Ethan Clarke
Storing an entire wardrobe effectively can be a challenge, but it is a great way to declutter and preserve special garments. It is important to select the right containers and storage space to maintain the quality and longevity of your clothes. Plastic drawers and containers are a popular choice for storing clothes, offering enhanced protection against moisture, pests and dust. This guide will explore the best ways to store your entire wardrobe in plastic drawers and containers, covering sorting, cleaning, folding and stacking techniques, as well as the benefits and limitations of using plastic for long-term clothing storage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Containers | Opt for sturdy, non-airtight, lidded plastic containers that snap shut. |
| Container contents | Group clothing by season and activity. |
| Container placement | Store containers in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated space. |
| Stacking order | Put heavier items into containers first, then place the filled containers at the bottom of the stack. |
| Protection | Use silica gel desiccant packets, acid-free tissue paper, and cedar blocks or sachets to protect against moisture, discolouration, and pests. |
| Hangers | Choose wooden or padded hangers over wire or metal hangers to preserve the integrity of your garments. |
| Covering | Use a cotton sheet instead of plastic to protect against dust and light while allowing clothes to breathe. |
| Organisation | Label containers and establish an inventory system to keep track of your stored items. |
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What You'll Learn
- Stacking drawers/containers: Stack them with wardrobe boxes on top
- Choosing containers: Opt for non-airtight, lidded plastic containers to prevent mould
- Preparing clothes: Declutter, clean and repair clothes before storing
- Folding clothes: Learn how to fold to save space and prevent wrinkles
- Hanger type: Avoid wire and metal hangers; opt for wooden or padded hangers
Stacking drawers/containers: Stack them with wardrobe boxes on top
When storing your entire wardrobe, it is important to consider the type of clothing you own and what you need to store it effectively. Stacking drawers or containers is a great way to maximise your space, especially if you opt for stackable plastic drawers or containers. This method allows you to create a vertical storage unit that makes the most of your space.
Firstly, ensure that all the clothing you plan to store is thoroughly washed and dried. This is a vital step to prevent the growth of mould and mildew, which can cause damage and odours. If you are storing delicate items, consider using a wardrobe box designed for hanging garments. Avoid metal hangers, as they can stretch fabric and may rust or damage clothing. Instead, opt for wooden or padded hangers.
When using plastic drawers or containers, you can stack them without worry. However, if you are using cardboard boxes, be cautious not to stack anything too heavy on top. Wardrobe boxes are typically large, measuring 2 x 2 feet wide and 4 feet tall, so they are ideal for stacking on top of your plastic drawers or containers. This will provide a stable base for your more bulky items.
To make the most of your vertical storage, you can also use bed risers to create more room under your bed for additional storage containers. Stacking your drawers or containers with wardrobe boxes on top is a great way to optimise your space and keep your wardrobe organised and accessible.
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Choosing containers: Opt for non-airtight, lidded plastic containers to prevent mould
When storing your wardrobe in plastic drawers or containers, it's important to take steps to prevent mould and mildew growth. While plastic containers offer better protection against moisture than cardboard or fabric, they can still trap moisture, creating an environment for mould to thrive.
To prevent mould, opt for non-airtight, lidded plastic containers. Airtight containers can promote mould growth if there is any trapped moisture inside. By choosing non-airtight containers, you allow for airflow, which helps prevent moisture buildup. Make sure the containers have tight-fitting lids to keep out dust and pests while still allowing for some air circulation.
If you're storing your wardrobe in a humid environment, take extra precautions to prevent moisture infiltration. You can place your containers on raised wooden pallets or shelving panels to keep them off the floor and avoid direct contact with moisture. Additionally, consider using moisture-absorbing products like silica gel or desiccant packs inside your containers to absorb any excess moisture.
Another way to prevent mould is to insulate your containers, especially if you're storing them in a cold environment like a garage. You can use tape or glue to attach wool or cotton, such as old blankets, to the inside of your containers. This will not only decrease the chances of mould by regulating temperature and humidity but also provide an extra layer of protection for your clothing.
Finally, always make sure the clothing you plan to store is thoroughly cleaned and dried before placing them in the containers. Unwashed clothing can harbour mould and mildew, leading to unpleasant odours and potential damage to your wardrobe. By following these steps, you can effectively prevent mould and maintain the quality and longevity of your stored clothing.
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Preparing clothes: Declutter, clean and repair clothes before storing
Preparing your clothes before storing them is crucial to ensuring they remain in good condition. Here are some detailed tips on decluttering, cleaning, and repairing your clothes before storing them in plastic drawers or containers:
Decluttering:
- Go through your wardrobe and separate items by category, such as sorting all black leggings or old t-shirts together. This makes it easier to identify duplicates and decide what to keep or discard.
- Use a three-pile system: one pile for items to keep, another for donations, and a third for trash.
- Let go of items you haven't worn in the last two years, even if they still have tags. Don't hold on to something just because it was expensive. Consider selling or consigning these items instead.
- Consider out-of-style clothing carefully. Unless you're into vintage clothing, don't keep something with the hope that it will come back into style in a few years.
