Ethan Clarke
Storing an entire wardrobe effectively is a nuanced task that requires careful consideration of the clothing items and the storage space. The right approach involves selecting appropriate storage containers, choosing a suitable unit, and implementing strategies to prevent moisture, pests, and odours from damaging your clothes. This guide will explore the best practices for storing an entire wardrobe in plastic drawers and containers, ensuring your garments remain in good condition. From sorting and cleaning to stacking and organising, we will cover everything you need to know to maximise space and maintain the quality of your clothing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Containers | Plastic bins with lids that snap shut are ideal for storing clothes. Avoid cardboard, as it offers limited moisture control and is susceptible to humidity and water damage. |
| Container characteristics | Choose clear bins to see the contents inside. If exposed to light, use dark bins to prevent fabric fading. |
| Inventory system | Establish an inventory system to maintain organisation and enable easy access to clothing items. |
| Stacking | Stack plastic bins without worrying about weight. If using cardboard, be careful not to stack heavy items on top. |
| Placement | Place seasonal clothes at the front of the unit for easy access. |
| Cleaning | Clean and thoroughly dry clothing before storage. |
| Moisture control | Use moisture absorbers, silica gel desiccant packets, and ensure containers are properly sealed. |
| Odour control | Pack cedar or lavender sachets, or dryer sheets to impart a pleasant smell. |
| Storage space | Choose a cool, dry, dark space with consistent temperatures. Avoid attics and garages due to unstable temperatures. |
| Hanging | Avoid wire and metal hangers as they can damage fabric. Opt for wooden or padded hangers. |
| Folding | Fold clothes properly to save space and prevent wrinkles. For delicate items, rolling reduces wrinkles and hard crease lines. |
| Grouping | Group clothing by season and activity. |
| Labelling | Label containers with their contents for easy identification. |
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What You'll Learn
Stacking drawers/containers
Stacking drawers or containers is a great way to store your entire wardrobe efficiently, especially if you are short on space. Stackable drawers are designed to be adaptable and flexible, allowing you to create a customised storage system that suits your needs. You can stack them to build a vertical storage unit, maximising your space, or spread them out for easy access.
When stacking drawers, it is important to ensure they are stable and secure, especially if you are stacking multiple drawers on top of each other. Look for stackable drawers that are designed to interlock or securely attach to each other to prevent them from toppling over.
Clear plastic drawers are a popular option for wardrobe storage as they allow you to easily see the contents inside. This can be helpful when you need to quickly find a specific item of clothing. However, if your storage space is exposed to light, consider opaque or coloured drawers to prevent fabric fading.
When using stackable drawers, it is important to consider the weight distribution. Place heavier items at the bottom of the drawers to create a stable base and prevent the stack from becoming top-heavy. Additionally, avoid overpacking the drawers, as proper airflow is necessary to keep your clothes fresh.
Stackable drawers are a versatile and convenient option for wardrobe storage, offering flexibility and durability. By following these tips, you can effectively utilise stacking drawers to store your entire wardrobe in a space-saving and organised manner.
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Choosing the right plastic drawers/containers
When choosing plastic drawers or containers for your wardrobe, there are several factors to consider to ensure your clothing stays in good condition. Firstly, it is important to select containers that offer protection from moisture, pests, and dust. Opt for sturdy plastic bins that seal shut, as these provide better protection than cardboard boxes or plastic bags, which can trap moisture and attract pests. Non-airtight, lidded plastic containers are recommended as they allow clothes to breathe while also offering protection. To further prevent moisture, you can use silica gel desiccant packets and ensure your clothing and containers are clean and dry before packing. Additionally, use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to repel pests and impart a pleasant smell.
The type of clothing you are storing will also influence your choice of containers. For delicate clothing, consider using acid-free archival boxes for extra protection. Fabric or canvas bins are another option for delicate fabrics as they are breathable, although they may be more expensive. For hanging garments, wardrobe boxes with a hanging bar are ideal, and it is recommended to use wooden or padded hangers to preserve the integrity of your garments. If you need to fold your clothes, watch a video or read a guide on how to fold clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles.
The size of the containers and the amount of clothing you have are also important considerations. Wardrobe boxes are typically 2 x 2 feet wide and 4 feet tall, fitting 8-10 articles of clothing. Plastic bins should not be overfilled, as clothes need room to breathe, and heavier items should be placed in first to protect delicate items. Clear bins allow you to easily see the contents, but if your storage area receives light, choose darker bins to prevent fabric fading. Under-the-bed containers are also an option to maximise space, and bed risers can be used to create more room.
Lastly, organisation and labelling are key to effectively storing your wardrobe in plastic containers. Group clothing by season and activity, and label the containers so you can easily access what you need. An inventory system can help maintain organisation, and it is recommended to take clothing out annually to let them air out and check their condition.
