Many people store their extra clothes in the garage. Some are seasonal. Some are baby or child clothes you might want to pass down the line. Some are family heirlooms. And others are just slick college duds you can’t bear to let go.
Whatever you do, don’t just stuff these extras in a cardboard box and shove into a corner. If you want your clothes to survive, it’s a good idea to take some steps to protect them.
Store Items Off the Floor
Don’t just store your clothes in bins or boxes on the garage door floor. Install shelves or utilize overhead storage so your clothes are off the ground. This will help protect them from rodents and flooding.
Avoid Mothballs
Understandably, you want to keep your clothes free of insects. We caution against the use of mothballs, however. Mothballs can be dangerous and poisonous to young children and pets. Using cedar chips or storing your clothes in a cedar lined box is a much safer and environmentally friendly approach.
Make Sure Your Garage Door Is Quality And In Good Repair
Damaged or worn out garage doors will expose your garage interior as well as your stuff to the elements. Make sure your door is well repaired. Eliminate any gaps. Fix any cracks. If your door is badly damaged, you might consider getting a new one. You may also consider installing an insulated garage door for extra weather protection.
Having a quality and well-maintained door not only protects your garage also helps you safely store your items. A sturdy and functional garage door prevents unwelcome access to your garage. It also helps prevent accidents by keeping curious children or pets from getting into the garage. Most of us have had a few bad interactions between out beloved pets and our clothes.
An insulated garage door is also a must for storing clothes. It helps regulate the temperature in the garage, preventing extreme heat, cold or humidity from damaging your clothes. It can also help reduce energy costs by keeping your garage and home more insulated. This can be particularly useful if you store sensitive clothes that may have delicate fabrics.
Investing in a quality garage door and keeping it well-maintained is an important step in creating a safe and secure storage space in your garage. Regular inspections and repairs can help catch any issues early on. This can prevent further damage and ensuring that your garage door protects your things for years to come.
STORE IN PLASTIC BINS
Cardboard boxes are good for cereal, but horrible for clothes. Always store your clothes in a well sealed plastic bin. They are worth the extra $10 to $20. Plus, they stack conveniently and save on space.
Your clothes might not look dirty now, but any hidden sweat can become overpowering when left to sit. Wash all your clothes beforehand, using a detergent with enzymes. Any dirt will promote mold, which can ruin your clothes.
Regularly Check and Clean Your Garage
Even if your clothes are stored in sealed plastic bins, pests like rodents, insects, and spiders can still find their way in. Any sort of droppings they leave behind can cause damage to your clothing. Regularly cleaning and organizing your garage can help you identify and eliminate pests. They can be hiding in items such as piles of clutter or unsealed cracks and gaps in the walls, floor or even your garage door.