Storing fabric
 

I will probably be moving in the next few months so will probably need to store fabric in a non heated/ non air conditioned storage unit for up to a year. With summer temps here getting into the triple digits, I'm concerned about how to store the fabric safely. I have a plethora of plastic tubs, and they do well for fabric storage in my temperature controlled house, but I wonder if sealed tubs would attract moisture in a storage unit? Cardboard boxes are my other option, but then I'm concerned about creepy crawlies getting in.

A temperature controlled storage unit is not an option at present. Any and all suggestions for storage ideas are welcome. Thanks.

Do you have a friend or family that can store plastic tubs in a dark cool area for you?

I would not use plastic totes, as you stated humidity can cause mildew quite quickly. If using cartons get acid free ones. Place the fabric in pillow cases or some sort of fabric bags. One option I just thought of would be to put a number of those little silica packets ( like you find in shoe boxes,etc. to absorb moisture) you could put a couple of those in to fabric bag/pillow case with your fabrics then place into those vacuum bags ( space bags) remove the air, then place those into your totes. I would toss in a few more moisture absorbing packets just for added safety. The space bags will help you get more into each tote. I've stored items for over a year in them before.

That is a real tough question. I would find places to store my stash under the bed or anywhere else beside where you have mentioned.

I had to store all my sewing room in what I thought was an A/C unit but found out was not. Stored all the fabrics in plastic totes for 4 years in Florida so you know that means high humidity and all my fabrics came out just fine. I also was concerned about bugs and water damage due to hurricanes or just plain leakage.

Can you sleep on the fabric instead of taking your bed? Lol. I almost loose my breath when I think about being away from my fabric. Lol. I hope your move is easy for you.

It seems easier, and less risk that it will all be ruined, to just sell all of your fabric and buy new once you move somewhere that you can store it. LOL I think the suggestion of trying to find a family/friend to keep it in their house would be the best option. The only other thing I can think of is trying to find a salt mine that will let you store it there.

I don't think its as much of a problem as you fear. It's certainly safer than a basement subject to flooding, from which I was able to rescue almost everything that has been under 3ft of water for several weeks. I would recommend the plastic totes as much safer than cardboard boxes

Cardboard boxes will draw roaches and if there's any dampness, silverfish will also visit. Oh, and little mousies might eat through the cardboard and make your fabric their home. (Don't even think of asking!) Just sayin'. I've had fabric in plastic bins for 4 years outside in our utility room. So far, so good.

When we were between homes (hubby's transfer from CA. to AZ.) I had to store most of my sewing room, in a non heated/ non A/C storage facility. My fabric and threads, along with other needle crafts, were packed in numerous plastic tubs. The fabric was stored this way for well over a year and the fabric was fine when I finally got a sewing area set up in our new home.