How Long Can You Keep Clothes In a Storage Unit?
Sep 16, 2026 / Alina Bradford
You can keep clothes in a storage unit for months, years or longer, as long as they’re properly prepared and stored in suitable conditions. The biggest concerns with long-term clothing storage are moisture, mold, mildew, pests, and damage to delicate fabrics.
Before putting clothes into storage, clean them according to their care instructions and make sure they’re completely dry. Choose containers that protect your clothing without trapping unwanted moisture and consider climate-controlled storage for delicate or valuable garments.
Whether you’re storing a seasonal wardrobe, clearing out a closet, moving between homes or keeping sentimental clothing for the future, a little preparation can help your clothes stay in good condition.
Key takeaways
- Clothes can stay in a storage unit for months or years when properly prepared.
- Clean clothing before putting it into storage.
- Make sure clothes are completely dry before packing them.
- Moisture can contribute to mold and mildew growth.
- Dry rot is primarily a concern for materials.
- Use sturdy containers for folded clothes and breathable garment bags for clothing that should hang.
- Avoid packing clothes too tightly.
- Consider climate-controlled storage for delicate, valuable, or sentimental clothing.
- Keep clothing containers off the floor when possible.
- Label containers so you can find seasonal and specific clothing easily.
- Check long-term storage periodically for signs of moisture, mold, pests, or other problems.
How long can clothes stay in a storage unit?
There isn’t a specific time limit for storing clothing. Clothes can remain in a storage unit for months, several years, or longer when they’re properly prepared and the storage conditions are suitable. The bigger concern is what happens to the clothing during that time.
Fabric can be affected by moisture, temperature changes, pests, dust, and poor packing. Clothing that’s clean, dry, and stored in suitable containers has a better chance of remaining in good condition during long-term storage.
If you’re storing clothes for several months or longer, think about how they’ll be protected throughout the entire rental period.
Can you store clothes in a storage unit long term?
Yes. Storage units can be useful for clothing you don’t currently need but plan to use later.
For example, you might store:
- Winter clothing during the summer
- Summer clothing during the winter
- Baby clothes for a younger sibling
- Clothing during a move
- Clothing while renovating your home
- Clothing while downsizing
- Formalwear you don’t wear regularly
- Sentimental clothing
- Clothing you’re saving for future use
For long-term storage, preparation matters. Don’t toss a pile of dirty laundry into a box, close the lid, and hope for the best. Your future self deserves better.
Clean clothes before storing them
Wash or dry-clean clothing according to the care instructions before storing it.
Even clothing that looks clean can contain body oils, sweat, food residue, or other substances that may cause problems during long-term storage, like creating stains, growing mold, and attracting pests.
If clothing needs to be dry-cleaned, give it enough time to air out according to the cleaner’s recommendations before putting it into long-term storage.
Make sure clothing is completely dry
Moisture is one of the biggest concerns when storing clothing for a long time. Never pack clothing that is damp or even slightly wet.
That includes clothing that has been washed recently, items exposed to rain, and garments that haven’t fully dried after cleaning. Be sure to check pockets, seams, and thicker areas of fabric where moisture can linger.
Can clothes get moldy in a storage unit?
Yes. Clothing can develop mold or mildew when moisture and humidity are present, particularly when garments are packed while damp or stored in a humid environment. Mold can cause discoloration, unpleasant odors, and damage to fabric.
To reduce the risk:
- Clean clothes before storage.
- Make sure every garment is completely dry.
- Don’t pack wet or damp clothing.
- Avoid overpacking containers.
- Use clean, dry storage containers.
- Consider climate-controlled storage to help control humidity.
- Check long-term storage periodically when possible.
If you find mold on clothing, don’t simply put the item back into storage. Mold can spread. Follow the garment’s care instructions or consult a professional cleaner, particularly for delicate or valuable pieces.
What is dry rot, and can it affect clothes?
Dry rot is a fungal rot that can happen to natural fibers like cotton, silk, and wool. It can make the fabric brittle and easy to tear. It can also make clothing smell musty and cause yellow or brown discoloration. Often, dry rot is irreparable, so make sure to protect your clothing from it.
Like with mold, your best defense against dry rot is:
- Cleaning your clothes before storage
- Using breathable storage like cotton or muslin clothing bags
- Reducing moisture and humidity by getting a climate-controlled storage building and using humidity absorbers
- Store clothing off the storage unit floor with pallets, shelves, or clothing racks.
Choose the right container for your clothes
The best storage container depends on the type of clothing and how long you plan to store it. For folded clothing, sturdy plastic storage bins can be a convenient option. They’re stackable and can protect clothing from dust and pests.
Avoid regular cardboard boxes for long-term use. Cardboard contains natural acids that can damage clothing. Your best bet is acid-free storage boxes.
For hanging clothing, breathable garment bags can help protect suits, dresses, coats, and other garments while allowing airflow. Plastic can trap humidity and can release gases and oils that can damage your garments over time.
Avoid choosing a container simply because it’s airtight. Different materials have different storage needs, and trapping moisture inside a container can create problems.
You’ll want to avoid compression bags for clothing with natural fibers, like silk, wool, and cotton. Over time, compression can crush the fibers and create permanent creases. They also prevent airflow, which can make clothing smell or encourage the growth of mold and rot.
