Florida is a popular destination for snowbirds. The term “snowbirds” refers to individuals who live part of the year in states further north and part of the year in warmer climates as a way to escape the harsh weather and difficulties that come with it during northern winters. Often, snowbirds are retired couples or individuals who buy or rent small houses or condominiums in Florida. For extra space, many snowbirds rent storage units. If you are a snowbird or even a permanent transplant to Florida from a colder climate, you probably have some cold weather gear that you need to store securely. Keep the following four tips in mind when you’re packing up your winter wear for storage. Downsize, but Be Realistic You might be thinking to yourself, “I live in Florida now, why do I need a parka?” Or you might consider leaving all your cold weather clothing up north if your time in Orlando is only temporary. But you should consider keeping some of your winter gear around, even if you donate or sell a significant portion of it. You could very easily find yourself back up north for a visit at some point or planning a trip to a colder climate. Do Not Hang Your Sweaters Many individuals make the mistake of hanging their sweaters. Hanging a sweater on a clothes hanger can cause it to become stretched and misshapen. Prevent this from happening to your sweaters by folding them and placing them neatly in plastic bins. Clothing Needs to Breathe When you store your folded sweaters in bins, remember that they need to breathe. This is true of all clothing in storage. Rather than packing your items tightly, allow air to circulate in their bins. Otherwise, stagnant air and trapped moisture can allow mold and mildew to form. Consider storing cedar planks with your clothing to keep pests from entering your bins and destroying your clothing. Otherwise, you may want to consider vacuum bags to completely remove the air and reduce space during your packing. Remember to also keep delicate items like silks and cashmeres in acid-free tissue paper and stored in breathable cotton-canvas storage bags. Take Care of your Leather Boots Leather can easily become misshapen if it is not stored correctly. To prevent warping, stuff shorter boots and leather shoes with tissue paper to hold their shape while in storage. Taller boots can be held in place with boot forms and stored standing up. If you don’t have space for this, lay them flat with a cloth sheet between each pair in a plastic bin. Remember to always condition your leather items before storing them. Rent a Storage Unit in Orlando Today If you need a clean, secure place in Orlando to store your winter clothing or any other item, consider renting a storage unit at US Storage Centers’ Orlando, Florida facility. Call or visit this location today to speak with a member of our friendly, attentive staff about your storage needs. US Storage Centers 6707 Narcoossee Road Orlando, FL 32822 (407) 990-1456
