Whenever a season ends, it’s time to trade in the t-shirts for long sleeves and more layers and vice versa. And with every new season comes its own dedicated range of fashion. High streets across Britain showcase their autumn arrivals and push out their summer range at a discount. If you give in to temptation, your wardrobe may be overcrowded.
When it’s time to put clothing into storage, it’s vital to safeguard everything from damage. Protecting your clothing is easy and affordable. The more you prepare your clothing, the longer it will last, meaning you can keep your favourite outfits in near-perfect condition for many years. When you’re ready to use storage, the Thomas Firbank team will guide you through the process, with some insider storage tips to help make it straightforward.
Contents
- Preparing Your Clothes Properly Before Storage
- Using Storage Can Create More Space
- Decluttering Before Storing: A Smarter Approach
- Using Removals to Transport Clothes to Storage
- Household Storage Products That Actually Work
- Seasonal Storage Tips for Different Types of Clothing
- Why Storage Is Ideal During a House Move
- FAQs: Storing Clothes and Using Storage in Bath
Preparing Your Clothes Properly Before Storage
Storing clothes correctly starts before they reach the unit. A little prep now saves a lot of hassle later: Even a slightly damp top can cause mould or mildew, which can smell and cause permanent damage to the fabric. Silks, satins, and other delicate fabrics need extra care to avoid replacing them later.
How to Prepare Your Clothes for Storage
- Wash and dry everything thoroughly — don’t store anything dirty or damp.
- Use garment bags or plastic covers for suits and high-value pieces.
- Fold clothes loosely or hang them — avoid over-packing.
- Avoid bin liners — they trap moisture and promote mould.
- Declutter ruthlessly — don’t store what you won’t wear again.
- Donate or sell old clothing instead of letting it take up space.
- Use acid-free tissue paper to protect delicate fabrics.
- Store by season or category to keep things organised.
- Repair any damage (missing buttons, small tears) before storing.
- Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to repel moths naturally.
Once you’ve packed everything correctly, you should label boxes clearly so you can find items faster. We recommend using a home inventory app to catalogue your garments before they go into storage. Remember to stack your storage so that delicate items sit on top to prevent pressure damage.
Using Storage Can Create More Space
One of the primary benefits of using storage is making more space at home. This will improve your living spaces and reduce clutter, which is practical and makes your house or flat feel like a home. Plus, consider revamping your home to see if there are better ways to use your rooms, such as converting your garage or loft.
Create Breathing Room in Your Wardrobe
Even though you might plan on filling it again, storing your clothing will create more wardrobe space. It’s easier to see what outfits you wear and which are past their best when you can see them. Knowing what’s in there is nearly impossible if everything is crammed together.
Store Shoes Without Sacrificing Style
If you have an impressive but also slightly massive shoe collection, storage is an excellent way to keep the lid on those designer shoes worn twice. Just make sure you store them in an additional storage box before you put them into storage, and that they’re immaculate.
Keep Clothing Safe with Smart Storage Planning
It’s also worth remembering that it’s your storage unit, so that you can put anything in there with your clothing. Ensure there’s plenty of space for your clothing and other items to prevent transfer damage.
Smart Tips for Decluttering Before You Store
Decluttering isn’t everyone’s favourite task, but we recommend doing it before using storage. Simply put, you shouldn’t pay to store things you rarely or never use, unless you plan to use them.
Decluttering Made Easy Before Storage
- Sort clothing into keep, donate, sell, and discard piles.
- Be honest – don’t keep items just in case.
- Use the “one-year” rule – discard if unworn in 12 months.
- Apply it strictly to seasonal clothing like coats or summer wear.
- Focus on fit and condition – keep only items that truly suit you.
- Bag up damaged or worn-out pieces for textile recycling.
- Donate clean clothes in good condition to local charities.
- Sell branded or quality pieces online or at a car boot sale.
- Group items by season when organising your ‘keep’ pile.
- Use vacuum bags now to gauge how much storage you’ll need.
- Keep sentimental pieces to a minimum – limit to one box.
- Make a simple inventory of what’s going into storage.
Decluttering helps reduce the storage unit size needed, which can lower costs when using storage in Bath and the surrounding area. Likewise, it keeps home wardrobes neat and manageable and sets you up for smooth removal or packing.
Choosing the Right Storage Products for Clothing
Whether preparing clothing and fabrics for a storage unit or in your house, it’s worth investing in the proper storage products. These household storage products are designed to keep the elements and pests from damaging your possessions.
Vacuum-Sealed Bags for Bulky Items
One option that protects clothes and makes them more compact is vacuum-sealing. Vacuum-sealed bags are ideal for coats, padded jackets, and jumpers. They reduce storage unit space by compressing volume and keep everything dust-free and moisture-resistant.
Breathable Garment Bags for Delicate Clothing
Another product to consider is breathable garment bags, which are sometimes called laundry bags. They’re perfect for formalwear, wedding dresses, or suits because they allow airflow to prevent mildew or odours. This prevents fabric from yellowing over time and maintains them without trapping stagnant air inside.
Clear Labelling for Easy Access
Remember to stick or attach external labels when using bags or containers. Use bold, waterproof labels on all boxes, including basic contents and category (e.g., ‘Winter Tops’). This saves time during retrieval and avoids unnecessary unpacking.
