There are a lot of reasons for storing your clothes long term. Most people decide to store their clothes because their wardrobe is simply overcrowded. Also, people store their kid’s old clothes. No matter what is your reason for storing your clothes, you need to find reliable New Orleans storage units and prepare your clothes for storage. Properly preparing your clothes is one of the most important things, if you want to use your clothes once you get them out of the storage unit!
Before storing your clothes long term – declutter them
One of the best things that you can do if you plan to store your clothes for a long time is to declutter them. You should store only clothes that have no damage and that you plan to use or at least to repurpose. When you rent a storage unit, even if it is New Orleans portable storage – you are limited on space. You can separate your clothes into four piles. The first one should be the keep pile. The second one should be clothes you plan to store long term. And third, should be the clothes you plan to repurpose. The fourth pile should be the clothes you will either throw away, donate or sell. By sorting your clothes, you will be able to store them long term much easier.
Wash and dry clothes
One of the best tips is to carefully wash and dry all clothes you plan to store. The main reason for this is to keep them safe for a long period of time when you store them. You can either wash and dry the clothes by yourself, or you can take them to the cleaners. If you are storing your clothes long term, you need to clean them thoroughly. This will protect them from bugs and dirt. It is much easier to clean them before than after the storage. There is no need to iron your clothes. Once you get them from the storage unit – you will have to iron them for sure!
Don’t forget the shoes
One of the important tips when it comes to storing your clothes for a long period is to clean your shoes. Make sure to polish them and remove any dirt they have. Pro tip – keep your shoes separated from the rest of your clothes. And if you want your shoes, especially boots, to keep their form stuff them with tissues. That way – they will be as good as new after you take them out of storage.
If you are storing your clothes long term create an inventory
Now that you have all of your clothes in different piles, it is time to create an inventory. By knowing how many items you plan to store, you will know how big a storage unit you need. Besides that, by creating a simple and precise inventory, you will avoid a lot of issues in the future. If you need to take out any of your clothes – you will be able to find them in no time. Inventory is an important step when you store your clothes long term. Even after a long period of time, you will have a clear picture of what you have in your storage unit.
Packing is the most important step when you plan to store your clothes for a long time
When you start packing your clothes for storage you should not hurry or cut corners. Keep in mind that if you pack your clothes carefully now and spend more time doing it – you will use them longer. It is important to keep them in one piece and without damage especially if you plan to store clothes for a long period. It is very important what type of boxes, bags you will use for packing. Especially if you have delicate items made from silk or wool. You should use acid fee boxes for these types of clothes.
You should avoid using vac storage bags
It might seem like a great idea, but you should avoid using vac bags if you plan to store your clothes for a long time. Most of our clothes need some air to circulate. That way, clothes keep their structure and prevent any possible damage from moisture. Vac bags can be a great solution for storing your clothes for a short period. Either way, you should make sure that you are using vac bags properly. You don’t want them to get open mid-way your relocation for example.
How to pack your clothes for long term storage?
As we mentioned, there is no need to iron your clothes before you pack them and prepare them for storage. The only thing you need to make sure of is that the clothes are clean and without any stains. If you pack and store your clothes with stains, you won’t be able to clean them after you take them out of the storage unit. So make sure to check your clothes for any type of stains or dirt before packing them.
When you start packing, place the heavier items on the bottom. Rolling your clothes is always a good idea to save some space. But do not overpack your boxes with clothes. Your clothes will only get damaged that way. If you need help with this step, you can always find reliable New Orleans moving and storage that can help you. They should be reliable professionals that can help you every step of the way.
Choose the storage unit wisely
Your clothes should be stored in a dark, cool, and dry place. Ideally, you should consider getting a climate-controlled storage unit. This type of unit will ensure that there is no damage to your clothes when you store them for a long time. Also, security and especially accessibility are important factors to consider when you are getting a storage unit. You should keep your storage unit near, in case you want to take out some of your clothes and switch it for summer clothes. Storing clothes for a long period is easy, so don’t overcrowd your closets!
