: Vacuum packing your clothes is an excellent way to store items without taking up much space in your storage unit. However, this method is only recommended for storage of less than a few months to prevent clothing damage.
• Plastic Containers: Airtight plastic containers are an economical way to store your items for extended storage. While they are not ideal for some types of clothing, plastic containers do an excellent job at keeping out pests and preventing mould damage to your items.

If you need to store fur or leather clothing, special preparation is needed. We suggest that you consult with a fine clothing store or dry cleaner to determine the right method for your expensive clothing items.

Rent an Appropriate Storage Unit

Before choosing a Gold Coast storage company to protect your clothing for the long-term, be sure to do your research! Units that are clean, cool, dark, and dry are ideal for storing clothing, and this environment will help keep your items undamaged during their stay at the facility.

When considering long-term storage, Elite Container Storage is the most trusted self-storage facility on the Gold Coast! Our specialised storage containers are insulated and constantly maintained to ensure a regulated internal temperature for the ultimate protection. To find out more about our affordable, secure storage options, just give us a call or fill out our online form to get your free estimate!