In Phoenix, different times of year call for different types of apparel even with our temperate year-round climate. While you may not necessarily need a ski parka to get around locally in the winter months, you will use those items if you enjoy skiing or visiting family and friends in other parts of the country. In addition, holiday events and certain times of the year may call for more formal attire, which can easily be damaged in your home closet. A Phoenix storage unit provides the ideal place for storing clothing. It keeps your belongings secure and in a temperature-controlled environment where they will not face high heat and damage from sunlight, which can occur in your home. Shoes, jackets, suits, and other clothing apparel are investments which can last for years to come, provided you take the proper care of these items when not in use. Storing Off Season Clothing Whether it is heavier winter boots and sweaters or summer sundresses and swimsuits, odds are you have a number of items which take up space in your closet, while only being used for a part of the year. A Phoenix storage unit is a smart way to save space in your home while helping to ensure these items are in good condition when you need them. Before placing these items in boxes or containers, follow these clothing storage tips from Garment Care to ensure they are kept in the best condition possible: Before storing any items, make sure they are clean and thoroughly dried; Avoid using plastic bags or airtight containers, which can damage clothing; Iron out wrinkles and allow the fabric to cool completely before folding; Avoid using starch, spray on wrinkle reducers or fabric fresheners to clothing being placed in storage; Do not pack items tightly together, but instead make sure there is enough room between each for the fabric to breath; White muslin fabric or white sheeting provides an excellent buffer when wrapping clothing items to prevent wrinkling and damage. Storing Specialty Items In addition to seasonal clothing, you may have specialty items - such as formal wear or clothing made of delicate materials - which requires an extra layer of care to prevent damage. The temperature-controlled climate of a Phoenix storage unit is ideal for keeping these items in their best condition, while protecting them from damage due to moths or other household pests. Closet Factory tips for storing specialty items include the following: Suede and leather: Make sure jackets, shoes, or handbags are clean and dry, and use cloth storage bags rather than plastic. Beaded gowns: If using a hanger, make sure it is strong enough to hold the weight of the dress, and cover beaded sections with tissue paper. If using a box, begin with the hem in the box, and layer white sheeting between each fold. Suits and tuxedos: Use a wooden hanger that has shoulder support and bulges in front to maintain the shape of the jacket. Pants can be hung on specialty hangers using felt clasps, or you can place them on a hanger, starting with the legs first, and folding at the crotch. For woolen and cotton items, use cloth bags, and use cedar blocks to ensure they stay fresh. When taking out of storage, have the item pressed and dry cleaned, and check for any tailoring repairs that may need to be made since the last time it was worn, such as resoling shoes, hemming pants, or taking in dresses. Keeping Your Clothing in a Phoenix Storage Unit Trying to find a storage unit that accommodates your clothing needs doesn’t have to be difficult. We at US Storage Centers in Phoenix are willing to help you find a unit to take care of all of your possessions, so give us a call today and start keeping your clothing protected! US Storage Centers 1201 East Cinnabar Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85020 (602) 842-0456