Storage tips and tricks for last season’s clothes

Spring has well and truly sprung! But we don’t all have unlimited storage space, so with the new season comes the time for us to pack away last season’s clothes. If you’re like us, you’ve said goodbye to jeans and heavy coats, and waved hello to light summery tees and shorts. But where have you put these winter items? And, when the next season rolls around, where will you keep your summer items? Read on for our tips and tricks for storing your clothes each season.

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​Clean your clothes

​One of the most important steps in this process is getting your clothes ready for storage. Neglecting to double check your clothes may allow stains or spills to set while in storage – making them even tougher to clean once you unpack them. Stains can also darken over time, causing unfortunate discolouration. Plus, food stains can attract bugs and potentially ruin multiple items!
During this stage, it’s important to follow the care labels on your clothes. These will provide you with cleaning instructions specific to each item and will help you sort which will need to be taken to the dry cleaner.

​Avoid moisture

It might sound obvious, but after cleaning your clothes you’ll need to make sure they’re dry. If any items aren’t 100 per cent dry, you risk packing this moisture in with your other stored items. This can cause mould or mildew to form on your clothes, which will ruin their look and smell!
In the same vein, you should aim to store your clothing in a dry place. Basements, attics, and garages may be prone to moisture, so when it comes to our best storage tips and tricks, we suggest a cool, dry, and dark spot.

Cut down the workload by donating unwanted clothes

The Hunter is home to a whole range of great second-hand shops, so why not donate your unwanted items? Having entered a recession means our country is experiencing a rise in unemployment. Spring clean with a purpose and offer your unused clothes to those in need. A handy trick here is to monitor the items you haven’t worn in a while. Some people do this by facing their clothes hangers in a different direction after they’ve been worn. If you have any hangers still facing the original way at the end of the season, donate them!

​Pick a reliable storage method

Some people vacuum seal their clothing, which is a great space saver! Make sure your suitcase of plastic vacuum bags are clean and dry before packing your clothes in (it would be a shame for your fresh, clean, clothes to be tarnished by a dirty bag!).
Suitcases are also great for storage – especially since we won’t be hopping on an international flight any time soon. They also don’t take up any more room when full. If using a suitcase, consider rolling your clothes – this will give you more room to work with, and will avoid wrinkling your clothes. Plus, suitcases can easily be wheeled to and from your bedroom when the seasons change.
But, if you don’t have either of these on hand, plastic, cloth, and cardboard boxes will do just fine (provided you have the space). By keeping these boxes in a cool, dry, dark spot, you’re saving your clothes from sun exposure and traces of moisture. However, another important thing to consider is whether or not your storage is airtight. This isn’t essential, especially if you know there’s no insects in the room you’ve picked for storage, but can help protect your clothes from any bugs or even pets.

​To hang or to fold?

Different materials will require different storage methods. So, if there’s anything you’re unsure on, consider doing some research. Here are a few generic storage tips and tricks you should try to abide by:

• Don’t hang knitted items or stretchy fabric – gravity will do its job and your favourite knitted wear will soon be too stretched out to fit!
• Heaviest items at the bottom when folding – by cramming your long-sleeved shirts underneath heavy coats, you can create tough-to-remove winkles.
• Consider garment bags for dressier outfits – a fabric bag can add an extra layer of protection to your fancier clothes. Try to avoid heavy plastics or bags with no air circulation, as these can encourage mildew.
• Picking the right hanger – padded hangers are recommended, especially for winter clothes, as they help prevent misshaping. You’ll also want to try to use hangers that won’t allow your clothes to slip off the sides – using the garments built-in hanging loops can also help here.

​What about mothballs?

Mothballs are a personal choice. Some people swear by them, while others can’t stand the smell. Some people also steer clear of this option due to the pesticide toxins, which can be dangerous to both pets and children. However, traditional mothballs aren’t your only option!
Cedar balls, or even cedar-lined storage containers, are natural bug repellents. Plus, with cedar, you’re avoid the unpleasant, chemically smell. 3-4 balls will be enough for a standard storage container, and 1-2 should suffice for garment bags.
You could even get creative and make your own – offering you with a fun activity and eco-friendly choice all in one.
 
It’s important to note these storage tips and tricks work best when used collectively. For example, investing in moth balls may not save your clothes if you store them in a moist room. With these tips, and our dry cleaning services, taking care of your clothes has never been easier. Get in touch today to talk about your next dry cleaning order.