You need to consider the right storage container for your clothes or suffer the consequences. If you're wondering if it's a good idea to keep your clothes in a cardboard box, we have the answer for you. We asked experts about it and here's their answer.
Yes, you can store your clothes in a cardboard box but it's best for short-term and indoor storage only. Cardboard boxes aren't waterproof or insect-proof and offer little protection from damage. For long-term storage, choose plastic bins and fabric containers to help maintain your clothes' great condition.
Keep on reading to know more about the pros and cons of storing clothes in cardboard boxes. We'll also give you tips on how to store clothes in these boxes. We'll also share the best way to store your clothes. and answer if you can store your unused clothes in the garage. Let's get down to business!
Storing Clothes in Cardboard boxes
The truth is, most if not all of us have too many clothes and our problem is how to fit all of them in our closets. It shouldn't be a problem if you have a walk-in closet the size of a bedroom, right?
But most of us just have a regular-sized closet in our room which doesn't really have enough space for our entire wardrobe.
Good thing, we don't need everything in our collection all at the same time. Some clothes are seasonal, others are for your tropical vacation OOTDs, and there are some others that were outgrown by older siblings that you plan to pass on to the younger ones.
That's why we need to do something about those clothes that we don't wear regularly but would still need when the right season, occasion, and the moment comes.
Storing clothes in itself can be a tedious task. More so when you don't have the right storage container for what you're doing. It's either they won't fit inside or the material isn't right for the job.
Pros of Using Cardboard Boxes
Put simply, yes, you can store your clothes in a cardboard box. It is very convenient to use since it's easily available, affordable, comes in different sizes to fit your packing needs, is stackable, and lightweight. It is also very eco-friendly because its material is recyclable.
Check out these cardboard boxes on Amazon.
Cons of Using Cardboard Boxes
However, the durability of cardboard boxes is somewhat questionable. Sure, they have tear-resistant qualities due to their thickness level but they can also be deformed when too much pressure is exerted or you put too many clothes inside for storage.
They have a low endurance to stress from external factors. These boxes are also not waterproof and offer little protection from possible damage. Water can seep through the cardboard material and cause damage to your stored clothes. Insects can also make their way through these boxes and settle inside.
This is why experts recommend storing your clothes in cardboard boxes for short-term storage only. An example is when you're moving to a new house. These boxes are also good to use if you're confident that your indoor storage location won't be affected by moisture and insect problems.
Otherwise, choose a different clothes storage container for your own peace of mind.
How to Store Clothes in Cardboard Boxes
Since cardboard boxes can get deformed if you don't pack your clothes properly, here are some tips for you to maximize this storage solution.
- Choose the right box size. If it's too small, your clothes won't fit in there. Either you won't be able to close it at the top or its bottom would give in and all your clothes would just fall out.
- Assemble the box properly. Put packaging tape on the seams to reinforce its security.
- Put a liner inside the box. It could be made of plastic to give an additional layer of protection to your clothes.
- Fold your clothes properly so that you can fit more items inside the box.
- Don't overpack or overfill the cardboard box. It can get deformed and damaged.
- Put another layer of plastic liner on top.
- Close the box and secure it with packing tape.
- Put a proper label on the box regarding its contents so that it won't be a mystery box.
There you go! That's how you store your clothes in a cardboard box.
What is the best way to store clothes?
As we mentioned earlier, cardboard boxes might not be the best option for you in different circumstances.
When storing your clothes, you have to choose the right container and location. Let's talk about these factors in detail.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
- Location Size: Choose a location that can fit your clothes storage containers. There should be enough space so that you can get rid of the clutter. It could be under your bed, in an unused room, or a designated storage area within the house.
- Climate: Choose a cool, dry, and dark place where you can keep your storage containers. There should be low humidity and light levels to avoid damaging the clothing material. It should be clean and not be infested by pests to ensure that the quality of the clothes is protected.
Choosing the Right Storage Container
What makes a perfect storage container?
- Size: It should be big enough to contain your clothes. At the same time, the size should also fit in your designated storage location.
- Durability: Your storage container should be able to give sufficient protection to your clothes from external elements - dust, insects, moisture, water, among other things.
- Breathable: When it comes to choosing a container, choose one that is not exactly airtight. Rather choose a breathable material so that it won't trap excess heat and moisture.
These factors are important to consider. Outside elements and excess heat can damage clothing material.
Same with moisture as they can lead to mold and mildew growth. They can cause discoloration and deterioration of the condition of your stored clothes. In other words, they won't be fit to wear anymore and that's defeating the purpose of storing them in the first place.
Experts recommend plastic bins and fabric containers for your clothes storage. Just make sure that they have a lid so that you can protect your clothes from dust and insects.
Find these fabric storage boxes on Amazon.
Can I store clothes in the garage?
This is one of the most common questions that we get from our readers and one of the most common mistakes by the unsuspecting person. Some are horrified upon seeing the condition of the clothes that were stored in the garage.
The answer to this question is it would depend on the condition of your garage and how you store your clothes. Some garages maintain a controlled temperature while some don't. As mentioned earlier, it's best to keep clothes in a cool, dry, and dark place to avoid moisture and light issues.
But if your garage has fluctuating temperatures and is prone to water problems and pest infestation, then you're better off looking for a different storage location. These are your enemies when preserving the quality of your clothes.
If you don't have any other place for clothes storage, just make sure that you use the right storage container. You're better off using plastic bins with lids so that you can seal them tightly to keep foreign particles away from your clothing.
Click this link to find these plastic bins on Amazon.
Final Thoughts
It's okay to store your clothes in cardboard boxes if you're just moving to a new house and then unpack them immediately. For longer storage, it would be wise to choose sturdier storage containers so that you can preserve the quality of your clothes.
