Updated July 27, 2026
Storing clothes in a storage unit takes a bit more strategy than just boxing everything up. Done right, your garments stay in good condition, stay easy to find, and come out exactly as you packed them. Here’s how to do it well.
1. Assess and Prepare the Storage Unit
Before storing anything, inspect the unit. It should be dry, orderly, and free of pests. If it lacks shelving or hanging options, add some, keeping clothes off the floor makes a real difference. Check for leaks or drafts ahead of time rather than discovering them after your clothes have been sitting for months.
2. Sort and Organize by Season and Type
Group clothing by season, type, and how often you wear it, summer separate from winter, shirts with shirts, pants with pants. This makes finding a specific item later much faster, especially seasonal pieces you only need a few months a year, and it means you’re not digging through the whole unit and disturbing everything each time.
Grouping similar items also protects them: delicate fabrics stored apart from coarser materials avoid the friction that causes snags and tears. For extra protection, pair this with a climate-controlled unit, cedar chips to deter pests, and vacuum-sealed bags for compact, out-of-season storage.
3. Clean and Wrap Clothes Before Storing
Clean everything thoroughly before it goes into storage. Stains and odors set in over time, and cleaning first prevents that. Fold or roll items neatly, folding well isn’t just about saving space, it also prevents the kind of creasing that becomes a permanent wrinkle over months of storage. Wrap items in tissue paper or garment bags for an added layer of protection against dust.
4. Choose the Right Storage Containers
For Scottsdale’s dry climate, airtight or vacuum-sealed containers work well for out-of-season items you won’t be opening often, they keep out dust and pests. Just make sure everything is completely dry before sealing, and drop in a moisture absorber (see Tip 7) as extra insurance. Clear plastic containers make it easy to see what’s inside without opening every box, and having a few different sizes on hand helps you fit different garment types comfortably.
5. Fold and Stack Efficiently
Good folding technique keeps clothes wrinkle-free and saves space. Stack containers vertically rather than horizontally, it uses your unit’s height, and makes it easier to find one item without unstacking everything else.
6. Use Hanging Storage for Delicate Items
For anything delicate or prone to wrinkling, dresses, suits, formal wear, use sturdy hangers and a wardrobe box or clothing rack instead of folding. Hanging storage holds a garment’s shape over long periods in a way folded storage can’t, which matters most for pieces you want to pull out ready to wear.
7. Control Moisture with Desiccants
Silica gel packets or other desiccants absorb ambient moisture and help prevent the mold and mildew that thrive in humid, enclosed spaces. Drop a few into containers, especially airtight ones, to keep the environment inside genuinely dry rather than just sealed.
8. Label Everything and Keep an Inventory
Label each container and keep an inventory list of what’s inside and where. This alone saves the most time of any tip here, no more opening five boxes to find one sweater.
9. Set Up Your Unit for Easy Access
Put seasonal or rarely used items toward the back, everyday essentials up front. Leave a walkable aisle so you’re not climbing over boxes to reach something. A little planning here pays off every single time you visit the unit.
10. Check In Periodically
Inspect your unit every few months for pests, mold, or water damage, and catch problems early rather than after they’ve spread to your clothes. Rotate seasonal items as needed and keep your inventory list current.
Following these steps keeps your clothes in good condition, makes the most of your space, and means you can actually find what you’re looking for when you need it.
Reserve Your Scottsdale Temperature-Controlled Storage Unit Today
Ready to store your clothes the right way? McDowell Mountain Community Storage offers temperature-controlled units built for exactly this. Reserve your unit in Scottsdale today for a secure, well-maintained space for your wardrobe.
FAQs
Are there specific types of containers or bags suitable for clothing storage in a unit?
Yes. Airtight containers protect clothes from dust, moisture, and pests, and clear plastic lets you see contents without opening every box. For hanging items like dresses and suits, garment bags help prevent wrinkles.
How can I prevent mold and mildew from affecting my clothes in storage?
Make sure clothes are completely clean and dry before storing them, moisture is what attracts mold, not the fabric itself. In Scottsdale’s dry climate, airtight or vacuum-sealed containers are fine as long as items go in dry and you add a moisture absorber like silica gel inside. A climate-controlled unit adds another layer of protection by keeping humidity stable year-round. Check on stored items periodically to catch any moisture issues early.
Are there any precautions for storing delicate or fragile clothing items?
Clean items thoroughly first, then wrap them in tissue paper or use garment bags. Fold carefully or use padded hangers to avoid stretching, and store in a sturdy, protective container in a cool, dry, dark spot.
How do I keep pests away from my clothes in a storage unit?
Start with a clean storage area. Cedar balls or lavender sachets help deter insects, and sealed, airtight containers create a physical barrier pests can’t chew through the way they can cardboard. Check your unit periodically for any signs of pests.
How often should I check my clothes in the storage unit to ensure their condition?
Every few months is a good baseline, more often in extreme conditions. Regular checks let you catch pests, mold, or moisture issues early and give you a chance to rotate seasonal items and update your inventory.