Storage in the loft

Short answer: The loft swings a lot in temperature and humidity. Clothes can easily be stored there in a tight box, but they must be completely clean and completely dry before they are packed away.

The temperature swings most up there

A loft can go from frost in winter to thirty degrees in summer. Clean fabric is not harmed by that, but the swings let any moisture in the clothes move around and settle. So the key is not the temperature itself, but that the clothes are dry and well packed before they go up.

The box must close tightly

A tight plastic box keeps dust, damp and insects out. Cardboard boxes are easy to find, but they soak up moisture and offer no protection against moths. Choose a box with a lid that clicks shut all the way round. Then the contents stay sealed, whatever happens to the air around them.

Wash everything before packing

Stains and sweat attract moths and set over a season. Even clothes that look clean can carry traces of skin oil that are hard to remove later. So wash everything before it is packed. That includes underwear and bamboo panties, which are easily forgotten in a box from last season.

Dry completely before the lid goes on

The clothes must be completely dry, including the seams and waistband. A piece that feels dry on the surface can still be damp inside. Leave it hanging an extra day if you are unsure. Moisture sealed in a box in a warm loft quickly leads to odour and marks.

Fold rather than press

Lay the clothes loosely folded in the box and do not fill it to the brim. Fabric pressed tightly for months gets deep creases. Light pieces like bamboo T-shirts for women can go on top, while heavier jumpers lie at the bottom.

Place the box in the right spot

Put the box on a board or shelf rather than straight on the insulation. Keep it away from roof windows where the sun can heat it, and from spots where water might drip. A quiet corner with air around the box is the best place in most lofts.

Label the boxes clearly

In a loft it is hard to see what is where. Write the contents and the season on the side of each box, so you can find the right one without opening them all. It saves time when the season changes and shows what you have not worn for a while.

Check when the season changes

When you bring the clothes down again, look them over before they go in the wardrobe. Smell them, check for stains and give them a good shake. Thick pieces like a bamboo sweatshirt for women benefit from some fresh air after months in a box.

Frequently asked questions

Can you store clothes in the loft

Yes, if they are clean, dry and packed in a tight box. The loft swings a lot in temperature, but that does not harm clean fabric.

What is the biggest risk

Damp and moths. A tight box keeps both out, and moths are drawn mainly to stains and sweat in the fabric.

Should clothes be washed before packing

Yes, always. Even invisible stains set over a season and become hard to remove afterwards.