10 Clothing Storage Containers That’ll Keep Out-of-Season Garments Neatly Packed (2024)

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Nikol Slatinska

Nikol Slatinska

Nikol Slatinska is an intern for AT's commerce team. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri - Columbia. In addition to writing about cool home finds, she loves reality television and her Pomeranian, Finn.

published Sep 6, 2023

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We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

10 Clothing Storage Containers That’ll Keep Out-of-Season Garments Neatly Packed (1)

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Before moving to New York City, I’d already mentally prepared myself for the lack of storage space, which is a common conundrum with apartments here. For the most part, I’m managing fine — that is, if you can look past the measly 2 square inches of wardrobe space that my room has to offer. Thankfully, I’m not suffering alone, because my coworkers here at AT are in the same boat. As a result, we’re always on the hunt for clothing storage solutions that make use of tricky spaces, like under the bed or in between furniture. Sure, you can find plenty of organizers that optimize your closet’s clothing rod, but arguably the best fix for bulky, in-the-way soft goods is the classic basket. In our effort to find the most efficient clothing containers on the market, we searched the internet and looked back to a few editor favorites, rounding up 10 solid options for every tiny apartment in the process. Whether you’re looking for something collapsible, something stylish, or something wide and flat, a couple of these should do the trick.

1

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10

Ziploc Flexible Jumbo Storage Bag

Amazon

was $

9.99

Another must-have for frequent movers, this jumbo plastic storage bag will help you keep bulky clothes and bedding organized. Alicia has used hers for a decade and likes that the bags conform to the spaces she needs to fit them in. “The reason that I think these storage totes lasted so long is because they are flexible,” she writes. “They also fold nearly flat, so when they aren’t in use, they’re easy to hide out of sight.”

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2

/

10

Canvas Storage Box

The Container Store

$

21.99

This storage box comes in two shapes: a box or a rectangular bin. We think the latter would be more useful for those short on space because you could store it in your closet or slide it under the bed if needed. We also appreciate that the box comes with its own lid, as well as its inoffensive canvas fabric.

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3

/

10

Rattan Storage Basket

H&M

$

24.99

Our style shopping editor loves this tall rattan basket from H&M, although you might find this low-profile version to be more practical for shirts, activewear, accessories, and other apparel. “I’ll have my baskets for years to come — especially because they’re versatile enough to see me through future moves … and closets,” Blair writes of her own stylish baskets. “That’s a testament to their impressive quality overall — I’ve only owned my set of four (and counting) for a few months, but they feel incredibly durable every time I put something in or take something out.”

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4

/

10

Silvia Bamboo Storage Bin

Urban Outfitters

$

149.00

Give your garments a visually pleasing new home in the form of this bamboo basket. It measures 21 inches long and 20 inches high, so it provides plenty of storage without taking up too much precious floor space. The best part is that, unlike some designs, the basket's top closes shut, so you can use it as a shelf for other items.

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5

/

10

Sorbus Foldable Storage Bag, Set of 2

QVC.com

$

31.99

If you rent, chances are you also move around a lot. For this, we recommend using bins that fold flat, such as this set from QVC. Senior Commerce Editor Alicia owns a pair and loves their zippable window, among other features. “When it’s time to put away clean laundry, I can easily put my folded stacks of clothes into the bag and then zip it up,” she writes. The window also lets you keep an eye on what's inside at all times.

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6

/

10

Our Long Underbed Box with Wheels

The Container Store

$

179.94

These clear plastic under-bed boxes offer lots of room for sweaters, blankets, and jackets without being bulky, plus they keep everything out of sight. That's exactly what you want in a seasonal storage device: Something that's easy to access when you want it (thanks to the wheels), but out of the way when you don't.

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7

/

10

Aubrey Large Handwoven Lidded Basket

Pottery Barn

$

69.00

Pottery Barn is home to some of the nicest-looking baskets we’ve seen, and this handwoven number is no exception. The Aubrey basket is a splurge no matter which size you get, but when you consider that you’ll likely have it forever, it feels worthwhile to pick up something that works aesthetically, not just functionally.

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8

/

10

Wangy Stackable Organizer Bins

Walmart

$

12.91

Socks and intimates can easily eat up an entire drawer in your dresser — especially if they’re not organized. You can solve this problem by picking up a set of these divided bins, which are specially designed to hold hosiery and other small garments. And even if you only use one or two of the three initially, you can simply stack the bins inside one another.

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9

/

10

Jocabo Folding Storage Boxes, Pack of 4

Amazon

$

39.99

Speaking of folding flat, these collapsible boxes are perfect for those who want to optimize tall closet shelves. You can snag a set of four for $10 each and stack them on top of one another, keeping pants, Ts, and more neatly folded inside. When you want to relocate them, simply snap the bins shut for easy portability.

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10

/

10

Karramlili Collapsible Storage Bins

Walmart

$

178.99

If you don’t have an actual wardrobe, these collapsible storage bins are the next best thing. You can get a pack of four for under $150 and stack them on top of one another, creating a makeshift dresser for pretty much all of your folded clothes. And because of their minimalistic design and snazzy wooden handles, the bins are easy on the eyes, too.