Plastic Boxes with Lids Over Cardboard
Traditional cardboard boxes can become susceptible to the elements, and older ones are prone to collapsing. Transparent plastic containers are more secure and stackable for removal van transport. They’re also resistant to damp and ideal for long-term storage in Berkshire.
Using Removal Services to Bring Items to Storage
One reason some people want to use storage but don’t is transport. Not everyone has access to a larger car or van, so they decide to forgo the benefits of self- and container storage services. Luckily, the answer is simple: we’ll collect everything for you with a removal vehicle.
Professional Handling Prevents Damage
Working with a reputable removal provider is more than a transport option. Our movers are trained to pack and carry delicate garments. They use clean, lined vans to protect your clothing, which reduces the risk of crushing or soiling expensive items.
Perfect for Those Short on Time or Transport
There’s no need to hire or overload your own vehicle—one call sorts the whole move into storage. This is especially helpful for students or busy households where time is at a premium.
Efficient Link Between Decluttering and Storage
You can pack as you declutter to leave no mess left behind, or we’ll help you do both. We’ll arrange the collection to happen at your convenience, giving you a stress-free step before long-term storage in Bath.
Combined Removals and Storage Services
Thomas Firbank offers one service from door to storage by combining a removal and storage package. This saves time by booking once, not twice, and gives you peace of mind that you’re working with a trusted name in removals in Berkshire and beyond.
Make the Most of Household Storage Space
Now we’ll cover a few best practices for using every space in your home, especially those out of sight. A few examples are under beds and on top of wardrobes, which are currently providing no value. It’s a case of taking every “dead space” and using a household storage product to give them a new purpose. You can also apply this theory to a storage unit to maximise effectiveness.
Under-Bed Storage and Hanging Organisers
You can use slim bins for shoes, jumpers, or bedding to make the most of your home’s potential storage spaces. Likewise, hanging organisers for scarves, belts, or accessories open more room inside wardrobes and maximise underused vertical and floor space.
Convert Lofts, Cupboards, and Corners
You can use the loft for out-of-season items in vacuum bags, and airing cupboards double up as linen storage. Install shelves or clear bins in awkward corners to include your walls in your storage upgrades.
Multi-Function Furniture with Built-in Storage
Ottoman beds with room for bags or boxes underneath are a smart way to combine furniture with storage spaces. Coffee tables or open benches are similarly practical and ideal for renters with limited wardrobe space.
Offsite Storage to Declutter Living Areas
Another advantage of using storage is having somewhere outside your home to keep things. For example, you can remove winter wear in summer and rotate seasonally, including storing the kids’ clothes between sizes in secure units. Storage units in Bath make it easy to expand space without upsizing.
FAQs: Storing Clothes and Using Storage in Bath
What’s the best way to store clothes long-term?
Clean and dry everything first. Store bulky items in breathable garment bags or vacuum-seal them. Avoid stuffing clothes into boxes.
How do I keep clothes fresh while in storage?
Use moisture absorbers or silica gel packs. Avoid airtight containers for delicate items, and don’t store anything damp.
Can I store other household items with my clothes?
Yes, but pack everything securely. Use sealed boxes and leave airflow space. Don’t mix fragile or spillable items.
Are there climate-controlled storage options in Bath?
Yes. Ask Thomas Firbank about climate-controlled units for sensitive materials like silk, suede, or leather.
Does Thomas Firbank offer help with moving items to storage?
Absolutely. Their team can collect, pack, and deliver everything straight to the unit.
Should I use vacuum-sealed bags for all clothing?
No. It’s ideal for bulky items like coats. Avoid delicate fabrics—they need air to prevent creasing and mildew.
How do I protect delicate or expensive clothes?
Use breathable garment bags or acid-free tissue. Hang items if possible. Avoid plastic wrap or dry-cleaning bags.
What storage products should I avoid?
Steer clear of bin liners, cardboard boxes in damp areas, and anything without a proper lid or seal.
Can I access my clothes easily once they’re stored?
Yes. Label boxes clearly and stack them by season or category. Choose a unit with flexible access hours.
How do I decide what to store and what to keep at home?
Stick to seasonal logic. Keep current clothing accessible—store out-of-season, rarely worn, or sentimental pieces.
Is there a minimum storage period with Thomas Firbank?
Usually one month, but packages vary. Speak to the team for flexible short- or long-term options.
What’s the cost of clothing storage in Bath?
It depends on the unit size and duration. Thomas Firbank offers affordable rates and tailored storage packages.
Thomas Firbank – We’re Here for Your Storage Needs in Bath
Thomas Firbank has helped hundreds of customers with their storage needs. Whether they need short-term self storage or long-term secure storage, we have the right package for everyone. Our top priority is to provide the highest level of customer service. For this reason, we not only get repeat customers, but they often refer us to friends and family.
You might be moving to the area in a few months, but your moving dates don’t align. With Thomas Firbank, you can store your possessions now and look for temporary accommodation. That way, you won’t miss out on your dream home and can move your possessions when the time is right. We cover everywhere in Somerset and Wiltshire. Our team can store any number of items, and we have all the right tools and equipment to do the job.
Contact us today to discuss your storage needs in Bath and the surrounding areas in Somerset.