Clothes go musty when they’re put away unwashed or slightly damp, or sealed where air can’t reach them. Wash everything, let it dry right through, pack it in something breathable rather than sealed plastic, and keep it off the floor, and your clothes should come out as fresh as they went in.
Our units are clean, dry and secure, and every site has professional pest control. They aren’t climate-controlled, so the few minutes you spend preparing clothes before they go in make the real difference.
Before they go in
- Wash or dry-clean everything, even things worn once. Dirt and body oils give mould and moths something to feed on.
- Dry it completely. Give washing an extra day, and check seams, collars and pockets. Duvets and pillows hold moisture deep inside, so give them longer still.
- Empty pockets of anything that could leak or mark.
- Pack on a dry day if you can, not straight off a damp line.
What to pack them in
- Wardrobe boxes suit coats, suits, dresses and shirts: they hang, stay uncreased and get air.
- Clean, strong cardboard boxes suit folded jumpers, T-shirts and bedding.
- Breathable cotton garment bags suit special pieces such as a wedding dress or a good coat.
- Avoid plastic bags and sealed tubs for long stays. They trap any moisture left in the fabric, which leads to mould. Vacuum bags do the same, and crush natural fibres too.
In the unit
- Keep soft things off the floor, on a pallet or on top of boxes of hard items.
- Leave a small gap at the walls so air can move.
- Put heavy boxes at the bottom and clothes on top.
- Keep food out of the unit altogether. It isn’t allowed, and it draws the insects that also go for wool.
- If you’re storing for months, open a box now and then. If you’ll be away, you can share smart entry with someone you trust so they can check for you.
Wool, silk and special pieces
Museum textile-care guidance notes that moth and beetle larvae feed on wool, silk, fur, hair and feathers. For good knitwear and anything with fur or feathers, clean it first, wrap it in cotton rather than plastic, and add a moth deterrent. Store heavy, beaded or fragile pieces flat and supported rather than on a hanger, with acid-free tissue in the folds.
If something already smells
If there’s no visible mould, wash it again and dry it outdoors if you can. Check the seams for spots of mould: mould stains may not come out, which is why keeping moisture out from the start matters most.
Getting set up
Our wardrobe box has a built-in hanging rail for moving and storing hanging clothes, and the rest of our packing range is in the Box Shop. When you’re ready, get a price online, or call us on 0800 2545585 and we’ll help you choose the right size.
Related questions
- Does contents protection cover damp and mould?
- Do storage units get cold in winter?
- How should I store a mattress?
Further reading