Although the year just started, before you know it, the weather will warm up, and those heavy coats and bulky sweaters will simply take up space. Instead of leaving them in your closet, you can temporarily store them in a self storage unit during the warmer months. Renting a unit will help you declutter your closet and make it easy to create the most stylish outfits for spring and summer. However, you can't simply pack everything in a box and throw it in the unit. Before storing it for months on end, here's what you need to do.

What to Do Before Putting Clothes in Storage

1. Clean and Dry Everything

To ensure your seasonal clothes are good to go when you take them back out, they must be pristine when packed. Furthermore, clothes with remnants of body oils, sweat, and fragrances are more likely to attract pests, like moths, that can eat through the fabric. Any stains that aren't treated will also darken over time. Invest some time to properly wash seasonal clothes or take them to the dry cleaners before packing them away. 

2. Use the Right Materials

Because your clothes will be in a storage unit, rigid plastic boxes are ideal. Not only are these harder to pierce than a cardboard box or plastic bag, but they'll also allow you to keep some space between and around the fabric. Vacuum sealing items in a plastic bag leaves wrinkles and the possibility of mildew. Using a plastic box provides airflow and allows the fibers to breathe. Don't forget to add some cedar sachets, blocks, or balls to every box to help mitigate moisture buildup and repel moths.

3. Sort and Label Properly

Take inventory and label everything you're putting into the storage unit. Resist the urge to store as much as possible in a single box. Separating the items by general categories like "coats," "tops," "bottoms," and "accessories" will make it easier for you to get what you need when you need it. Write and photograph everything that's going in a box and which boxes hold what. 

To keep your out-of-season clothing safe and clean, rent a unit at Carolina Self Storage in Archdale, NC. They have a variety of unit sizes at affordable prices, so if you have more than just clothes to store, they'll help you make space in your home. You can learn more about their storage unit sizes and rates on their website, but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to call them at (336) 434-4367.