Preppers Should Store Clothes for Long-term

If the economy and world conditions continue to head downhill at their current rate, one of these days we will be glad  that we store clothes in our preps.  If you have children you want to plan ahead to allow for their growth.  For adults and children you want to stock sturdy work clothing and boots.  Clothes will wear out quicker than normal, due to having to perform more manual labor.  In addition, the clothing will be washed by methods that are more damaging to the material.

There are several ways to accumulate clothing inexpensively.  One is to go to the local thrift stores.  Good clothing can be purchased inexpensively. Second try shopping in your own closet, take those clothes that are out of style and you no longer are wearing, and pack them away.  Save your older children’s clothing for the younger ones.

How to store clothes for the long term

The clothing you store should be clean dry and repaired.  Stains and body oils can attract moths and other bugs.  My wife says not to store clothes in plastic containers.  Where we live, we store them in taped cardboard boxes.  We have had some stored for many years that way with no damage.  However, we live in an area with low humidity and store the clothing in a temperature-controlled area.

I know that many people store clothes in plastic boxes.  In some areas with high humidity, you will find that moisture will condense in the boxes causing mold to grow.  The reason some people use plastic is bugs.  In some areas, these can be a problem.  Instead of using mothballs use cedar chips.  Mothballs can leave an odor in your clothing that can be very hard to get out.

Store your clothing in cool dry areas, avoid attics and basements, these are poor storage areas for textiles.  The temperature and humidity swings cause fibers to expand and contract which in turn causes abrasion, wear, and breakage; especially at folds and creases.

Avoid direct exposure to bright lights.  Depending on the type of fiber and dyes used on the materials, light damage can occur in a very short period of time.  This damage is irreversible.  Avoid lighting that produces excessive heat or has high ultraviolet radiation, such as direct sunlight.

Rodents can be a problem, we solve that in several ways, we use strict control of food sources that they may feed off and we set out rat poisons in our storage areas.  We also have a cedar chest that is used for the storage of woolen items.

If you are going to  store clothes, don’t forget about a good stash of extra fabric, buttons, thread and etc.

Howard

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