Storing Clothes

[Tango]

Contrary to popular belief south Floridians do own winter clothes. They just aren't used often, if ever, might be out of fashion, and not generally furred or lined. I want to pack away my winter clothes but worry about bugs or mildew/mold getting into it in the 4-5 months they might be in storage (not climate controlled mind you, just a shed on my property). I won't have space for them until the house is built and I won't be needing these (I have another box with my old, worn out cold weather clothes that I will be using if the temps drop). I think perhaps I should bomb the shed every 2 months for bugs. Don't know what to do about mold or mildew though If I lose the entire contents I can easily replace it with $50 at a thrift store. There's just one very expensive- to me- winter jacket I've never had the pleasure of using and it is very soft and ruggedly stylish. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance

[Jaclynne]

My best suggestion is to vacuum bag it. If you can get it into a food sealer bag, fine, if not get one of the large 'space bags' and seal it with your vacuum cleaner. It will fit in a smaller storage space too. Just make sure everything, vacuum or not, is sealed into a rat/squirrel(same thing IMO) proof container.

Halo

[Elizabeth]

I second what HaloHead said. Vacuum pack the clothes in plastic bags, and then store them in a waterproof, bugproof barrel. You can buy used food grade metal 55 gallon drums in Bellevue, just off I-75, for around $4-6 each. If you decide to store your stuff that way and can't find barrels closer to home let me know and I will send you contact info for the place that sells them.

[Tango]

Thanks Halohead and Elizabeth.I've got a vacuum sealer but will have to look around for large enough bags. Fortunately drums are no problem in dairy country, USA