How to Pack Your Clothes for Secure Storage
There are several reasons as to why you might wish to place some of your clothes in a secure storage facility. Perhaps your cupboards are full to the brim and you wish to store particular items away for future seasons, or maybe you want to sell unwanted altogether at a later date.
Maybe you’re moving house or venturing home from university for the summer, but do not have the space to lug all of your clothes with you. Whatever the reason might be, secure storage provides a safe and easy place for you to temporarily keep your clothes.
We discuss the steps to take to prepare and pack your clothes for while they are staying within a storage facility.
1. Give everything a good wash
Once you’ve decided which items of clothing you want to place in storage, the next logical step is to give them a thorough clean. Before you pack your clothes, be sure to check for any stains, dirt or smells, because dirty or stinky clothing can attract insects and vermin.
If your clothes are overly smelly, they can quickly taint other items in storage too, which is far from ideal. Moreover, packing your clothing whilst they are still damp is a no-no, since mildew or mould can form and ruin your clothes forever.
2. Be careful with vacuum sealing
Vacuum sealing your clothes is a great way to save space and is sufficient for short-term storage, but for those who wish to keep their clothing there for several months, it is best not to. Vacuum sealing compresses the clothes into one tight space and means no air can get inside, which can eventually ruin the fibres and change the shape or fit of your clothes.
3. Place in sealable containers
A better option for long-term clothes storage is the use of sealable plastic containers with secure, clip-fastened lids. These types of containers ensure your clothes are kept free of dust, mould and moisture while they are away from you for long periods of time.
If you wanted to go a step further, you could add a cedar ball to your packaging, which helps protect your belongings from unwanted pests and can even make them smell lovely!
4. Secure storage unit
Above all, always be sure to hire a professional storage facility provider by carrying out thorough research into the company you are trusting to look after your belongings. There are many companies out there offering storage units – some are excellent, whilst others are not so great.
Checking the online reviews from past customers, as well as the company’s own professional credentials, helps to ensure that the service you will be getting is worth the investment. If you live nearby, you may also wish to visit the storage unit yourself– that way you’ll be able to check the facilities out beforehand and ask any relevant questions.
Ideally, your items should be kept in a clean, dry, dark and cool unit, which is easily accessible by yourself, but not by anybody else!
5. Check back regularly
If you are storing your clothes long-term, then we recommend checking up on them every so often, in order to make sure they are still in good condition, giving you total peace of mind.
Any high-quality storage company will be happy to provide you with personal access to your storage unit for clothes so that you, or a friend or family member, can come and go as you please.