As the great closet clean-out of 2023 commences, I find that I’m putting items aside not for donation or re-sell but instead for storage. Not just seasonal storage but long-term storage — things that I’m not ready to give up but don’t foresee wearing for years to come. In fact, I’m hoping to save pieces for my daughters, as my mom saved for me. So, as not to save garments in vain, I’ve been researching how to store clothing properly to ensure they stay in their best shape.
From my research, all the experts advise to prep clothing by cleaning them before packing them up. Even if a piece was only worn once, small amounts of sweat and oil may be present, and over time, that oil and sweat can cause stains or, heaven forbid, mold while sitting in storage. Wash and dry per the tag’s instructions and if need be, take your items to the dry cleaner.
Once clothes are clean and fully dry, what’re the best means of packing them? There are pros and cons for every clothing storage container type. Rubbermaid bins are my usual go-to for storage. Not necessarily Rubbermaid branded, but a general plastic tub-type box. These are good at keeping out humidity, dust, and water. However, these containers can get expensive depending on how many you require, and from my experience can crack or warp if overpacked. I think we’ve all been there, trying to squeeze just a few more things into a bin, then struggling to secure the top.
Cardboard boxes are cheap and recyclable, but they are not very protective against moisture or moths. Plastic or garbage bags are also inexpensive, but again not good protection. I’ve ordered vacuum bags from Amazon, but compacting clothes over the course of several years will result in damage, misshape, and wrinkles. There are also canvas or polyester storage containers. I’ve seen these mostly for holiday decorations, but those with acid-free liners seem appealing for the purposes of any long-term storage.
I think the best bet is plastic tubs with lids that are stackable. However, I’m not just going to dump clean clothes into a bin. Cleaning out the bin beforehand is a must, and letting it fully dry, again, to avoid any moisture or humidity doing any damage. I’m also considering using garment bags for each item. There are hanging cloth garment bags for dresses and coats that, depending on the size of a plastic bin, could be laid out fully or gently folded over. Then there are squared cloth bags for things like sweaters and slacks. Shoes and handbags can also be bagged and packed lightly in a plastic tub.
To keep pests away, cedar chips are recommended. Cedar has been used to deodorize and repel moths from clothes for centuries. Fun fact: Cedarwood deters insects and kills moth larvae! If you have a cedar-lined closet, all the better. You may want to forgo a box or bin, but instead, just utilize cloth (not plastic) garment bags and call it a day. But if you’re storing packed clothing in an attic, basement, or storage unit, then purchase some cedar chips in cotton bags or cedar balls and leave them in your container.
Lastly, climate control. Of course, in an ideal world, we’d all have access to climate-controlled storage units for our most prized possessions, but in reality, most things get shoved into an attic, basement, or shed. I would highly recommend indoor storage for clothing where there’s a bit more temperature control. But even inside, you should be mindful of the placement of containers. Will they be hit by any direct sunlight? Are the containers themselves opaque or clear? If you’re using cardboard or canvas containers, are they placed in a room or on a shelf and protected from being squished or smashed? Be mindful of where your boxes or containers will be “living” in storage.
For me, I’ll be packing up several garments I’ve had since high school for nostalgic reasons, along with some designer pieces that I can’t in good conscience not save for my girls in the hopes that they’ll appreciate such things. A mother can only dream.