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10 Clothing Storage Containers That’ll Keep Out-of-Season Garments Neatly Packed (2024)

FAQs

What is the best container for long term clothing storage? ›

Storing clothes in plastic containers is a practical choice because they are easy to handle, stack well, and keep moisture and bugs out (for more, see Step 9). While clear bins are great because it's easy to see what's inside, if the clothes are exposed to sunlight, it's best to use dark-colored bins to avoid fading.

What is the best material for clothing storage? ›

Plastic bags can cause clothes to become musty and can trap moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Instead, store clothes in breathable containers such as cardboard boxes or garment bags. Then place a layer of fabric at the bottom of the storage container before adding any clothing items.

Is it better to store clothes in plastic bags or boxes? ›

Never store clothing in plastic bags or cardboard boxes. Plastic bags trap moisture and cause mildew to form or cause the yellowing of fabrics, which quickly transfers to your clothing. Cardboard boxes are easily infiltrated by vermin and pests like silverfish.

Which of the following can protect clothes while in storage? ›

Cloth storage bags

Not as convenient space-wise as vacuum packing, using 100% cotton or wool bags is much safer for delicate clothing as they allow the clothes to breathe. Wrapping clothes in tissue paper will also prevent them from yellowing and snagging on zippers or other clothes while in storage.

Which is best storage container? ›

✔️ Material: Glass and plastic are two of the most common food storage options. Glass can often be used in the oven, while plastic cannot. Plastic containers are also prone to staining when storing highly pigmented foods; glass is not.

How do you keep clothes fresh in long term storage? ›

Store out-of-season clothes in breathable containers like cardboard boxes, canvas bins, or mesh bags. This allows airflow and prevents excess moisture buildup. Plastic bins can make odours worse over time. Add baking soda, activated charcoal, or silica gel packets to help absorb and neutralize odours.

What is the cleanest way to store clothes? ›

According to Kondo's Konmari method, clothes should be folded and stored vertically in rows, like files in a filing cabinet, rather than stacked one on top of the other. This method not only lets you see all the contents of the drawer at once, but it saves space and prevents wrinkles, too.

Is it better to store clothes in plastic or fabric? ›

Boxes or plastic containers with plastic clip lids are the best solution for storing most things but especially clothing. They provide extra protection for your garments in case of any scenario, and they also are easily stackable and organized based on your seasonal needs.

What clothing material lasts the longest? ›

Linen comes from the flax plant and is one of the most durable fabrics available. You don't have to worry about linen looking worn, old, or ugly as it ages. Some would argue that it's the strongest natural fiber on the planet. There's a reason people who live in warm climates love linen.

How to store clothes for 20 years? ›

Air tight plastic containers with a lid is the best thing to pack your clothes into. This will keep your clothes dry and stop the growth of mould and mildew, in most cases. If using plastic containers, ensure they are clean, dry and line them old (but clean) cotton sheets.

How do you store clothes without smelling musty? ›

Humidity and heat can contribute to unpleasant odors in stored clothes. To prevent this, store your clothes in a cool, dry place such as a closet or dresser drawer. Avoid storing clothes in damp basem*nts or attics, as these areas are more prone to mold and mildew growth.

How to prevent clothes from getting moldy? ›

Controlling humidity levels, ensuring proper ventilation, and allowing clothes to air out and dry before storing them long-term are essential to preventing mold from growing on clothes. Regularly washing and drying clothes, especially after exposure to moisture, also helps prevent mold growth.

Do clothes go bad in storage? ›

Most clothing, if kept dry to prevent rot, will last 5 months in storage. Some synthetics will start to degrade after about five years, and may simply fall apart after a decade sitting on a shelf. Cellulose fibers degrade much more slowly, but they still weaken over time.

Do clothes need to breathe in storage? ›

Ventilate your closet.

Believe it or not, your clothes need to breathe. That means stuffy basem*nts, attics, or locked closets in vacation homes are not ideal locales in which to store your best duds.

How do you store clothes long term in a closet? ›

Here are some additional tips for storing clothes long-term:
  1. Avoid wire hangers. ...
  2. Cover clothing racks in breathable fabric. ...
  3. Utilize cedar or cedar oil. ...
  4. Line metal boxes and drawers with breathable fabric. ...
  5. Avoid hard fold lines or creases. ...
  6. Separate garments with acid-free tissue paper to protect the fabrics.
Apr 4, 2023

How long can clothes last in storage? ›

Most clothing, if kept dry to prevent rot, will last 5 months in storage. Some synthetics will start to degrade after about five years, and may simply fall apart after a decade sitting on a shelf. Cellulose fibers degrade much more slowly, but they still weaken over time.

Are shipping containers good for long term storage? ›

There are many benefits to using a repurposed shipping container for long term storage. Shipping containers are secure and durable. Built to withstand high winds and heavy rain on overseas cargo journeys, shipping containers are sure to protect your possessions from harsh weather conditions and even fire.

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