How to properly store clothes in the garage so they don't spoil
Follow these simple rules to extend the life of your clothes.
If you love everything related to fashion and can't resist buying cute little things, you probably don't have enough space to store seasonal clothes. Whether it's the dress you wore to prom or last year's cardigan, you don't want to part with some special things. But you also don't have room for them in your bedroom closet. What to do? In a pinch, a garage can come in handy. However, it's important to know how to store clothes in a garage correctly, otherwise there is a risk that they may spoil.
Why? It's not the best storage conditions, because experts usually recommend storing clothes in cool, dry rooms. But MigNews understands that sometimes there is no other choice. That's why we're sharing a useful guide for you.
What you need to know before storing things in a garage
To avoid ruining your clothes, there are a few things you need to know. One storage mistake that can ruin your clothes is not cleaning them before storing them. The longer a stain sits, the more time it has to become a permanent part of your clothes. Clothes should be stain-free and freshly laundered before storing them.
The garage should also be tidied up – sweep out all the leaves and cobwebs. Throw out some items that are no longer used for their intended purpose.
You will have more storage space and a cleaner environment to keep your clothes fresh.
How to Store Clothes in a Garage
In general, we don't recommend storing clothes (especially sentimental or valuable ones) in a garage. However, if you have no other choice, it's worth taking a few steps to protect your clothes from pests and moisture.
The best compact storage for clothes is vacuum bags. They help keep your clothes in almost the same condition they were in when you first put them away. However, as safe as plastic bags may seem, they trap moisture, which can create the perfect environment for mold to grow. Make sure your clothes are completely dry before you put them in plastic bags.
Then, find airtight containers (i.e., not cardboard boxes) to store your vacuum-sealed plastic bags in. They’re super easy to stack and save a lot of space. Clear boxes may seem logical, but constant exposure to sunlight can cause the bright colors of your clothes to fade.
Line the inside with cedar shavings to deter pests and preserve freshness. Don't forget to label the container for easy identification, experts advise.
It's best to place containers high off the ground, such as on shelves attached to the ceiling. If that's not possible, place them away from the garage door so that rain doesn't fall directly on them. Installing a dehumidifier in the garage can also help prevent mold from forming on clothes.
Do a regular inspection
Check your clothing storage containers regularly to make sure they are completely closed and securely fastened. Source: pexels.com
It is a good idea to check your storage containers once a month, just to look at them and make sure they are dry and clean. If not, take a closer look to see what the problem might be. The sooner you spot problems, the sooner you can fix them, which is especially helpful during times of high humidity and pest infestation.
If you know you will be taking your clothes out of storage in the coming days or weeks, do a final check to see how well they have held up over the off-season. It's a shame if something gets ruined during storage, but at least it gives you time to replace seasonal clothes.
The space under the bed can also be useful for storing certain things. But what exactly can't be stored there? We talked about this here.
