How To Store Clothes in a Garage

Many of us have clothes we wear at different seasons of the year. This makes storing them for short and long periods a top priority. To help you ensure your clothes remain in good condition, we researched ways to help you store them in a garage; here are our findings.

To store clothes properly in a garage, you should keep these three most essential points in mind.

  1. Your clothes must be properly packed.
  2. The temperature of your garage should be neutral and conducive.
  3. Use the proper storage container.

Different clothing materials have ideal storage temperatures. Some are best packed, while some are best hanged. Keep reading to learn more points and tips to store your clothes in a garage successfully.

Tables full of dishes, toys, and children's clothing for sorting at a typical American garage, How To Store Clothes in a Garage

How to Store Clothes in a Garage [Tips and Steps]

Garage full of cartons and belongings for move

Garages are typically used as storage spaces for cars and other outdoor equipment. But they can also be used to store your clothes. If you want to keep your clothes new all year, you should store them in a garage.

This is because the temperature and humidity levels can be controlled so the fabrics won't deteriorate or shrink. Garages have a lot of benefits for storing your clothes.

Garages can also protect you from pests, dust, and dirt that might otherwise ruin your clothes. Here are the essential tips you need to know before you can store your clothes in the garage.

  1. There should be no direct sunlight entering the garage, and the temperature should be relatively cool.
  2. Make sure there is good airflow in your garage or else your clothes might develop an odor.
  3. Your storage area should be away from ultraviolet lights.
  4. Your garments are best stored off the ground.
  5. Avoid using airtight containers, and textiles need air circulation for longevity.
  6. Avoid metal hangers for clothes you want to hang, as they can rust and stain your clothes. Use padded, plastic, or wooden hangers instead.
  7. Use a wardrobe covered with cotton sheets to hang your clothes. It is best at keeping stains and odors away from your garment. 
  8. Don’t use a plastic wardrobe as it tends to trap heat and moisture.

How to Prepare Your Garage and Clothes For Storage

  • Declutter your garage: Clean and clear your garage to make space for clothes. Most people fill their garages with loads they can't get rid of yet. You don't want your clothes to be packed in an unkept or inaccessible place.
  • Clean your garage: Cleaning your garage becomes easier when the loads have been reduced and arranged, as you will be able to reach every area while cleaning. Your cleaning goal is to ensure the garage is dirt and vermin (pests) free. Keep it clean, tidy, and well-lit.
  • Know your clothes' storage requirements: Depending on the clothing materials, some clothes are best hung while some are best packed in containers. Some are best stored in cooler places, while some are stored at relatively moderate temperatures. Manufacturers' storage requirements should be checked before choosing storage modes.
  • Decide your storing period: You should know which clothes you’re storing for a long period and the ones for a shorter period. This will enable you to choose the appropriate storing mode for each category. Clothes that are out of season are going to be stored for a long time. You need to be sure of this before you pack or hang your clothes.  
  • Decide your storing channel: You shouldn't use a random container to store your clothes in the garage. You have to be vermin conscious. The temperature of your garage also affects your storage choice, else, you might be exposing your clothes to moisture and its adverse effects on clothes.
  • Prepare your storage channel: You need to prepare your storage containers, and the required labels, either with cardboard (which should not be overused, else, it will invite insects), tags, or markers.
  • Prepare your clothes: This should be done before any of the steps. It is not ideal for storing dirty clothes, as they will be more prone to bugs attack and possible cockroaches and rodents infestation. Though it is not necessary to iron your clothes, you can choose to iron and fold them.
  • Storage: You can now store your clothes in their appropriate containers and modes. Hang, pack and seal them as necessary.

Is It Best to Store Clothes in Your Garage?

Warehouse concept

As earlier established, you can store clothes in the garage. Storing in the basement or attic can expose your clothes to deterioration. Maintaining your clothes’ quality will cost you more if you store them in the basement or attic.

You will have to provide a dehumidifier, insulate the walls and add other necessities you need to put in place to avoid moisture in the attic and basement. The weather may become extreme in the attic, depending on the season.

Storing clothes in the garage is not only for long-term purposes. You may choose to reduce the loads on your closet by providing space for some clothing types in your garage. Like your swim and exercise wear, your cleaning aprons, and the likes.

You may decide to keep your clothes in the garage for convenience. With your kits and dresses in the garage, you don’t necessarily need to enter the main building before you set out for the pool.

To make things more organized in your garage, you can build a customized garage storage area which will include lockers, shelves, overhead bins, e.t.c. You can also use the following

  1. Wall-mounted metal shelves
  2. Cabinets
  3. Slatwall panels or
  4. Overhead racks

This can also contain your shoes and other items like toys. Remember to label them properly to make it easy for you to find your stored materials.

Would Clothes Kept in a Garage be Damaged?

Damage during storage is often related to the mode and container used for storage, not the place. Your clothes can get damaged inside your closet in your main building if not properly stored. You should be more concerned with your storage approach rather than the area.

However, some areas in your home have a high tendency to damage your clothes, like the attic and basement, because of their moisture content and extreme temperatures.

Alternative Places You Can Store Clothes [Aside from the Garage]

Storage Containers on Shelf

You can store clothes anywhere in your house. As long as it is clean, dry, and free from sunlight penetration. The place you choose should also have a relatively cool temperature, good airflow, and no UV light.

If all these are in place, you can store your clothes in places like;

  • Basement: You only need to avoid it if it is musty and prone to mold.
  • Attic: You need to ensure all insulated components are intact, check very well for traces of water or moisture, ensure the temperature is not too extreme, and add a dehumidifier.

You can also store your clothes in;

  • Cloth Rack
  • Storage Bins
  • Floating Shelves
  • Armoire or Dresser

Check out cloth racks on Amazon 

Can you Store Clothes in Plastic Bins in the Garage?

You can store clothes in plastic bins in any part of your house though it is ideal for garages. It is easy to carry and gives you a chance to stack your clothes easily. They prevent moisture and insect attacks. They have no smell, unlike cardboard boxes and wood.

You only need to ensure the plastic is not fully airtight as that is not good for some type of fabric or cotton. You should also use dark colors if they were slightly exposed to sunlight.

Check out storage plastic bins on Amazon 

How Do You Keep Clothes From Getting Moldy in Storage?

moldy of the dirty cloth

Mold is a byproduct of moisture. Moisture is a common problem in attics, basements, and garages. Preventing your clothes from getting moldy is to be able to control their surrounding temperature or put them in a moisture-free environment.

If you properly pack your clothes in a safe environment, you'll be able to take them out of the storage and wear them without any issues. Here are some extra points you should note to keep your clothes mold-free.

  • Make sure you wash and dry your clothes before packing them.
  • You can add mothballs if you don't mind their smell.
  • You can also add some fresheners to the clothes.
  • Pack and hang them as appropriately
  • Keep them off the ground as a liquid can spill and sip into your storage container.

To Wrap Up

Your garage can be more than a parking lot for your cars. With proper organization and the right material, you can turn your garage into a storage unit for your clothes, thereby reducing the loads in your personal closet. If you liked reading this post, you should check out these related articles

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