To store clothes long term, wash or dry clean everything first, make sure it's completely dry, then pack it in clean, sturdy containers with a moth deterrent and keep it somewhere dry and dark. Use vacuum bags for bulky everyday items but not for wool, leather or anything delicate. Hang structured garments in wardrobe boxes so they keep their shape.
Wash everything before it goes in
This is the step people skip and regret. Clothes that look clean can carry invisible body oils, sweat, food traces and perfume. Over months these can turn yellow, set as stains and attract moths and other insects, which are drawn to dirty natural fibres.
- Wash or dry clean everything, even items worn once.
- Skip fabric softener and starch, which can attract pests or weaken fibres over time.
- Make sure everything is bone dry before packing. Damp clothes in a sealed box are a recipe for mould.
- Empty pockets and do up zips and buttons so they don't snag.
Vacuum bags: pros and cons
Vacuum storage bags are brilliant for saving space, but they aren't right for everything.
| Good for | Avoid for |
|---|---|
| Duvets, pillows and spare bedding | Wool, cashmere and other natural knits over long periods |
| Synthetic jackets and fleeces | Leather, suede and fur |
| Everyday cotton t-shirts and joggers | Tailored suits, structured coats and anything with padding you want to keep |
| Short and medium-term storage | Wedding dresses, christening gowns and heirlooms |
Compressing natural fibres for a long time can crush them and leave deep creases. Fully sealed bags also trap any moisture inside. For long stays, breathable cotton storage bags or lidded plastic boxes with a little airflow are often a better choice.
Keeping moths and pests away
Clothes moths love wool, cashmere, silk and fur, especially if it's unwashed. To protect your clothes:
- Clean everything first (moths go for dirty fibres).
- Use sealed plastic boxes or tightly closed garment bags for natural fibres.
- Add cedar blocks, cedar balls or lavender sachets. They need refreshing over time, so swap them if you visit the unit.
- Avoid cardboard boxes for long-term clothing storage where you can, as cardboard can absorb moisture and attract pests.
Wardrobe boxes and hanging clothes
Wardrobe boxes are tall cardboard boxes with a hanging rail inside. They're perfect for moving and for shorter stays, because you take clothes straight from the wardrobe and hang them up with no folding. Removals firms and many storage stores sell them.
For hanging clothes in storage:
- Use sturdy wooden or padded hangers, not thin wire ones that leave marks.
- Cover garments in breathable cotton garment bags rather than dry cleaner plastic.
- Store heavy knitwear folded, not hung, so it doesn't stretch.
Put wardrobe boxes at the front of the unit or along one side so they don't get crushed by heavier items.
Wedding dresses and special items
Wedding dresses, christening gowns, vintage pieces and anything sentimental deserve extra care. Have them professionally cleaned first, as some stains (like champagne or sugar) are invisible at first but discolour later. Ask the cleaner about preservation boxing if you want extra peace of mind. Then store them flat or loosely folded in an acid-free archival box, padded with acid-free tissue paper at the folds. Avoid hanging heavy dresses long term, as the weight can stretch the shoulders and seams. Keep them off the floor and away from anything that could leak.
Choosing the right unit
Clothes take up less room than people expect, so a small unit or locker is often enough if they're the only thing you're storing. If they're going in with furniture, see our storage unit size guide. For fabrics, a clean, dry indoor unit is usually the safest choice. Our guide to container vs indoor storage explains why. Storing bedding too? See how to store a mattress.
Need a small, dry space for clothes and personal items? Tell us what you need and every suitable store near you can send you a price.
