10 Tips on Storing Winter Clothes

1. Your storage spot should be clean, cold, dark and dry. Avoid the warmth in order to keep out the moisture.
2. Always pack away freshly cleaned items. Our perfumes and body creams are just what insects and bugs love. Any existing stains will darken over the summer months. Be sure to empty the pockets, remove gum wrappers, and anything else that may fall under this category. Do up all buttons, zippers and ties to ensure they retain their shape
3. To make your unpacking organized, pack like items together. Label the tote or bin with the contents. Make a list to be left somewhere safe that reminds you of what you packed and in which container to make removal when needed, an easy chore.
4. Remember to leave one or two outfits nicely tucked away in your closet for any unforeseen trip or even just a drastic change in weather. You would not want to be digging through your packed items when in a time of need.
5. Do not pack your clothes in the plastic wraps or covers they came in. The plastic will lock in any moisture which could result in mildew or even mold. The plastic can also produce a yellow color on your clothes, giving them an aged look.
6. Storing expensive jackets or sweaters? Purchase some heavy plastic bins or store items in an unused clean suitcase. Clothing still needs to breathe. Using the vacuum seal bags you see advertised will remove too much moisture and can dry out your items. This can cause brittle fabrics, and the integrity of your favorite sweater to be compromised. Pack heavy sweaters and jackets on the bottom. Leaving the lighter items for the top provides more breathing room.
7. Place smaller items like leather gloves, and scarfs in a smaller plastic container.This will allow gloves to remain in pairs and not stretch out the scarfs.
8. Storing your boots? First remove any dirt. Place them on a boot rack to keep the shape while in storage. You can lay them flat once on the rack, be sure to place a towel or a sheet over the top of the boots before you pack anything else. An inexpensive way, instead of using a boot rack, is to cut up a foam noodle, you can find at the dollar store. Press the right height of the noodle into each boot; this will help keep the shape while being stored.
9. Mothballs are often used in packing but, they are not child or pet friendly.During your packing or unpacking, you want all the little ones to be safe. Try using these following items instead. Add cedar chips or cedar scented lined paper for a nice winter smell and to help keep the bugs at bay. You can also try small breathable bags of lavender. Even fabric softener sheets will do the job.
10. When you are ready for the winter again, clean your items again to start out the winter in a fresh way. This removes any dust that may have gathered on your items since last year.

For more information on storing your winter clothes check out the links below. If you’re looking for convenient storage options contact your self-storage expert at Lacombe Storage Center today!

-Sue Sage

Links:

• http://stylecaster.com/how-to-store-winter-clothes/
• http://housekeeping.about.com/cs/garageandstorage/a/storingclothes.htm
• http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/tips/a19982/winter-clothes-storage/
• http://www.vogue.com/13389132/male-model-selfies-milan-mens-fashion-week/