How to Store Linens and Clothes in Self-Storage
November 1, 2023
Whether you are moving, decluttering, or simply in need of extra space, self-storage units offer a convenient solution for housing your belongings. Among the various items you might store, blankets, linens, and clothes are common candidates. However, proper storage techniques are essential to ensure they remain in pristine condition, whether you are using the storage space for the short or long term. Here are some handy tips for storing clothing and other linens in self-storage for safekeeping.
Clean and Prepare
Before you start packing, it is crucial to ensure that all items are clean and dry. This prevents odors, mold, and mildew from developing during storage. Give your blankets, linens, and clothes a thorough wash and allow them to dry completely before packing.
Gather Supplies
Collect all necessary packing supplies, including:
- Sturdy boxes or plastic containers: Opt for boxes in good condition or plastic containers to protect your items from dust
- pests
- and moisture.,Acid-free tissue paper: This is especially important for delicate fabrics and heirloom items to prevent discoloration or damage.,Vacuum-sealed bags: These are great for minimizing the bulk of items like blankets and clothes
- making them more space-efficient.,Cedar blocks or mothballs: Help keep pests at bay and prevent unpleasant odors.,Labels and markers: Clearly label each box or container to make retrieval easier.,
Sturdy boxes or plastic containers: Opt for boxes in good condition or plastic containers to protect your items from dust, pests, and moisture.
Acid-free tissue paper: This is especially important for delicate fabrics and heirloom items to prevent discoloration or damage.
Vacuum-sealed bags: These are great for minimizing the bulk of items like blankets and clothes, making them more space-efficient.
Cedar blocks or mothballs: Help keep pests at bay and prevent unpleasant odors.
Labels and markers: Clearly label each box or container to make retrieval easier.
Sort and Categorize
Before packing, categorize your items by type, fabric, and usage frequency. This will make it easier to access specific items later without needing to unpack everything. Keep seasonal items separate for quicker retrieval when the time comes.
Fold and Pack Thoughtfully
Proper folding techniques are key to maximizing space and minimizing wrinkles:
- Blankets: Fold blankets neatly and evenly to prevent creasing. Place them in vacuum-sealed bags or boxes.,Linens: For delicate linens
- use acid-free tissue paper to prevent direct contact between folds. Fold them carefully and place them in boxes lined with clean paper.,Clothes: Fold clothes neatly
- using techniques that reduce wrinkles. Avoid over-packing boxes to allow for airflow and minimize wrinkles.
Blankets: Fold blankets neatly and evenly to prevent creasing. Place them in vacuum-sealed bags or boxes.
Linens: For delicate linens, use acid-free tissue paper to prevent direct contact between folds. Fold them carefully and place them in boxes lined with clean paper.
Clothes: Fold clothes neatly, using techniques that reduce wrinkles. Avoid over-packing boxes to allow for airflow and minimize wrinkles.
Climate Control Considerations
If you are storing items for the long term, consider choosing a climate-controlled self-storage unit. Extreme temperatures and humidity can damage fabrics and attract pests. Climate-controlled units help maintain a stable environment that’s friendly to your belongings.
Stack and Organize
When placing your items in the storage unit, keep the following in mind:
- Heaviest items at the bottom: Place heavier boxes at the bottom of stacks to prevent crushing lighter items.,Accessibility: Store items you’ll need to access more frequently toward the front of the unit.,Vertical space: Utilize vertical space by placing shelving units or stacking boxes. However
- avoid stacking too high to prevent items from toppling over.
Heaviest items at the bottom: Place heavier boxes at the bottom of stacks to prevent crushing lighter items.
Accessibility: Store items you’ll need to access more frequently toward the front of the unit.
Vertical space: Utilize vertical space by placing shelving units or stacking boxes. However, avoid stacking too high to prevent items from toppling over.
Regular Checkups
Even for items in long-term storage, it’s essential to periodically visit your storage unit to inspect the condition of your belongings. This allows you to catch any potential issues, such as moisture or pest problems, early on.
Storing blankets, linens, and clothes in self-storage requires careful preparation and organization. By following these guidelines, you will ensure that your cherished items remain in excellent condition. With a little planning and attention to detail, you can confidently use self-storage to free up space in your home without compromising the integrity of your belongings.
RazorBox Storage has climate-controlled storage units available for you to safely store your linens and clothing. With three locations to choose from in the great state of Arkansas, you will not run out of options. Visit our website today and select the storage facility’s location that is right for you. It is easy to rent storage online directly from our website, so begin today.