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Long Term Clothes Storage
Seasonal clothing can easily be stored in plastic totes; labeling them is best done with masking tape on the lids and sides so you will instantly know what the contents are without having to dig through the containers. If you combine this technique for storage with vacuum bags you can pack a tremendous amount of clothing into a small space. Removing the air from clothing compacts them but when the pressure is released from the side valve the clothes go back to their original, uncompressed state. Sweaters, sweatshirts, jackets and comforters are all items that can easily be compressed with vacuum clothes storage bags. They also help protect them from mold, mildew, insects and water damage.
Winter clothing storage can be one of the toughest challenges for those with a large family. Bulky items can take up a lot of space in storage totes as well as in other storage containers. When preparing things for long term or seasonal storage it helps to weed out the items that you may not need the following year. Items that may be too small or too worn can be donated to local charities. Try to wash and dry clothes with fragrance free detergent and softener so you don't end up with scents locked into clothes when you unpack them from storage.
If you are planning to store things for more than a year, such as engagement wedding gowns or a christening gown, you need to invest in solid plastic storage containers with an air tight seal. The air tight seal will prevent moisture from getting into the container and causing dry rot. It will also keep bugs from getting into clothing and breeding. Long term clothing storage is not that different from seasonal clothing storage but you need heavy duty containers to protect the contents. If you are going to be moving the containers to a storage facility you may want to consider putting them on pallets so they are elevated off of the floor. This will help protect the containers and contents in case of water leaks or flooding. Most storage facilities offer pallets free of charge and will help with getting them in to your storage unit.
If you want to be super organized when packing things away for storage you can created lists of the specific items and tape them to the sides of storage totes. Some people prefer to use China marking pencils but if items are going to be stored for more than a few months there is a risk of it rubbing off or smearing. Several companies manufacture plastic storage containers specifically for long term clothing storage but they can be costly if you require more than a few of them. With a little bit of planning you can use large or oversized totes and accomplish the same thing at a fraction of the price.
In addition to clothing, other household items can be easily prepared for long term storage. Toys, seasonal decorations, housewares and baby clothes top the list of things that are most commonly prepared for storage using plastic totes. Wrapping and padding these items will ensure that they are protected when being stored as well as if they need to be relocated while in storage. To save space you can pack some of these items with clothes that won't be needed until the following year. Sweatshirts, heavy socks and flannel shirts all provide more than enough padding to protect decorations and slightly fragile items.