If you haven’t already tackled the annoying project of switching your winter clothes to summer clothes, there are prevention tips to take note of. This project along with storing away linens, books, and photographs should all require special attention when you put them away according to Readers Digest. Stored goods that sit unattended for a long period of time are susceptible to mildew and insects. Don’t wait until it is too late and your goods are damaged and un-salvageable.

1. Make sure clothing and linens are clean when you put them away, and store them in a clean container or storage area. Perspiration, food, or dirt on stored clothes attracts insects.

2. Store clothing away from light, which can promote the hatching of insect eggs.

3. Avoid unventilated areas where temperatures and humidity are uncontrolled for storing off-season clothes; a damp basement, for example, promotes mildew growth.

4. Don’t use plastic bags or other airtight containers, which tend to trap mold-feeding moisture.

5. Pack loosely so that air can circulate around folded items in the storage area.

6. Forgo starch, fabric finish, or sizing (which keeps fabric crisp) on any clothes or linens before storing; the stiffeners can damage fabric over time.

7. Use a chemical desiccant (to absorb moisture), such as silica gel or calcium chloride packets, but don’t let it touch the fabrics or it may damage them.

8. Ventilate storage areas when the weather is dry and cool.

The change of season is a great opportunity to clean out your wardrobe or tackle a messy closet. Before putting items away, make sure to read the list above to decrease your risk against pests infesting your belongings. Once your items are tucked away, inspect your items on a monthly basis to make sure insects have not moved in. If anything suspicious is found, contact Thomas Pest Service for recommendations for control.