Storing coats can be a puzzle for those of us who juggle multiple styles, fabrics and winter coats throughout the off-season. Maintaining the quality of your favourite garments doesn’t have to be complicated, especially if you employ the right strategies.
Climate-secure facilities, such as those at HOLD can help preserve delicate materials and prevent damage from moisture. This guide will help you store your winter clothing in a storage unit, so you can keep them in prime condition for the next season. Friendly but professional—that’s our approach—so let’s dive in.
Different types of coats
Today, a variety of coat types fill our closets—from puffer jackets and pea coats to faux-fur creations—each requiring its own approach to coat storage.
Coats come in many shapes, sizes and fabrics. Understanding the main styles helps you determine the best coat storage approach.
- Wool coats – Classic and warm, they often need acid-free tissue paper when being stored long-term to protect their fibres from dust and humidity.
- Puffer jackets – Typically padded with down or synthetic insulation, they require adequate space to maintain loft. Using vacuum bags can sometimes compress them too much, so it’s best to be cautious with vacuum packing coats of this type.
- Leather jackets – These need conditioning and should not be stored in overly dry or humid conditions. Using sturdy hangers is crucial to maintain their shape.
- Fur coats (real or faux) – Fur is particularly sensitive to heat and humidity, so a cool, dark closet or storage unit is ideal.
- Raincoats and windbreakers – Lighter garments that might be folded or hung, but also easy to store in airtight bags if space is limited.
Each style poses its own challenges, but with the right tips, you can ensure they stay looking good, season after season.
How to store coats effectively
Finding enough space to store coats can be tricky, particularly if you have a large household or live in a small space. However, taking the right steps ensures easy access and preserves the quality of your collection. Here are some effective methods.
Use the right hangers – Opt for sturdy hangers that can support the weight of heavy coats. Thin metal ones can cause stretching around the shoulders, altering the shape of your coat.
Prep the coat first – Inspect for lost buttons, tears or loose threads. If it needs a wash or specialist cleaning (for instance, at the dry cleaner), get this done before storage to prevent odours or stains from setting in.
Choose suitable storage solutions
- Coat racks – Great for short-term or everyday use, but not always the perfect place for long-term storage, as they can collect dust.
- Storage bins or baskets – Ideal for folded items like lightweight jackets or children’s coats. For maximum protection, line these with acid-free tissue paper.
- Vacuum bags – Excellent for saving space when you’re dealing with puffer jackets or off-season clothes you won’t need right away. Remember though, some materials—like down—can be damaged if left compressed too long.
Utilise vertical and hidden storage
- Behind-the-door hooks offer extra room for hanging.
- High shelf space in your closet can keep items packed away and out of sight.
- Under-bed drawers are also a handy solution, though be mindful of moisture if your floors are prone to dampness.
Consider coat rotation – Keep your active winter coats at the front of the closet and lighter jackets or seldom-worn coats further back. This makes it easier to grab what you need without rummaging through everything.
By adopting these strategies, you can store winter coats with minimal stress and maintain your organised wardrobe.
Maintaining fabric quality in a storage unit
Some of us need extra storage space to store winter coats, especially if we have more than the average supply or share a house with family members who each own multiple coats. A climate-secure storage unit from HOLD Self Storage is an excellent option for preserving materials like wool, leather, and faux fur. Here’s how to make the most of it.
- Pick the right boxes and supplies – Cardboard boxes or plastic storage bins from our box shop at HOLD can keep out dust and insects. Acid-free tissue paper protects delicate fabrics from discolouration and abrasions.
- Clean and dry thoroughly – Make sure you wash or professionally clean your coats before packing them away. Even a small stain can worsen over time, and any lingering moisture invites mildew in a closed environment.
- Avoid overcrowding – Over-stuffing your boxes or hanging rails can crush delicate materials. Each coat needs enough space to breathe, preserving its shape and preventing wrinkles.
- Keep them off the floor – Storing boxes on a raised pallet or shelf is ideal for airflow and avoids accidental water damage.
- Use protective covers – Garment bags or plastic covers help keep coats dust-free. For wool, a breathable cover is best so the fabric can ‘breathe’.
- Check in occasionally – If your coats are stored long-term, consider a brief visit every few months to ensure no moisture has built up and everything is still in good condition.
By combining good preparation with the benefits of a climate-secure facility, your heavy coats and more delicate clothing can come out of storage looking as good as new.
Additional tips for coat maintenance
- Prevent pest damage – Moths and other insects love natural fabrics like wool. Add cedar balls or lavender sachets to repel them.
- Don’t forget accessories – Store all your hats, gloves, and scarves in separate, labelled bags or boxes so they’re easy to locate next season.
- Pair items by use – If you frequently wear a certain coat with matching shoes or winter boots, storing them close together can help you quickly assemble outfits.
- Label your boxes – When you’re searching for a specific jacket in your winter wardrobe, a quick label check saves time rummaging.
- Maintain consistent temperature – Cool, dry conditions are ideal, hence using our climate-secure units at HOLD Self Storage.
Conclusion
Storing coats is about more than just making room in your closet—it’s a way of preserving your investment and extending the life of your winter coats and jackets. By giving each type of coat the care it needs (like choosing sturdy hangers for a wool overcoat or using airtight bags for a windbreaker) you’ll keep your favourite pieces looking their best, season after season.
Store with HOLD – protect your coats today
If you’re short on closet space or want to keep your winter coats top-top, we offer affordable, climate-secure storage to satisfy any need.
At our state-of-the-art Kings Cross facility, you’ll discover convenient amenities and a range of storage unit sizes tailored to your unique needs. We’ve made it our mission to keep things simple, so you can rest assured your coats and other valuables remain safely tucked away, leaving you free to enjoy a clutter-free home.
Contact us for a free quote and discover how we maintain a stress-free, eviction-free environment in our self storage facility!
Frequently asked questions
Can I fold coats to save closet space?
You can fold lighter coats—like raincoats or windbreakers—and place them in drawers or storage bins to save space. Thicker coats are better hung on sturdy hangers to preserve their shape.
Does HOLD Self Storage provide climate-secure units?
Yes, we do. Our facilities offer climate-secure conditions that help prevent moisture build-up and other hazards, so your heavy coats and delicate fabrics remain protected until you need them again.
How do I store coats if I only have a small space at home?
Consider using vertical solutions like hooks behind the door, or installing extra shelf space higher up in the room. Also, vacuum bags can be useful for short-term storage of puffer jackets, but be mindful of compressing them for too long.
Does HOLD Self Storage allow easy access if I need my winter clothes?
Absolutely. We make it convenient to retrieve your coats or other clothes at any time, so you can get to those winter boots, scarves, or other accessories quickly when the weather changes.
What packing supplies does HOLD offer for coat storage?
We offer a variety of boxes, bags, and other packing materials at our box shop. Our team will be happy to guide you in choosing the right supplies, like acid-free tissue paper and airtight bags, to keep your coats looking their best.
