Keeping Baby Threads: How To Store Baby Clothes

Is there anything more precious or sentimental than the onesie you brought your little bundle of joy home in or the PJ set they wore when they took their first steps? We think not! 

Baby clothes hold such special memories of your child’s early days that you’re bound to want to hold on to some of those items. Maybe you want to treasure them as keepsakes or save them for your next child, niece, or nephew down the road. And when that’s the case, you need to know how to store outgrown baby clothes. It’s not as simple as throwing them on a shelf somewhere. How you store your baby clothes can significantly impact how they hold up over time. 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep your baby clothes in the best shape possible. Read on, and you’ll understand how to store baby clothes in no time!

Why Proper Baby Clothes Storage Matters

Whether you want to show your teenager their first pair of socks or let your sister borrow your baby’s hand-me-downs, you need the clothing to be in tip-top shape when you retrieve it from storage. That means no holes, stains, mold, mildew, or faded prints. If the baby clothes aren’t protected, they could be damaged from dust, dirt, moisture, insects, spills, and other unfortunate factors. That’s why it’s important to learn how to store baby clothes properly.

How to Prepare Baby Clothes for Storage

Taking the time to prepare baby clothes for storage is essential. The condition they’re in when put away can affect their preservation. It’s also important to know how to organize baby clothes for storage so that they are easy to identify and access.

Wash Your Baby Clothes

It’s always a good idea to thoroughly wash your baby clothes, ensuring they’re stain-free before storage. This is because any lingering stains can attract pests, encourage mold and mildew to grow, and even create unpleasant smells! 

Dry Your Baby Clothes

Before storing baby clothes, make sure they’re completely dry. If damp, they could create a breeding ground for mold or mildew to grow on your treasured keepsakes. 

Fold Your Baby Clothes

You don’t want your baby clothes to wind up in a crumpled mess, so be sure to take the time to gently fold them into piles. This way, they’ll look good as new if you plan to pass them on to your friends or loved ones.

Organize Them

If you’re storing your baby clothes for the next generation to use, it helps to organize them by size. For example, all the one- to six-month clothing could go in one pile, while the six- to twelve-month clothes go in another. Implement this baby clothes organization idea, and you’ll easily find what you need when it’s time to pull out clothing for the newest addition to the family. 

Wrap Them in Acid-Free Tissue Paper

To further help preserve the integrity of your baby clothes, gently wrap them in acid-free tissue paper. This gives them breathing room while preventing color transfer, wrinkles, and creases. 

Where to Store Baby Clothes

When it comes to finding storage for your baby clothes, be sure to select a place that’s away from direct sunlight, as the sun’s rays can fade the fabric. Also, examine the area for any signs of critters or pests that might want to nibble or nest in the clothing. For extra peace of mind, consider placing moth balls, cedar chips, or lavender in the storage space to help ward off fabric-eating bugs. Check out our suggestions to help you decide on your ideal storage solution. 

Place Them in Plastic Bins

Plastic bins are one of the best baby clothes storage ideas. Simply invest in some plastic bins with lids and gently place your baby clothes in each one. Label each container so you know what’s inside. You can stack these bins wherever is most convenient for you, whether in your garage, spare bedroom, attic, or closet. 

Tuck Them in a Special Chest 

If you want a special place for storing baby clothes, consider a wooden storage chest. You could search for a vintage chest from an antique market, purchase a modern-looking one, or even build one yourself. Once you select your preferred chest, you can put it on display in your nursery or bedroom to enhance the decor.  

Designate a Drawer 

Another option is to clear out space in a drawer for your collection of baby clothes. For example, you could designate a drawer in the dresser in the nursery or clear one out in the armoire in your guest bedroom. Keeping baby clothes in a drawer will keep them out of your way but still within reach when you want them. 

Store Them in a Storage Unit

If you don’t need your collection of baby clothes anytime soon, then you may want to consider placing them in a storage unit. This helps free up space in your home while providing a convenient place to keep them until you need them next. If you choose this baby clothes storage idea, consider renting a climate-controlled unit that helps maintain consistent temperature and humidity levels. 

Learn More About Self Storage Today

Here at Stor-It, we’re the oldest and largest storage facility in Idaho, meaning we know everything there is to know about storage—and then some. Take a look at our long-term storage tips, browse our storage space size guide, and feel free to reach out to us with any questions!