26 Feb How to Store Clothing and Fabric in a Storage Unit Long-Term
If you’re considering storing clothing or fabric in a storage unit for the long term, there are a few things you should know first. When storing these items for long periods of time, it’s best to use the right packing materials and storage practices to keep items safe from environmental damage.
Choose a Climate-Controlled Storage Facility
Choosing climate-controlled storage goes a long way to keeping clothing and fabric safe from extremes of heat, cold, dryness, or moisture. Climate-controls maintain a consistent and safe temperate and humidity. Our Kamloops storage facility, Valleyview Mini Storage, uses state-of-the-art climate controls that protect items placed in your storage unit from damage such as mold, mildew, moisture stains, and fabric breakdown.
Clean and Dry Clothing Before Moving Them Into a Storage Unit
Make sure clothing is clean and completely dry before storing. If clothing is not cleaned, acid in perspiration can break down fibres and make clothing smell badly, and dirt or food stains can permanently discolour fabric. If clothing is not completely dry, moisture can lead to mildew which can damage fabric and impart a sour odour.
Use Plastic Storage Containers for Foldable Clothing
For foldable clothing, such as t-shirts, sweaters and jeans, fold and pack in plastic storage bins (preferably air-tight). Label the bins or use clear plastic bins so you can see what’s inside. You can safely use cardboard boxes for these items if your storage unit is climate-controlled, but for extra protection consider wrapping clothing in acid-free tissue or paper.
Store Gowns, Dresses and Suits in Acid-Free Garment Bags
Hang delicate garments, such as gowns, dresses and suits in acid-free garment bags, which will preserve their shape and protect delicate fabrics from oxidation stains. Avoid plastic garment bags which can trap moisture. Use padded hangers so hangers don’t cause permanent marks. If you do use regular garment bags, wrap items in acid-free paper or tissue before placing them in the bag.
Roll and Wrap Loose Fabric in Archival Acid-Free Paper
Roll long pieces of loose fabric rather than folding to prevent permanent creases and fold lines. Wrap fabric rolls in acid-free paper or tissue. Avoid wrapping in regular packing paper, newspaper, or craft paper which are acidic and can stain or damage fabric over time.
Use Acid-Free Archival Boxes for Smaller Pieces of Unrolled Fabric
If you have fabric pieces that aren’t large enough to require rolling, pack them flat in specialized acid-free archival boxes (often used for archival document storage). Place acid-free paper or tissue between each piece of fabric.
Acid-Free, Archival Storage Resources
When shopping for acid-free garment bags, paper, or boxes, make sure the seller explicitly states that the product is made of acid-free materials.
Climate-Controlled Storage Units at Valleyview Storage in Kamloops
Valleyview Mini Storage is one of the most trusted climate-controlled storage facilities in Kamloops. With over 45 different sizes of storage units available, it’s easy to find a storage solution that’s right for you! We’re located at #10 – 1967 East Trans Canada Highway (in Valleyview Shopping Centre). You can access your storage unit from 7am-7pm, seven days a week.
Contact us for a free storage estimate.