- Make a list of items you need to replace. This can be a great opportunity to explore thrift stores and find unique pieces.
Cleaning:
- Wash or dry clean your clothes before storing them, even if they don't appear dirty. This will prevent set-in stains and odours.
- Ensure your clothes are completely dry before placing them in storage. Moisture can lead to mildew and mould growth and cause musty smells.
- Remove plastic bags from dry-cleaned garments to avoid trapping moisture.
- Pack your clothes with moisture absorbers, lavender sachets, cedar blocks, or dryer sheets to prevent odours and impart a pleasant scent.
Repairing:
- Inspect your clothes for any holes, tears, or snags that need to be fixed.
- For fabric repairs, use a piece of fabric in a similar colour and material to cover the hole. Secure it with pins and hand-sew around the edges, then trim any excess fabric.
- For knitwear repairs, use darning techniques. Thread a needle and sew in a circular motion around the hole, pulling the thread tight to close it up. Secure the thread with a knot on the inside of the garment and trim any excess.
- Reinforce high-stress areas like elbows or knees with additional fabric to prevent premature wear and tear.
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Folding clothes: Learn how to fold to save space and prevent wrinkles
When it comes to folding clothes, there are several techniques to save space and prevent wrinkles. Here are some tips to help you fold your clothes efficiently and effectively:
Rolling vs. Folding
One popular method for saving space and preventing wrinkles is rolling your clothes. Rolling creates equal-sized parcels of clothing that can be tucked together neatly, reducing wasted space and minimizing movement. It is particularly effective for soft, lightweight clothing such as pants, T-shirts, jeans, and some tops. To roll your clothes, lay the item flat on a surface, smooth out any wrinkles, and then roll it tightly, starting from the bottom and moving upwards.
However, rolling may not be suitable for all garments. Lighter fabrics may not hold their shape well when rolled, and bulkier items like winter coats and thick sweaters are better folded.
Folding Techniques
If you choose to fold your clothes, there are specific techniques to minimize wrinkles and save space. One popular method is the KonMari fold, which involves folding a shirt into thirds, leaving one extra inch at the top and bottom of each fold to avoid wrinkles, and ensuring there are no gaps. Another technique is to fold the bottom of the shirt up by 3-4 inches, smooth out wrinkles, and then fold it into thirds, before folding in the sleeves and then folding the shirt in half lengthwise and again into thirds.
Additional Tips
- Utilize different compartments, pockets, and zippered pouches in your luggage to separate items and keep clothes wrinkle-free.
- Use packing cubes or folders to separate clothing and prevent movement during travel, reducing wrinkles.
- Smooth out any wrinkles before folding or rolling to start the process wrinkle-free.
- Hang up your clothes as soon as possible after reaching your destination to minimize wrinkles.
- Plan your outfits and use garment bags to keep suits or formalwear wrinkle-free.
By combining rolling and folding techniques and utilizing these additional tips, you can effectively save space and prevent wrinkles when storing your wardrobe in plastic drawers or containers.
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Hanger type: Avoid wire and metal hangers; opt for wooden or padded hangers
When storing your wardrobe in plastic drawers or containers, it is important to consider the type of hanger you use. While wire hangers and metal hangers might seem like a good option due to their low cost and space-saving design, they can actually cause more harm than good to your clothes.
One of the main issues with wire hangers is that they can misshape your garments. The thin metal wire can stretch and sag under the weight of the fabric, leaving your clothes with puckers or dents, especially in the shoulder areas. This can be especially problematic for delicate fabrics or bulky items such as suits and coats. Additionally, the metal twist where the hanger hooks onto the rail can snag your clothing and cause irreparable damage.
Metal hangers also come with their own set of problems. Firstly, they have the potential to rust, which can then transfer to your garments and ruin the fabric. Secondly, they are not sturdy enough to support heavier items. If you hang pants or coats on a thin metal hanger, it will likely bend and leave your clothes wrinkled and scrunched up.
To avoid these issues, it is best to opt for wooden or padded hangers. Wooden hangers are sturdy and durable, providing long-term support for your clothes without warping or stretching. They are also less likely to cause rust stains on your garments. Padded hangers offer a similar level of support while also providing a soft surface for your clothes to hang on, reducing the risk of wrinkles.
By choosing the right type of hanger, you can ensure that your clothes remain in good condition while being stored in plastic drawers or containers. This will help you maintain the quality and longevity of your wardrobe.
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Frequently asked questions
It is best to use 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.
Before storing your clothes, ensure that they are thoroughly washed and dried. Unwashed clothing can harbour mould and mildew, leading to unpleasant odours and potential damage.
For anything that can stand a few folds, fold your clothes properly to save space. For delicate items that need to be hung, use a wardrobe box with wooden or padded hangers to preserve the integrity of your garments.
When using plastic bins, put heavier items in first to protect more delicate clothing from unnecessary pressure. You can also separate each item with acid-free tissue paper to protect your fabrics from discolouration.
Ensure that your storage space is cool, dry, and dark, and has consistent temperatures. Avoid attics and garages, as these places typically have unstable temperatures that can damage textiles.
