Getting wrapped up and ready for spring
SPRING is in the air – and when the seasons change so does our wardrobe.
The sweaters, hats, thermals, coats and gloves we have used to stave off frostbite for the past three months are all tossed into the nearest container and hidden out of sight.
However, if you don’t want any nasty surprises next winter, it’s a good idea to store everything properly.
To ensure your clothes come back out of hibernation in the same condition as they went in, a few words of advice:
Cleaning everything thoroughly before packing will ensure everything is fresh and reduce the chances of decay or insect problems in your clothing, hopefully keep- ing them in once piece. Now is also the best time to remove any stains as they will only darken and become harder to remove during storage.
Use the right storage. Cardboard boxes are possibly the worst thing you could use as they are a breeding ground for bugs and bacteria, along with the fact that you’re just asking for damp.
Trapped moisture is a major issue depending on the storage conditions, so should be avoided at all costs.
If you want to go the whole nine yards you can line containers with acidfree tissue to ensure the best storage conditions.
Don’t hang everything. Hanging clothes can often take up a lot of space, also it is best to en- sure that you do not hang sweaters or any other knitted items as these sorts of materials can often become misshapen.
Instead fold and place into a suitable container.
Stack your folded items with the heaviest at the bottom and lightest on top. You should also stack items loosely to allow air circulation during a long storage. In some circumstances it is best to hang clothes, for example anything with real fur or suits and dresses.
Choose a place that isn’t exposed to excessive heat and avoid areas near heating sources. Dark places will help to prevent colour fading and keep things cool.
Don’t use vacuum bags as most experts warn against their use since removing the air and preventing consistent air flow through the garments will dry them out. Clothes need to breathe, so proper containers are much better for non-delicate items.
Pack delicate items made from silk, cashmere or anything that you would like to take extra care with separately. These should be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and placed in 100 per cent cotton-canvas storage bags.
Hang suits on a quality hanger, in a space where air can circulate easily. You should make sure your suit is airedout and professionally cleaned before putting it away in a suit bag to prevent dust, pests or other closet debris from getting to it.