When buying or renting a home, one of the biggest complaints that people have is a lack of storage space. Unless you can afford to live in a mansion, or have an option to store some appliances, like a washing machine, outdoors you’ll almost certainly have experienced issues when it comes to storing bulky items such as outerwear and, in this article, we’re looking at jacket storage solutions and how to maximise space in your home.
Keeping out the cold
If you live in a country which is prone to cold and / or wet weather, it’s likely that you will have coats and jackets which are built to withstand the elements. While this is good news for keeping you toasty when outdoors, these items tend to be bulky and can take up a lot of space in your home. In this section, we’re sharing tips on maximising space in your home through clever jacket storage solutions:
Out of the way and out of sight
We’ll start with the easiest solution which relates to storing coats and jackets which you do not currently need (for example, during the summer months).
If your home features an attic, loft or basement, it’s a good idea to use these to stash your bulky winter clothing during the summer. However, attics and basements can be prone to damp, mould, moths and other insects so it’s important to make sure that your jackets are stored securely to prevent damage. You could use suiting moving wardrobe boxes to do so.
When storing your winter jackets and coats in an attic or basement:
– First make sure that they are clean as dirt can rot the fabric
– Wrap the jacket securely in plastic wrapping to protect from damp
– Then place the plastic-wrapped jacket in a sturdy box and seal the box to protect the item from moths and insects
– Store the box away from direct sunlight (i.e. away from windows)
If your jacket is expensive or made from a material which requires specialist care, you might want to invest in a special garment bag or similar to ensure that your jacket is completely protected.
No matter what type of jacket you have, always be sure to empty all of the pockets to ensure that there are no lurking items which might make your jacket smell – or will cause stains (such as leaving a pen in a pocket).
Careful storage as above should ensure that your jacket is kept dry and damage free until you need it again.
Keeping it close to hand
There may be times that you need to have access to your jacket constantly, so in this section, we’re exploring storage solutions which will keep your home tidy while allowing you to grab your jacket when you need it:
Under the stairs
If you live in a house, there’s a good chance that you have an under-stairs cupboard or storage space and this can be ideal for storing bulky jackets. While an understairs cupboard should be relatively free of damp, it’s a good idea to keep your jacket in a suit bag or similar in order to keep it looking its best and to avoid damage.
Depending on the age of your property, an understairs cupboard can sometimes be an attractive hidey hole for moths and spiders so you will need to make sure that your items are properly packed up when using this space for jacket storage.
Hang it up
If you have the room, a coat rack is a good storage solution and one that can even form a feature of your hallway. However, overcrowding your coat rack is never a good look so try to only use this for jackets and coats which you are using on a very regular basis.
If you want to make your coat rack a feature of your home, why not try looking around antique shops and thrift stores to find unique items that will go with your decor ? Alternatively, if you’re a bit handy, you can always have a go at making your own !
Vacuum bags
If you’ve never come across these handy items before, you’re missing out. Vacuum bags are essentially plastic storage bags which feature a socket into which you can place the nozzle of your vacuum cleaner. When you turn on the vacuum cleaner it will then suck the air out of the bag. This in turn will make the bag – and its contents – much smaller, making it easier to store in a small space; for example, under a bed.
When using these bags for jacket storage, be sure to check for any holes which may let out air – and let in dust !
Mobile hanging rails
If you don’t have a loft or basement for your jacket storage, a mobile hanging rail can be a good solution if you have the space. These can be picked up fairly reasonably and, the great thing is that they can simply be collapsed and stored away in a cupboard when not in use. When opting for this solution, you may also want to invest in a cover to protect your jackets and coats from dust and dirt.
You can get hold of these hanging rails (and covers) from most home stores or online from stores like ebay – they will usually involve a little self-assembly but this will normally be fairly straightforward.
Storage lockers
If you live in a teeny tiny apartment and simply do not have any jacket storage space at all, you may want to consider hiring a locker in a professional storage facility. If you shop around you can usually find a good deal on these and, not only will your jackets not be cluttering up your space but they will be kept safely for you to collect whenever you’re ready.
Storage facilities are usually available in most towns and cities but you may find that you have to travel a little way if you live in a smaller town or village. When hiring a storage locker, always make sure that you read the terms and conditions very carefully – particularly if your jackets are expensive.
Wrapping it up
A good jacket is usually one of the most expensive items of clothing that we own and, when looked after properly, a decent quality coat or jacket should last for years. As well as following the instructions for care on the label, this also means storing your jacket properly to ensure that you get to enjoy it for many years to come.