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Preparing clothes for storage
Next, sort through the clothing to empty pockets and check for any items that need to be washed, dry-cleaned, or repaired. It is important to ensure that all clothing is thoroughly cleaned and dried before storing it to prevent the transfer of stains and odours to other items. It is also beneficial to remove any stains before storage, as they can become harder to remove over time.
After sorting and cleaning, fold or roll your clothes. Rolling garments can help to reduce wrinkles and crease lines, but if you are planning on storing clothes for a long time, it is recommended to refold them every one to two years to prevent permanent creasing. When folding or rolling, place heavier items, like denim jackets, at the bottom of the container to protect more delicate clothing. Additionally, separate each item with acid-free tissue paper to prevent discolouration.
Finally, add extra protective measures to your containers to maintain the quality of your clothing. Use silica gel desiccant packets to absorb any moisture, and include cedar chips or lavender sachets to repel pests and keep your items smelling fresh.
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Using silica gel/cedar blocks/moisture absorbers
When storing your entire wardrobe in plastic drawers or containers, it's important to consider the role that humidity can play in damaging your clothes. This is where silica gel comes in. Silica gel has absorbent and dehydrating properties, making it a precious ally in protecting your clothing from damage caused by humidity, such as the formation of mould stains. To use silica gel effectively, opt for silica gel bags with standard sachet wrapping, in sizes of 120 or 240 grams. The number of bags you'll need depends on the quantity of clothing. Place these sachets inside plastic bags, preferably thick ones that are tightly closed, along with your clothing items. This reduces the amount of air that needs to be dehumidified, enhancing the action of the silica gel. You can also use vacuum packing in conjunction with silica gel bags for added protection.
It's important to note that silica gel doesn't last forever and will need to be replaced periodically. To determine if your silica gel is still effective, you can opt for indicating desiccant sachets that change colour once they've reached their absorption capacity. Alternatively, you can periodically check the desiccant bags to ensure they're still functioning adequately.
If you're concerned about unpleasant odours, you can pair silica gel with activated carbon, which is effective in removing and preventing bad smells. Additionally, you can include cedar or lavender sachets, or even dryer sheets, to impart a pleasant fragrance to your stored clothing.
Another natural solution for maintaining your wardrobe is cedar blocks. Cedar blocks are a traditional remedy for moth prevention, helping to preserve your garments. They are an effective alternative to chemical-based mothballs, which can be dangerous if ingested by children or pets.
By incorporating silica gel, moisture absorbers, and cedar blocks into your plastic drawer or container storage system, you can effectively protect your wardrobe from the damaging effects of humidity and insects while maintaining a pleasant fragrance.
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Storing delicate clothing
When storing clothing, it is important to choose a dry, dark, and cool environment. Garments stored in attics or garages may experience extreme temperature fluctuations, which can damage the fabric. Climate-controlled units are ideal as they maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels, providing an optimal environment for long-term clothing storage.
Before packing delicate clothing, ensure that they are thoroughly washed and dried. Stains and dirt can oxidise over time, attracting moths and other pests. It is also important to ensure that the storage containers are clean and dry.
When packing delicate clothing, it is recommended to use fabric or canvas bins as these materials are breathable. These are a better option for delicate fabrics such as silk or cashmere. For hanging garments, use a wardrobe box with a hanging bar. Avoid using metal hangers as they can stretch fabric and may rust in humid conditions. Instead, opt for wooden or padded hangers. When covering the box, use a cotton sheet instead of plastic to protect against dust and light while allowing your clothes to breathe.
To prevent moisture, use airtight plastic storage bins. Silica gel desiccant packets can also be used to absorb any moisture inside the containers. It is important to not overpack the bins as they require some airflow to keep the clothes fresh.
To keep your clothes smelling fresh, add dryer sheets or cedar and lavender sachets. Regularly rotate your wardrobe to prevent permanent creasing and check for any signs of pests, dust accumulation, water damage, or emerging stains.
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Frequently asked questions
Before packing, ensure that all the clothing you plan to store is thoroughly washed and dried. This step is vital for preserving the longevity of your items. Unwashed clothing can harbour mould and mildew, leading to unpleasant odours and potential damage.
It is best to use sturdy, non-airtight, lidded plastic containers for storing your clothes. While airtight containers can trap moisture and odours, storage bins allow your clothes' fine fibres to breathe while also protecting them against pests and compaction.
For anything that can stand a few folds, fold your clothes to save space and prevent wrinkles. For delicate items that need to be hung, use a wardrobe box with a hanging bar. Always avoid using metal hangers as they can stretch fabric and may rust. Instead, choose wooden or padded hangers.
To maintain your garments in long-term storage, give them a little attention each year. Textiles need to breathe, so make an effort to take your clothes out of their containers annually and let them air out for a few hours.
