How To Properly Store Quilts

Quilts are delicate pieces of blanketing that each carry a distinct appearance, as well as a large amount of sentimental value if they have been in the family for an extended period of time. However, large collections of quilts can be fairly unwieldy, and can take up a large amount of space in your home. If you want to save room, you may want to consider renting a storage unit to keep your quilts in. However, before doing so, you should take care to properly prepare your quilts to prevent them from becoming damaged while in storage.

Proper Packing Techniques

When packing your quilts up before you move them into the storage locker, there are a couple of things that you should take into account. Firstly, you should avoid using any sort of plastic sheeting or bags to separate your quilts, as this can trap moisture and contribute to mold and mildew growth. Furthermore, you should avoid using cardboard boxes, as these provide the perfect environment for pests to take up residence in your fabrics. Instead, roll your quilts up like a carpet – avoid folding, which can cause permanent creases to develop.

Proper Storage Techniques

Once you've prepared your quilts for storage, you need to actually move them into the storage unit. You should take care to put your quilts in an area that is out of direct sunlight, as UV radiation can bleach the colors out of the fabric and dry out the fibers, making physical damage much more likely. In addition, you should take your rolled up quilts and store them on top of a table or on a shelving unit. This keeps them off of the ground, where pests and moisture can easily reach them. Finally, if you have the room, you may also want to consider hanging your quilts from clotheslines within your storage unit, if you have the room to set them up: this is preferable to rolling the quilts, as it keeps them in their original shape for longer.

Climate Control

You may also want to look into renting a storage unit that has climate control capabilities through a place like Pearl Street Self Storage. This will allow you to maintain both a moderate temperature and level of humidity within your storage unit. This is extremely important for quilts, which are made out of soft fabric that is susceptible to mold and mildew growth in warm and humid climates. While climate controlled storage units do represent an added expense, it is the best way to keep your quilts in good condition over extended periods of storage.

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