Everyone knows that three basic necessities of life are food, clothing, and water. You have to have them in order to survive. Let’s talk about clothing, there are many different forms of clothing. Clothes for all four seasons of the year are almost always a part of everyone’s clothing collection. As the months of every year pass and the seasons change, you may have to exchange the clothes in closet from summer to fall, fall to winter, etc. Long-term storage is a realistic and reliable option for you in times like these. Keep reading below for some very useful long term storage tips for clothing.

Wash Your Clothes Before Long Term Storage- Wash your clothes before putting them into long term storage. This will help prevent long term staining and dirt from setting into your clothes overtime while they are in storage. Also, insects will be less likely to be attracted to clean, dry clothes during storage time. This will help your clothes remain safe and clean while they are being stored, and ready for use when you need them again.

Just Say No- Don’t give into the temptation of using plastic bags and cardboard boxes. Why? Because use of these items, especially plastic bags, allow easy access to moisture. This can cause discoloring or “yellowing” of clothes, which can in turn effect future use. There is a good chance you will have to get rid of clothes if this happens. It is also easier for rats and rodents to gain access to your clothes if cardboard boxes are used for long term storage.  Containers with a lid are more likely to keep clothes air tight while in storage, which will help stop the growth of mold and mildew.

Store in Proper Conditions- Proper storing conditions are key when thinking about long term storing options. A climate-controlled environment is a great option to keep in mind when dealing with clothing and long term storage. Attics and garages can also be used, but keep in mind, they may contain some materials that are not optimal for storage conditions.

Always Check on Your Items- Many times clothes in long term storage end up in poor or unusable conditions because people forget to check on their condition. Try to remember to check on your clothing items in long term storage frequently. This will help you make any adjustments needed during storage, which will help your clothes be ready for future use when you take them out of storage.

Rent a Storage Unit- A storage unit is also another great option for any long-term storage need, clothes included. Many units are very spacious, offering plenty of room to store your clothes for as long as needed. In addition to this, climate-controlled units are available, that offer interior options that will protect things from insects, rust, and mildew. And, if you know that your clothes are going to be in storage for a long period of time, many storage companies offer long-term storage facilities that will offer security until you are ready to begin the unpacking process.

SMARTBOX hopes that the above information will assist you as you go about storing your clothes for a long period of time. If you would like more information about our organization or would like us to handle your moving and storage needs, contact us at 1-877-627-8269. We are here to help you.