If you have lots of clothing items, it’s good to know how to care for them properly. Mold, mildew, stains, and fading can ruin the material before you know it.

Since so many things can damage your items, figuring out where to start is difficult. Use these four tips for safely storing clothing items to ensure your wardrobe lasts.

1. Wash Them First

The first thing you’ll want to do is ensure all your clothes are clean before putting them in storage. Dirty clothing will stain if you leave it for too long. It can also cause noticeable odors that can get on other items they come into contact with.

Leaving your clothes dirty will also invite mold, mildew, and pests. You should carefully examine each article of clothing to ensure it’s clean and has no existing stains. Even if items appear to be clean, you might want to wash them just in case.

2. Use Storage Bins

If you want your stored clothing items to stay in good condition, you should consider using storage bins to keep them sealed. Storage bins are an excellent solution for your wardrobe since they come in so many shapes and sizes. You can also stack them to save space.

Airtight plastic bins will protect your clothes from exposure to sunlight, moisture, and pets while limiting the formation of mold and mildew. Adding desiccants will ensure any existing moisture is gone before it can damage your items.

3. Put Heavier Items in First

Clothing can become wrinkled or damaged if not folded and stored correctly. You don’t want to simply throw the clothing in the bin. Otherwise, you run the risk of ruining it. Instead, take the time to fold items neatly and organize them from largest to smallest.

Putting heavier items in first will prevent your clothing from creasing and improve breathability. Placing delicate items at the top will ensure they don’t become overly creased or damaged. If items are too heavy, you should consider putting them in a separate box or hanging them.

4. Make the Most of Available Space

Clothing items take up lots of space, making it harder to organize your wardrobe effectively. If things get out of hand, it can result in unseen damage or wear to some articles. Consider your storage options and plan accordingly to make the most of available space.

Trunks, wall hooks, and shelves are best for optimizing vertical storage. A shoe rack or hanger is ideal for all kinds of things, even storing cowgirl boots in a small space. You can also keep items under your bed to save additional room for your clothing.

Keep Your Clothes Looking and Feeling Great

As your wardrobe grows, you’ll probably want to learn how to care for it. With these tips for safely storing clothing items, you can keep yours looking and feeling as good as new.