Winter coats, woolly jumpers, thick scarves and insulated boots take up valuable space when the warmer months arrive. However, simply packing away your winter wardrobe without proper preparation can lead to unpleasant surprises when autumn returns. Damp and mould can quickly ruin expensive winter clothing, leaving you with musty odours, unsightly stains and damaged fabrics.

The good news is that preventing these problems is straightforward when you know the right techniques. Whether you’re storing winter wear at home or in a professional storage unit, following these practical steps will keep your seasonal clothing fresh, clean and ready to wear when the temperature drops again.

Why Does Damp and Mould Affect Winter Clothing?

Understanding why damp and mould develop helps you prevent them effectively. Winter clothing is particularly vulnerable because many items are made from natural fibres like wool, cotton and down feathers, which absorb moisture from the air. When these materials are stored in humid conditions or packed away whilst still slightly damp, they create the perfect environment for mould spores to thrive.

Mould needs three things to grow: moisture, warmth and organic material to feed on. Your winter coats and jumpers provide the organic material, whilst poor storage conditions supply the moisture and warmth. Even a small amount of residual moisture from body oils, perfume or the last time you wore an item can be enough to trigger mould growth during months of storage. That’s why proper preparation before storage is absolutely essential.

How Should You Clean Winter Wear Before Storage?

Cleaning your winter clothing thoroughly before packing it away is the most important step in preventing damp and mould. Never store winter wear that’s been worn, even if it looks clean. Body oils, sweat and invisible dirt particles attract moisture and provide food for mould spores.

Dry clean or professionally launder heavy coats, wool coats and delicate items according to their care labels. For machine-washable items like fleece jackets and cotton jumpers, use a warm wash and ensure they go through a complete spin cycle to remove as much water as possible. Wool jumpers should be hand washed or put through a gentle wool cycle, then laid flat to dry to prevent stretching.

The crucial step many people miss is ensuring everything is completely dry before storage. Even slightly damp clothing will develop mould and mildew. After washing, allow items to air dry thoroughly for at least 24 to 48 hours in a well-ventilated area. Check pockets, seams and thick areas like hoods or padded sections, which take longer to dry. If you’re storing leather or suede boots, stuff them with newspaper to absorb any remaining moisture and help them maintain their shape.

What’s the Best Way to Pack Winter Clothing?

How you pack your winter wear makes a significant difference to its condition when you retrieve it:

• Avoid compressing clothing too tightly, particularly down jackets and wool items, which need air circulation to prevent moisture build-up. Instead, fold items loosely and leave some space between garments.
• Cedar balls or lavender sachets are excellent natural additions to your storage containers. Cedar naturally repels moths whilst absorbing excess moisture, and lavender provides a pleasant fragrance whilst also deterring insects.
• Avoid using mothballs with strong chemical odours, as these can be difficult to remove from fabrics and may cause respiratory irritation.
• For valuable winter coats, consider using breathable garment bags rather than plastic covers. Cotton or canvas garment bags allow air to circulate whilst protecting items from dust and light exposure. Plastic bags trap moisture inside, creating condensation that leads directly to mould growth.

Which Storage Containers Should You Use?

The right storage containers provide an important barrier against damp and mould. Plastic storage boxes with secure lids offer excellent protection, but make sure they’re completely clean and dry before use. Clear plastic boxes are particularly useful because you can see what’s inside without opening them repeatedly.

However, plastic boxes alone aren’t always enough. For extra protection, line boxes with acid-free tissue paper, which helps absorb any residual moisture. You can also place silica gel packets inside containers – these small sachets absorb moisture from the air and are particularly effective in sealed environments. Replace silica gel packets every few months if you’re storing items long-term.

Vacuum storage bags can be tempting because they save space, but use them cautiously with winter wear. Whilst they’re suitable for synthetic fleeces and some casual items, avoid using vacuum bags for wool coats, down jackets or delicate knitwear. The compression can damage fibres, flatten insulation and trap moisture against the fabric.

How Can You Control Moisture in Your Storage Space?

Where you store winter clothing matters just as much as how you pack it. Choose cool, dry locations with good air circulation. Avoid damp basements, uninsulated lofts or garages where temperature fluctuations cause condensation. Even within your home, some spots are better than others – under beds or on top of wardrobes in heated rooms are generally safer than external storage cupboards.

Professional Storage Solutions for Your Winter Wardrobe

At The Self Storage Company, we understand how important it is to keep your seasonal clothing in perfect condition. Our modern, purpose-built storage facilities keep your winter wear clean, dry and safe from damp and mould. With secure units ranging from 10sqft to 275sqft, you can choose the perfect amount of space for your needs.

Our state-of-the-art security systems, including 24-hour CCTV and individual unit alarms, give you complete peace of mind that your belongings are protected. Whether you need home storage for a few months over summer or a longer-term solution, our flexible managed storage plans mean you only pay for the space you use and the duration you need. 

Contact us today to discover how we can help protect your winter wardrobe with professional storage solutions at easy-to-access locations in Aston, Birmingham, Edgware, Hemel Hempstead, Waltham Abbey, Welwyn Garden City and West Molesey.