Plastic bins are a practical choice for storing clothes because they're easy to handle, stack well, and are good at keeping moisture and bugs out (for more on that, see our next step).
The best way to store clothes in storage is to place all your clothes in plastic containers with clip-on lids. These will protect your clothes from moisture, dust, mould and mildew. Make sure you give your plastic containers a good clean and dry them thoroughly before you place any clothes inside.
Plastic containers are great because they seal out a lot of dirt and moisture, but they're not so great because they don't allow your clothes to breathe. For that reason, it's a good idea to open the containers up to let your clothes air out about once a year.
The essentials: Storage bins are your best friend. Instead of unsightly plastic bins, consider linen storage organizers. Fabric organizers help your clothing stay fresh by allowing air to circulate.
Airtight plastic storage bins are the ideal solution because they keep out moisture and therefore limit mold and mildew from growing. As an extra protective measure, use silica gel desiccant packets to make sure no moisture is left inside your containers. These containers are great for clothes and shoe storage alike.
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Do clothes need to breathe in storage?
Natural fibers need to breathe, and by sucking all the air out of them, you are quickening the process of deterioration to your clothing. To avoid suffocating your items, lightly pack them into bins, keeping the heavier items on the bottom.
Is it better to store clothes in boxes or plastic bins?
Use plastic bins
The best storage containers for clothes are typically plastic bins. Cardboard boxes are cheaper, but they also don't protect your clothing from humidity or water damage. It's even worse if you use second-hand cardboard boxes because they might come with bacteria—or pests.
How do you keep clothes fresh in storage containers?
Place Cedar Chips or Lavender Sachets Inside Containers
Keep your stored clothes fresh and pest-free by adding cedar chips or lavender sachets inside the containers. These natural items not only add a pleasant scent to your stored items but also help deter pests such as moths that can damage your clothing.
Pack a moisture absorber with your clothing and make sure your storage container is properly sealed to keep moisture out. Pack cedar or lavender sachets (or even dryer sheets) with your clothing to impart a pleasant smell during storage. Store containers in a cool, dark, and dry space.
When you do, one item you'll want to take extra time packing is your clothing. The reason is that, unlike furniture, toys, and other items, clothing can incur damage in storage if not packed perfectly. Mold and mildew are a significant risk, as well as bugs, heat, and rodents.
Sweaters – Fold and place in plastic bins or fabric storage bags. Don't cram lots of sweaters in one container or mold and mildew could form. Winter coats – Zip up zippers, button the buttons, and gently fold coats made of leather, wool, or faux fur so they keep their shape.
Store only clean clothing and items in closets as dirt and other organic substances are potential food sources for mold. Don't pack clothes or other items too tightly in closets. Allow air to circulate between them to reduce moisture. Avoid storing clothes in sealed containers like plastic tubs.
Even if you use the best detergents and fabric cleaners on your clothing, you may notice they come away from your drawers, storage, and closets smelling odd. This is usually due to these tight spaces not being well ventilated, dark, dusty, and full of smelly shoes or dirty clothes.
Add a cup of vinegar or a cup of baking soda to the wash to combat odors. Consider using a clothesline to dry your clothes outside to get a fresh outdoors scent. Use half a cup of pine-scented cleaner in the washer (the pine smell will be eliminated after a cycle in the dryer). Put musty, dry clothing in the freezer.
Plastic storage containers were reusable, snap-tight, and sturdy. Being airtight, they helped prevent food spoilage in the fridge. They also help keep bugs and other pests from eating dry pantry goods. Although they're made of plastic, they're still environmentally friendly by reducing the use of single-use plastics.
Plastic-lidded containers are the best way to store clothes long term as they keep your clothes dry, mould free and secured. If you have any particularly delicate items, make sure your boxes are acid-free and wrap them in tissue paper. You could also add cedar balls to deter moths and keep your clothes extra fresh.
Fabrics such as cashmere and silk do not respond well to being compressed and shrunk in a sealed bag. The pressure that pushes the clothing to shrink will damage your precious silk or cashmere clothes.
To store sweaters, you can use collapsible cotton bins. The advantage here is that the cotton allows the wool sweaters to breathe while keeping dust and pests out. Put the heaviest knits on the bottom. Plastic bins that go under the bed or on the upper shelves of your closet are acceptable, too.
Many people have found that when they come to retrieve their items, they are damp, soiled and in some cases, unsalvageable. If moisture gets into a container before it's sealed, there's a good chance that mildew will grow and fester on your belongings and on the box itself.
The main reason is poor air circulation. When the air becomes trapped in the wardrobe it then settles on the surfaces inside of the wardrobe. When warm air condenses onto a cold surface then this is when the condensation process will start. When dampness builds up this can lead to mould forming on the surface.
As damp fabrics dry, they expel moisture and condense on cold surfaces like a window, mirror, or wall in an unregulated room. This creation of condensation is what causes excess moisture, encouraging mould to grow and spread.
Sealed bags and bins are also the best way to make sure pests don't make a feast out of your clothing. Put everything you can into vacuum bags and then airtight storage bins. This is an especially good choice for bulky items like ski pants or poly-filled winter coats.
Hang large hooks for longer things like hockey sticks and skis, and a rack to hang your coats and other winter clothing. Go for tough, weather resistant storage like plastic boxes, bags, and clothes covers. They'll keep away grime and moisture the best.
Set an expiration date for the items in your closet. If you live in a four-season climate and you haven't worn a piece of clothing in a year, it's probably time to donate it. And if you live in a one- or two-season climate, then you likely should let go of something you haven't worn in the past six months.
