Whether you want to stow away seasonal wear, save baby clothes for reuse, or store your garments while moving house or travelling, a clothes self storage unit could provide you with the space you need. To ensure your clothing survives without getting musty, moth-eaten or mangled, follow these 5 tips for storing clothes.

1. Make an inventory

Start by taking stock of what you have and decide what’s worth keeping. Do you really need that ugly Christmas sweater you were gifted when you were 10? Will Minions still be popular by the time your next child is born? Take this opportunity to sell or donate items that you no longer need. List all your stored items so you don’t forget about them and end up buying duplicates.

2. Clean your clothes thoroughly

Even the smallest crumbs can attract mice, and the lightest stains can intensify over time. Be sure to thoroughly wash and dry all of your clothing beforehand for effective and easy self storage. And don’t forget to clean out the pockets!

3. Carry out pest control

Nobody wants to pay for self storage only to find their clothing chewed up by mice or moths when they retrieve it. Cedar chips, balls or diluted essential oil spray can be used to repel moths and keep your clothes smelling fresh. Besides cleaning your clothes, you should avoid using old supermarket boxes for storage in case they contain traces of food.

4. Take care when packing

Not all clothing is created equal. Follow these tips for storing clothes of different types:

• Everyday clothing, such as cotton or polyester T-shirts and sweaters, is best stored in lidded plastic containers; unlike cardboard boxes and plastic bags, plastic containers protect against moisture and vermin. Line the boxes with clean cotton sheets and place acid-free tissue paper between each layer of clothes for added protection. Vacuum seal bags should be avoided as they prevent airflow and can damage delicate items. Store the boxes off the ground to prevent moisture transfer.
• Suits and other formalwear may lose shape if folded, so these items should be protected with garment bags and hung on plastic or felt hangers in a wardrobe box to allow airflow and prevent creasing.
• Shoes should be grouped separately. To help shoes and boots maintain their shape, stuff them with acid-free tissue paper or boot shapers. Clean and dry all footwear thoroughly to avoid foul odours, and use silica gel packs to prevent mould. Wrap each shoe in packing paper and store the wrapped shoes in boxes. Place the smaller boxes into a large plastic tub.
• Accessories: Belts should be hung by their buckles to prevent curling, while ties can be hung on a tie rack or rolled up. Apply a conditioner to leather items such as handbags, and store them in a cool, dark place to prevent fading and cracking. Valuable jewellery should be stored in the original boxes inside a safe.

All clothing should be grouped logically, for example by season, age range or clothing type, and the boxes labelled accordingly.

5. Find an appropriate storage space

As well as following this guide to storing clothes, opt for a dry, dark and well ventilated storage space to ensure your clothing doesn’t get damaged by light or moisture. Furs, leather and wool may require a climate controlled unit. Since it’s best to air out and refold your clothes every so often, it’s also advisable to choose a unit that is easily accessible.

If you’re seeking easy self storage in Singapore, trust Space Next Door to find you the perfect unit for your clothing. Contact us for more information or book now to secure your ideal clothes self storage space today.