Storing fabric question

[Auryn]

Hello all,
it feels like an eternity since I have done anything worthy of putting here.
I still haven't even tested my sewing machine to see if it will live.

My current predicament is about storing fabric.

My love and I have moved into our new apartment and its turns out I have a boat load of stuff.
My question to you is, how possible is it to store fabric in bins in a garage??
The garage is no air conditioned however it is considerably cooler and less humid than the outside air.
Between the bins of fabric and the bins of leather, I cannot really store everything in my closet.

My goal is to go through at least 2 bins worth of material by Yule -turning it into garb, mundane clothing etc.
Until then though I would like to get some opinions on how damaging garage storage could be.
I was thinking I could put large silica packets in the bins to help with the humidity.

What do you think??

[LadyShadow]

I've stored mine out back in the shed in the plastic tubs/bins/what ever you want to call them, for a couple of months at a time.  And *knock on wood* had no problem with the fabric when I was able to finally use it for something.  Although now I have just cut my stash that way I can keep it inside and I dont have to go outside to get anything.

Best of luck with finding a solution.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Making or buying Shelving units for a Utility Room or Garage might help on keeping your fabric bins organized.

Shelving units can be bought at Menards, Lowe's, Home Depot. Be sure to label what fabrics are which. Keep them well closed to keep out humidity.

[LadyStitch]

Lable, Lable, Lable....

Plastic bins would work fine but like Lady kathleen said, shelving would work great.  That way you keep them away from walls, and cememt floors to keep out moisture.  Also, as much as I like clear tubs, get opaque ones for long term storage.  Light can damage some fabrics.  I had a beautiful vintage dress that was ruined because the girl put it in a closet so it got most of the light. Half of it was a beautiful plum purple, the rest of it  magenta pink.   

Like I said before, Lable everything.  The more organized you are at the begining the better off you will be in the long run.

[Auryn]

Thank you ladies
I guess I should have been more thorough.
The bins are the dark opaque bins (no clear plastic for me) that have the latches on the sides to keep the lid on tighter, and yes they will be going on shelves that are against the garage walls. We are getting the big sturdy ones from Home Depot (once the garage is cleared of boxes).
Right now I have the fabric sorted by colors, and one bin where I keep all the brocade fabric. Should I narrow that down even more??
The brocades and the leathers will be kept indoors for sure.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Here is how I have my fabrics in bins organized....

Plain Cottons

Printed Cottons

Decorator Fabrics I and II(Brocades, Jacquards, Damasks) used mainly for garb

Lace Fabrics

Corduroy

Velveteens

Natural Silks

Synthetic and Polyester Fabrics(Chiffons, Bridal Satins, Suede Cloth, Mule Skin)

Interfacings

Trims (Lace Trims, Ribbon Trims, Metallic Trims, Ribbons)

I know I need more bins.

[LadyStitch]

Lady Kathleen, seamstresses never have enough bins.   

Just this weekend I started dividing my fabrics by color.  I had just moved 10 empty boxes out of my husbands office.  5 month are now back in my office organizing fabric. 

Wish you luck Auryn!

[DonaCatalina]

Here is how I have my fabrics in bins organized....
Plain Cottons
Printed Cottons
Natural Silks
Synthetic and Polyester Fabrics(Chiffons, Bridal Satins, Suede Cloth, Mule Skin)
Interfacings
Trims (Lace Trims, Ribbon Trims, Metallic Trims, Ribbons)
I know I need more bins.

Storing your fabrics by content is very important if they are for long term storage in less than ideal environment. Polyesters stored with silks can actually eat up the silk. Natural fibers like cotton, silk and linen can be stored together. Rayon should be stored by itself and polyester or poly blends need to be stored by themselves. Of course if you are talking about less than 3 months, this is less of an issue.