How to Store Hanging Clothes in a Storage Unit

Storing your things in a storage unit isn’t rocket science by any means. Still, there are good ways and not-so-good ways to do it. Some belongings should go in boxes or bins, while some can go unboxed. Then there are hanging clothes. Not particularly difficult to store, hanging clothes still need to hang, which can be tricky. Also, you need to protect them from dirt, dust, insects, and moisture. To help, we’ve put together this list of tips on How To Store Hanging Clothes in a Storage Unit. Read on to find out how to store hanging clothes like a pro!

Tip 1: Wash And Dry All Your Hanging Clothes First

Not a tip on how to store hanging clothes per se; washing and drying them before storage is still vitally important. The reason why is simple; unwashed clothing can have stains, oils, perfume, sweat, moisture, and other stuff on it. If you don’t wash and dry everything thoroughly, hanging clothes can get moldy and smelly in storage. That’s especially true the longer they’re stored. Even worse, if there’s any food reside on them, it can attract insects and vermin. (The last thing you want is holes in your precious hanging clothes the next time you wear them.)

how to store hanging clothes in storage unit

Tip 2: Use Wardrobe Cartons for Storing Your Hanging Clothes

Wardrobe cartons, for the uninitiated, are fantastic. They’re massive boxes, as well as being double-walled for extra strength. On top, there’s a metal bar that replicates the bar in your closets at home. You can simply take your clothes right out of the closet and hang them directly in a wardrobe carton, easy-peasy. Not only does it make storing your hanging clothes in a storage unit much simpler, it also makes them easier to move. Plus, you can stack things on top of wardrobe boxes, increasing the amount of stuff you can store.

Wardrobe cartons aren’t cheap. They’re also huge, so getting them home can be a bit of a chore, especially if you have a small car. Still, we highly recommend using them as it makes storing hanging clothes in a storage unit so much easier. Also, wardrobe boxes have a front that opens. That way, if you need to take some clothes out of storage, you can do it quickly and easily.

Tip 3: Don’t Stuff Your Wardrobe Cartons Too Full of Hanging Clothes

If you use wardrobe cartons (we recommend them highly), one caveat is that you don’t stuff them too full. Many types of hanging clothes need to “breathe” when you store them. If you squeeze too much into a wardrobe carton, that won’t be possible. What can happen is that mold and mildew can form during storage. That’s never a good thing and can damage your clothes as well as cause unpleasant odors.

You can certainly hang quite a bit in a wardrobe carton, don’t get us wrong. They’re massive, super-strong, and very durable. But, again, don’t overstuff them as it could damage your clothes, especially if you store them long-term. How do you know if you’re overfilling a wardrobe carton? If you can’t easily slide your hand and arm between your clothes, it’s too full.

how to store hanging clothes in storage unit

Tip 4: A Rolling, Covered Clothing Rack Works Well For Storage Units

If you need quick, easy access to your clothing while in storage, wardrobe cartons might not be your best choice. The problem is, you can’t see what’s hanging in them very well. In that case, a covered, rolling clothing rack might be a better choice. They’re relatively inexpensive, plus they’re easy to set up and use. We recommend a clothing rack that has a cover to protect your clothing from dust, insects, and so forth. (You can certainly use an uncovered clothing rack if you like.) Depending on the size of your storage unit, you can usually fit several clothing racks inside.

Tip 5: Label Your Hanging Clothes in Your Storage Unit

Whether you use wardrobe cartons, a rolling rack, or store your hanging clothes in regular boxes, make sure to label everything. That way, if you ever need to get some clothes out of storage, you can find them quickly. On wardrobe boxes, you can use a thick magic marker or large labels. Labels work best for hanging racks since you probably don’t want to write on the material. Whichever method you decide, the more detailed your labels, the easier it will be to find things later.

Tip 6: Use Cedar Chips in a Storage Unit For Your Hanging Clothes

Insects like hanging clothes as much as children like ice cream. (In other words, quite a bit.) To keep your clothing safe from insects, we recommend using cedar chips. (Mothballs smell so awful we just can’t recommend them.) A couple of handfuls of cedar chips in a plastic container can be in any box or storage container you’re using. You can even buy cedar chips already in a porous bag or large chunks. Whichever type you choose, they’ll keep those nasty bugs at bay.

how to store hanging clothes in storage unit

Tip 7: Use a Temperature Controlled Storage Unit for Hanging Clothes

If you’re storing hanging clothes in a storage unit, we suggest temperature controlled storage. As the name suggests, a climate-controlled storage unit keeps the temperature stable. Also, it keeps moisture away, which can be very damaging for clothing. It cost a little bit more, but it is worth it if you’re storing a lot of clothes.

Whichever way you choose to store your hanging clothes, Southern Storage will ensure they’re well protected. Our units are clean, secure, and safe, perfect for storing any type of clothing. Of course, if you have questions, we’re here to help. Chat with us online anytime or ask your on-site manager for help. Until then, best of luck storing your hanging clothes!

1 thought on “How to Store Hanging Clothes in a Storage Unit”

  1. I loved that you said that covered clothing racks could be a better choice when you want your clothing to be protected from dust, insects, and so forth. This is something that I will consider because I am planning to have a storage room installed for me. I am planning to store luxurious clothing lines, so it would make sense for me to consider your tips.

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