5 Essential Tips for Storing Clothes in Your Garage

So you’ve taken the clutter out of the garage… now what to do with the clutter in the garage?

Most of the time, these items are clothing that are not used throughout the year. Just shoving them into boxes and stacking them in the attic or in the garage will not protect them as well as you think.

There are a few things that need to be done to preserve your clothing for the next time you need them.

1. Wash all of the clothing, even if it doesn’t look dirty

Use a detergent that has the appropriate enzymes for the soils you know are there, such as sweat and, possibly, blood. Insects of various kinds enjoy working on material that has these soils and you want to prevent them being there as much as possible. Also, leaving these natural soils on the clothing will help promote the molds and bacteria, as well as a very earthy smell that will remind you of the last locker room you were in.

2. Get everything off on the floor

This is not a time to stack boxes on the floor as many things can happen to them, like water damage when water heaters leak or rain gets in, or damage from items falling on them. You can use the shelves that were in the garage, or you can build a storage cabinet with doors on them that can hold everything you have. This will keep all things in addition to clothing, like hard sports equipment, such as helmets, bats, balls and shoes, in the appropriate dust‑free containers that are recommended.

3. Forget the mothballs

Helping to keep insects away from your clothing is vital. Mothballs, although still available and widely used, can be dangerous to prying children and curious pets because they release a pesticide.

Using something a little more green is an idea that can be explored. Cedar chips or a cedar‑lined box can do the same thing and without the toxicity. If not cedar, lavender chips can be used. Neither of these generates any toxic off‑gassing and they impart a pleasant smell that is easily accepted by just about everyone.

4. Use an insecticide to make sure the garage is safe, first

Clearing the garage of all insects is a must. If a known infestation is in your area, appropriate chemicals can be used; otherwise, a general purpose insecticide can be obtained, and applied as directed.

5. Do not store delicate clothing in the garage

Delicate clothing is more receptive to the moisture that you want to keep out of all clothing. These items are normally stored in a climate‑controlled area, such as in the home; this is where they belong.

Bonus: Protect your clothes with a quality garage door

If you want your clothes to be stored in the best climate possible, and if you want to keep burglars from entering your garage, you’ll need to evaluate whether your garage door is properly insulated and secure.

At Environmental Door, we can help you find a new garage door for your needs. Browse our variety of residential garage doors, or have fun designing your own.