Fur coats are timeless, beautiful, and meaningful. They are often even treasured family heirlooms that have been passed down through the years. While they are certainly a gorgeous statement piece, fur coats are also very valuable so it is important to take proper care of them in order to preserve their quality.

Many people choose to keep their fur coats in their closets during the winter months so they are easily accessible, but as soon as spring arrives, your fur coats will no longer be necessary. This means it’s time to stow them away for a few months until winter rolls around again. That said, storing an expensive fur coat isn’t quite as simple as storing other winter accessories. Rather, there are a few important steps that need to be taken when storing a fur coat in order to preserve it’s condition.

Consider the following guide for storing your furs during the off-season.

Choose a Cool, Dark Place

When choosing a place to store your fur coat, be sure it is cool and dark. Furs do not tolerate warm temperatures well, as the heat has a tendency to dry out the furs and leather. Moreover, direct exposure to sunlight can cause fading and the fur can become discolored.

It is recommended to avoid storing in an attic or in the garage which can be hot, humid, cramped places. Instead, furs should be stored in a spacious hallway closet or climate-controlled space that does not get direct sunlight.

Use the Right Hangers

Fur coats tend to be much heavier than traditional winter coats. For this reason, the typical plastic or wire hangers will not provide the support your coat needs. This can cause your coat to lose shape in the shoulders.

It is important to select a broad-shouldered wood hanger that can fully support the weight of the coat.

Give Them Space to Breathe

Fur coats need plenty of space to breathe. The air flow keeps the fur cool and dry, which helps to eliminate problems like mold and unpleasant odors.

If you choose to hang your coat in a garment bag, be sure to choose a bag that is breathable. Avoid plastic bags and always check to make sure the bag is suitable for furs. You also want to keep your fur coat away from other fabrics that can rub on the coat and damage the fur. 

Fur coats fare best in spacious places, so if possible, your coat should not touch anything else while it is hanging.

Avoid Cedar Blocks and Moth Balls

Keeping rodents and other pests away from your fur coat is certainly important, but you need to be cautious when selecting a deterrent. Most people tend to turn to moth balls, but they can leave a bad smell in the fur which can be difficult to remove.

Cedar can also be a dangerous choice because cedar draws all the moisture out of the air which can actually cause your furs to dry rot.

The best way to keep moths and other insects from damaging your fur coat is by placing lavender sachets in the storage space.

Climate-Controlled Storage

Fur coats can be bulky and they also require special attention to ensure they are stored properly, so many people prefer to store them in a climate-controlled storage unit. Not only does this free up closet space in your home, but it also provides safe conditions for your furs.

The key to preserving your fur coats while in storage is maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level inside your storage unit. A climate-controlled portable storage unit is the perfect place to store your furs for long periods of time while also keeping the garments safe, aerated, and dry.