If you’re hanging your clothes, opt for plastic (polypropylene or polyethylene) hangers. Wire ones can warp the shoulders of garments and eventually rust and stain your clothes. Wooden hangers can release organic compounds that can damage clothing.
If you have a clothing item that needs to retain its shape while in storage, like an intricate wedding dress or structured suit, use acid-free tissue paper to stuff it before storage.
Consider climate-controlled storage
If you’re storing clothing for an extended period, climate-controlled storage may be worth considering. Temperature and humidity changes can affect certain fabrics and other belongings. Clothing made from delicate or natural materials may be more sensitive to changes in storage conditions.
Climate-controlled storage can help maintain a more stable environment than a standard unit, although availability varies by facility.
Consider climate-controlled storage for items such as:
- Wool
- Leather
- Fur
- Silk
- Vintage clothing
- Wedding dresses
- Suits
- Sentimental garments
Always follow the manufacturer’s or garment-care professional’s recommendations for specialty clothing.
Protect clothing from pests
Clean clothing is less attractive to pests than clothing with food, sweat, or other residue.
Before storage:
- Clean every garment.
- Make sure everything is completely dry.
- Inspect clothing for existing damage or pests.
- Pack clothing in clean containers.
- Keep containers closed when you’re not accessing them.
Avoid using mothballs, pesticides, or other pest-control products. They can leave stains and even eat through the fabric of garments. Use sticky traps around the areas where your clothing is stored to capture pests without ruining your clothes.
How often should you check clothes in storage?
If you’re storing clothing long-term, check on it periodically when possible.
Look for:
- Signs of moisture
- Musty odors
- Pest activity
- Damaged containers
- Water exposure
- Mold or mildew
- Changes to the condition of delicate garments
Checking your belongings gives you an opportunity to address problems before they become more serious. If you notice something wrong, remove affected clothing from storage and follow the appropriate cleaning or care instructions.
How should you store seasonal clothing?
Seasonal clothing is one of the easiest ways to make good use of a storage unit. At the end of a season, clean your clothing and let it dry completely. Group items by season and store them together. For example, keep winter coats, sweaters and cold-weather accessories in clearly labeled containers. When the weather changes, you’ll know exactly which container to retrieve.
Tip: If you access seasonal clothing several times a year, keep those containers near the front of your storage unit.
Can you store shoes with clothing?
Yes, but make sure shoes are clean and completely dry before storing them. Keep shoes in their original boxes when possible or use suitable shoe containers.
Don’t pack damp shoes alongside clothing. Give recently worn shoes enough time to dry before putting them into a closed container.
What is the best way to store clothes for several years?
For long-term clothing storage:
- Clean and completely dry every garment before packing.
- Use sturdy containers for folded clothing and breathable garment bags for garments that should hang.
- Keep containers off the floor when possible, avoid overpacking them, and consider climate-controlled storage for delicate materials.
- Label everything clearly and check the clothing periodically if you can.
Clothing storage FAQs
Is it OK to store clothes in a storage unit?
Yes. Clothing can be stored in a storage unit when it is clean, completely dry, and packed in suitable containers. Consider the storage environment and the type of fabric you’re storing.
What is the best way to store clothes long term?
Clean and dry clothes completely before storage. Fold suitable garments into sturdy containers and use breathable garment bags for clothing that should hang. Avoid overpacking and consider climate-controlled storage for delicate clothing.
Should I use plastic bins to store clothes?
Plastic bins can be useful for storing many types of folded clothing. Choose sturdy containers and don’t pack them so tightly that the clothing becomes heavily compressed. Be aware, though, that plastic bins can trap humidity, so make sure your clothing is completely dry.
Can I store clothes in cardboard boxes?
Yes, cardboard boxes can be used for some clothing storage. Make sure the clothes are completely dry, and the boxes are clean and sturdy. It’s important to know, though, that cardboard contains natural acids that can damage clothing over long periods of time. Plastic, acid-free boxes or breathable clothing bags are better options if you plan to store clothes for more than a few months.
Should clothes be stored hanging or folded?
It depends on the garment. Suits, dresses, coats, and other structured clothing may be better stored hanging in breathable garment bags. Many everyday garments can be folded and stored in suitable containers.
Do clothes need climate-controlled storage?
Not necessarily. Everyday clothing may be fine in standard storage when properly prepared and packed. Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering for delicate, valuable, or sentimental clothing and fabrics that are more sensitive to temperature or humidity changes.
Can clothes get moldy in a storage unit?
Yes. Clothing can develop mold or mildew when exposed to moisture or humid conditions. Clean and completely dry clothing before storage, avoid overpacking containers, and consider climate-controlled storage when humidity is a concern.
How do I keep clothes from getting musty in storage?
Clean clothes before storing them, make sure they’re completely dry, and use suitable storage containers. Consider getting climate-controlled storage if temperature and humidity changes are a concern.
How do I store winter clothes during summer?
Clean and completely dry winter clothing before packing it. Group coats, sweaters, and other cold-weather items together in clearly labeled containers. Store the containers where they’re easy to reach when winter returns.
