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

  • Organizing
  • Shopping

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

Save

facebook

pinterest

email

comments

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)

SavePin ItSee More Images

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

/

10

Ziploc Flexible Jumbo Storage Bag

Amazon

$

9.49

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.”

Buy Now

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.

Buy Now

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.”

Buy Now

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.

Buy Now

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.

Buy Now

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.

Buy Now

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.

Buy Now

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.

Buy Now

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.

Buy Now

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.

Buy Now

Filed in:

Shopping

Small Spaces

How-To Toolkits

  • 30 Skills to Know Before You're 30
  • The Ultimate First Time Homeowner's Guide
  • Your Guide to Everything Laundry
10 Clothing Storage Containers That’ll Keep Out-of-Season Garments Neatly Packed (2024)

FAQs

What is the best storage for clothes? ›

Maximize your storage space with vacuum-sealed bags, especially for seasonal items like winter coats or bulky blankets. These bags compress your clothing, making them ideal for under-bed storage or tight closet spaces.

What is the best material for 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 can I use to store clothes long term? ›

Plastic-lidded containers are the best way to store clothes long term as they keep your clothes dry, mould free and secured. If you have any particularly delicate items, make sure your boxes are acid-free and wrap them in tissue paper. You could also add cedar balls to deter moths and keep your clothes extra fresh.

How to keep clothes fresh in storage containers? ›

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.

Are plastic bins good for storing clothes? ›

Airtight plastic storage bins are the ideal solution because they keep out moisture and therefore limit mold and mildew from growing. These containers are great for clothes and shoe storage alike. As an extra protective measure, use silica gel desiccant packets to make sure no moisture is left inside your containers.

Is it better to hang or fold clothes to save space? ›

It's best to hang formal clothes and lightweight fabric while heavy clothing and casual apparel need folding. Ultimately, folding clothes saves more space than hanging. However, it's not appropriate for all clothing types.

How to keep clothes from molding in storage? ›

Silica absorbs moisture, keeping new shoes and sneakers fresh until you buy them. You can do the same in the containers where you store your clothes and linens. Purchase a bag of silica gel packs and toss 2 or 3 in each box. It's easy, fast and safe, and will absorb any moisture, keeping mold and mildew at bay.

How long can you store clothes in plastic bags? ›

Storing your clothes in a plastic garment bag is a quick and easy solution to garment storage. Sure these types of bags protect your garments from dust and dirt, but they are only suitable for short term storage. Other than that, they have no real long term storage benefits.

What clothes should you not vacuum seal? ›

Leather, silk, cashmere, thick wool garments, and any natural fiber materials that could be damaged by compression should not be vacuum sealed. This may include woven items, hemp, or items with feathers. Basically, if a garment should not be compressed or squashed, it should not go into a vacuum-sealing bag.

How do you pack clothes for long term storage? ›

Choose the right storage container – breathable containers such as cardboard boxes or cloth bags will allow air circulation and prevent musty odors. Layer clothing in the container – start with a layer of acid-free tissue paper followed by folded garments, ending with another layer of tissue paper on top.

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

The best way to store clothes in storage is to place all your clothes in airtight plastic containers with clip-on lids. These will protect your clothes from moisture, dust, mould and mildew.

How to stop clothes in drawers from smelling musty? ›

White vinegar, diluted with warm water is a fail-safe method to rid that musty smell in your closet and eradicate lingering odours. Next leave the doors open and the wardrobe empty for a couple of days. This will allow air circulation and the inside to fully dry to prevent dampness or mould growing back.

Do vacuum bags keep clothes fresh? ›

While sealing your clothing in airtight packages may seem like a great idea due to the space-saving qualities, it may not be the best option for maintaining the quality of your items. Vacuum-sealed bags keep all air out, which prevents proper ventilation for your clothes.

Is it okay to store clothes in plastic bags? ›

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.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated:

Views: 5946

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (64 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.