Storage in the cellar

Short answer: The basement is cooler and more stable than the loft, but the humidity is higher. Use a tight box, keep it off the floor, and check the contents once a year, so you catch problems in time.

Cool and stable is an advantage

A basement swings far less in temperature than a loft. That suits clothes that sit still for months, because the air does not switch between warm and cold. So the basement can be a good place for seasonal clothes, as long as you deal with the one thing that can go wrong: damp.

Damp is the biggest risk

A basement is often at eighty percent humidity or more. That is enough to make textiles in an open box smell. The damp comes from the ground and the walls, and it does not go away by itself. So the clothes need to be sealed in, keeping the moist air away from the fabric.

Use a tight box

A plastic box with a tight lid is the best choice in the basement. Cardboard boxes draw moisture from the air and floor and go soft over time. Pack only clothes that are washed and completely dry, so no damp gets sealed in with them. Then the contents stay protected.

Keep the box off the floor

A floor can get wet, while a box on a shelf stays clear. Even a small leak from a pipe can put water on the floor. Use shelving or a few battens under the boxes, so there is air beneath them. Keep them a little away from the outer walls too.

Pack the clothes properly

Fold the clothes loosely and leave a little air in the box. Light pieces like a bamboo tank top for men take up almost no room and can go on top. Heavier pieces go at the bottom. Avoid filling the box to the brim, so the fabric does not get deep creases.

Check the contents once a year

A yearly check catches damp before it turns into odour. Open the boxes, smell the contents and look for marks or discolouring. If something smells, wash it, dry it fully and check whether the box closes tightly enough. A quarter of an hour a year is all it takes.

Air the basement

If the basement has windows, air it on dry days. Cold, dry air from outside can help lower the humidity inside. Avoid drying laundry in the basement, as it adds extra moisture to the air. The drier the room, the less work the boxes have to do.

When the clothes come back up

When the season changes, bring the clothes up and let them hang in the air before you wear them. Thick pieces like a bamboo hoodie for men benefit from a few hours of fresh air. The same goes for a long sleeve bamboo T-shirt that has lain folded for months.

Frequently asked questions

Is the basement better than the loft

The temperature is more stable, but the humidity is higher. With a tight box kept off the floor, both work well.

How high is the humidity in a basement usually

Often eighty percent or more. That is enough to make textiles smell in an open box or on an open shelf.

How often should you check

Once a year. A quick check catches damp and odour before they settle in the fabric.