Is There A Good Way To Store Clothing In A Garage Without Ruining It?

If you love everything fashion-related and cannot resist buying cute apparel, you're probably running out of space to store seasonal clothes. Whether it's a dress you wore to prom or last year's cardigan, you don't want to part with some extra-special pieces — but you also don't have room for them in your bedroom closet. If a lack of storage is the reason you feel forced to pair down your wardrobe, before you begin donating items you're still in love with, there's a simple solution. Although experts recommend storing clothes in cool, dry places, not everyone wants to keep their seasonal apparel in expensive climate-controlled storage facilities miles away from home. While storing apparel in a garage might give you pause, when items are packed correctly and there's no other option, clothes can potentially be stored in the this location. However, they should be vacuum-sealed in bags and then placed in airtight containers. 

There are also some things you need to know to ensure your clothes aren't ruined. One storage mistake that can ruin your clothes is not cleaning them before storing them away. The longer a stain sits, the more time it has to become a permanent part of your apparel. Clothes should be free of stains and freshly-laundered before being stored away. The garage should be cleaned, too — sweep out any leaves or spider webs. Now might also be a great time to declutter your garage by tossing out certain items that no longer serve a purpose. You'll have more storage space and a cleaner environment for maintaining the freshness of your items.

Overall, we wouldn't recommend keeping clothes (especially highly-sentimental or valuable pieces) in the garage, just in case. However, if you have no other option, there are a few steps to take to protect your garments from pests and humidity. The best space-saving storage items for clothes are vacuum-sealed bags. They help preserve clothing in nearly the same condition as when you stored them. However, as safe as plastic bags may appear, they hold in moisture, which can create the perfect environment for mold. Before folding your clothes into these plastic bags, make sure they're completely dry. 

Next, pick any size of airtight containers (i.e., not cardboard boxes) to hold the vacuum-sealed plastic bags. They're super easy to stack and can save tons of space. Clear boxes might seem logical, but consistent exposure to sunlight can cause the vibrant colors of your fashion to fade. We recommend the Project Source Commander Heavy Duty Tote at Lowe's. The waterproof black tote has an airtight lid that snaps on and protects the inside contents from bugs and moisture. Put cedar chips inside to deter pests and maintain freshness. Don't forget to slap a label on the container for easier identification. 

The best area to put your containers is up high and off the ground, like on shelves attached to the ceiling. If this isn't an option, stack them further away from the garage door so rain can't blow directly onto them. Installing a dehumidifier in the garage will also help prevent mold growth on your garments. Regularly inspect your clothes bins to ensure they are fully closed and secure.