How to Safely Store your Clothes during Winter

It’s that time of the year, when comfy sweaters, jeans, jackets and hats are the most common apparel. But what about all those fun, colorful summer clothes? What if you don’t have the space in your closet and need to change your clothing out seasonally.

If that’s the case then no worries, Cook has you covered with these tips for the smart storage of your off-season clothing to ensure it stays in the same condition come springtime. A great place to keep all those items for summertime fun including clothing, shoes, sports equipment, etc. is in a Cook Portable Warehouse.

So just follow these simple steps to keep your clothes looking and smelling great throughout winter.

Clean before storing

It’s critical to wash or dry clean all clothes before storing them. Those lingering oils from deodorant, perfume, etc. can discolor fabric over time and any overlooked stains will have a chance to set in. Pests like moth larvae, carpet beetles and more are attracted to stains and feed on the natural fibers in clothes.

Be smart about storage

The right type of storage container is essential to keep your spring and summer clothes in the best shape. Use plastic storage or fabric bins to store clean clothes. Zippered or vacuum bags are also a secure place to protect clothing from bugs.

Another smart storage option is clean, unused suitcases lined with acid-free tissue or cedar lined storage containers. Mothballs, lavender sachets or cedar blocks work well to keep those insects away, but it’s important to use mothballs sparingly.

T-shirts, shorts, skirts, etc. should be neatly folded with the heaviest fabrics on the bottom. If you have to hang items, use the hanging loops to prevent garments from becoming misshapen and wrap clothes in a breathable fabric. Use tissue paper inside shoes and in between any items with embellishments to prevent fibers from snagging.

Store similar items together

One of the essential rules of a smart organizational structure is keeping similar items together to make the storing and unpacking process easier for clothes and accessories.

Just in case a last minute trip to the Caribbean comes up (we wish!) keep a resort bag with the essentials. Pack a couple pair of shorts, t-shirts, flip-flops and bathing suits. Then, you won’t have to rummage around looking for the right things.

Find the right storage space

It’s important to store clothes in clean, dark, dry and cool spaces, such as a closet, under a bed or in a secure Cook building. Temperatures around 70 degrees or less are ideal to prevent colors from fading so avoid storing clothes in a musty attic or a humid basement. Here are 7 more steps to free up some space in your closets.

It’s key to find a dry space because wetness will attract mildew and insects. Our Cook Smart Roof design includes Fiberglass shingles, OSB Decking with waterproof adhesives and the drip edge helps prevents water damage. We also use pressure-treated materials for lumber that protects against fungal decay and terminate damage.

Learn more about the features that make our buildings better than the rest! Or see the Cook Difference for yourself by clicking below and learning about the 6 features that differentiate our storage solutions during any season.