Storing Clothes Guide – For Long-Term Storage
While certain methods for storing clothes may work short-term, not all are suitable for long-term storage if you want to keep garments in the best condition.
Want to know how to store clothes for day-to-day use? Visit our other guide here.
How do I properly store clothes long-term?
There may be times when you need to store clothes for an extended period. This could be during a move or if you rotate out seasonal items, which can be handy for helping to free up space in your everyday wardrobe or on the shop floor.
Before storing clothes, make sure they’re cleaned and dried thoroughly to prevent moisture from getting trapped inside boxes or bags. It’s also important to consider the storage environment and whether there is any risk of damp, and if so, taking extra precautions to protect your clothing. Using storage boxes with secure lids can help keep moisture out while also allowing for easy stacking to save space.
Storage Boxes can be used to hold a variety of items, and are useful way to store clothes, helping to protect from dust and damp.
Featured above: Chrome Wire Clothes Rack with 1 x Rail & 3 x Shelves
How should I prepare clothes for long-term storage?
We’ve highlighted the importance of thoroughly cleaning and drying clothes before storing them to prevent mould and mildew.
When it comes to storing clothes, there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Different types of garments require tailored storage methods to maintain their appearance and, most importantly, extend their lifespan.
If you’re storing clothes in storage boxes, arrange clothes so that heavy garments are at the bottom of the box and lighter ones are on top. Alternatively, you can organise your clothes, so they’re folded but arranged vertically; similar to how you’d align books on a shelf. This works well for many garments, including knitwear, t-shirts, and jeans.
To further protect your clothes, consider placing acid-free tissue paper between items to prevent dye transfer. Adding natural moth repellents like cedar balls can also keep your clothes fresh and free from pests.
There are different ways to fold and store clothes. Stacking works well for lightweight items in clear boxes, where everything’s visible. For heavier garments or opaque boxes, storing clothes upright makes it easier to find what you need.
Is it better to store clothes in plastic boxes or cardboard boxes?
For storing clothes, choose airtight plastic boxes over cardboard boxes. While all clothes should be kept in a cool, dry and dark place for long-term storage, plastic containers offer extra protection by sealing out moisture. In contrast, cardboard boxes can be damaged by moisture and are more susceptible to damage from pests.
If there’s a chance that the boxes could be exposed to sunlight, opt for opaque plastic boxes to shield garments from UV rays. Clear Plastic Boxes are a great option for storage in enclosed or shaded environments.
While cardboard boxes can be folded when not in use, repeated folding can weaken them over time. Plastic boxes, whilst typically not foldable, are often designed to be stackable, helping to save space when not in use.
Opaque Storage Boxes can help to protect stored items from the elements and sun damage.
Featured above: Grey Upcycled Heavy Duty Storage Box
Where is the best place to store clothes for long-term?
Ideally, clothes should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place. At home, this might be an attic or cellar, if available. Other common storage spots include the garage, utility room, or built-in storage areas, like under the stairs. For something more accessible, under-the-bed storage can be a useful and discreet option that keeps items close at hand. If you're short on space or simply want to free up room at home, a dedicated storage facility is also worth considering.
A Wall-Mounted Hanging Rail can be a simple way to install storage into awkward areas, like under the stairs, allowing you to hang up coats and accessories, while preserving floor space.
Featured above: 2m Alcove Hanging Rail with 1 Support Arm
What are the options for clothing storage?
Freestanding solutions like Clothes Rails, clothes racks (or Open Wardrobes) offer flexible storage and are often fitted with castor wheels, making it easy to move them between rooms or storage areas. They’re a convenient choice, but if you're storing clothes long-term, think about which garments to hang up, as some fabrics or shapes may lose their form over time.
Clothes Racks come in various styles, with some featuring multiple rails and shelves, allowing you to hang garments and store folded items or boxes all in one unit.
Chrome Wire Shelving is another great option, especially for holding storage boxes. It works well in utility rooms, garages, or spare rooms, and can be useful for keeping stored clothes organised in attic or cellars, if space allows.
For heavier-duty needs, Industrial Shelving is a strong and dependable choice. Built to handle commercial weight loads, it’s perfect for garages or stockrooms and can easily support large, packed storage boxes.
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Everything You Need to Know About Clothing Rails