Some people collect rare books, baseball cards, and antique dolls, but you’ve set your sights on something entirely different: purses. Maybe you are obsessed with buying designer handbags from luxury brands or scouring second-hand shops for vintage purses. Whatever your preferences, it seems you’ve racked up quite the collection over the years.
Of course, once you amass a certain amount of purses, it can be tricky to see what you’ve got. After all, how can you swap out one handbag for the next when you don’t even remember exactly what bags you have in your collection? That’s where our purse storage ideas can come in handy.
In our guide on how to store purses, we offer all the best tips for organizing and arranging your collection so you can see what you’re working with. And the best part? You’ll never waste time hunting down that little black purse in the back of your closet or accidentally buying another red bag when you’d forgotten you already have three!
Whether you decide to keep your handbags at home or store them off-site, follow along for the best handbag storage ideas!
If you’ve come to us for any sort of self-storage solution in the past, then you probably already know what our first piece of advice will be: Inspect your collection.
We can’t stress enough how important it is to go through each handbag and check for any rips, stains, mold, mildew, or dampness. You’ll want to repair any holes or ripped seams to make sure each bag is in prime condition when you use it next, too.
While you’re at it, if anything looks like it’s past its prime, toss it. And if you come across any purses you no longer like, donate them. There’s no point in hanging onto—and storing—bags you don’t plan on using ever again.
Once you’ve repaired, cleaned, and pared down your collection, it’s time to begin experimenting with these handy purse storage ideas!
Purse Storage Tips
Tip #1: Check Out Hanging Purse Organizers
If you’re familiar with shoe organizers that hang from the back of your door, then imagine something similar but with larger storage compartments. You can secure a hanging purse organizer to your door and place your bags into the pockets. You can easily see your options when you’re getting ready to go out—and it won’t take up a ton of space in your home.
Tip #2: Hang Hooks on Your Walls
Your handbags are beautiful and unique, so why not put them on display? Place hooks on your wall or hang a pegboard. You can easily place your purses on each hook and keep them from getting tangled. This storage solution reminds you of what bags you have, but it also adds a little bit of flair to your home decor—it’s a win-win.
Tip #3: Take Advantage of Bins and Boxes
When it comes to handbag storage, if you’d rather not have your purse collection on display, look into storage bins, cardboard boxes, or even hat boxes for storing your purses. It helps to find containers with lids that firmly seal so nothing can get inside. Once you find your ideal container, gently place your purchases inside. You can even add acid-free packing paper or bubble wrap for extra cushioning.
Once you’ve sorted out your containers and packed them with your bags, find a convenient place to store them, such as in your closet, under your bed, or even off-site in a storage unit.
Tip #4: Use Your Shelf Space
Do you have shelving in your closet? Or an empty bookshelf in your bedroom? If so, these can make perfect handbag storage solutions. Neatly line up your purses in a row so you can view your entire collection. Not only is this a great way to store your purses, but it’s also a nice way of showing them off!
Tip #5: Experiment With Purse Dividers
They’re dividers that look like magazine holders, which can accommodate one or multiple purses at once. And perhaps the best part of dividers is that you can stack them on top of one another, creating additional levels. Place these dividers on the floor of your closet, on a shelf, or even along a bookcase in your bedroom to keep your purses organized.
Tip #6: Use Shower Curtain Rings
Prefer to keep your purse collection stored away and out of sight? If so, pick up some shower curtain rings and attach them to the rod in your closet. From here, you can gently hang your handbags and easily find the one you’re looking for. When it comes to ideas for shoring handbags, this is certainly one of the cheapest and easiest ones to implement.
Tip #7: Look for Empty Drawer Space
You can’t go wrong with this purse storage option: empty drawers. They make excellent storage solutions for bags, especially small purses, clutches, and wallets. If you have a free drawer, clear it out and arrange your bags inside. This convenient, compact storage space keeps your collection out of sight until you’re ready to accessorize your next outfit.
Tip #8: Create Cubby Space
You’ve seen cubby space for shoes, so why not do the same for your purses? Purchase or build your own cubbies with spaces large enough to hold your purses. Each little compartment provides a great way to keep your purses organized, whether you tuck it away in the back of your closet or put it somewhere on display.
Do’s and Don’ts of Purse Storage
Now that you have some purse storage ideas to work off, be sure to follow some of these simple do’s and don’ts when storing your bags.
Do store your purses in a cool, dry, and dark location
Look for a storage place that has air circulation and doesn’t experience high temperatures or humidity. Those conditions can cause mold or mildew to gather on your collection. Also, avoid storing your bags in direct sunlight, as the sun’s rays can fade or crack the fabric on your purses.
Don’t pack your bags together too tightly
Whatever storage option you choose, try not to pack your bags together too tightly or squeeze them into small spaces, as this could cause them to bend, crack, or lose shape.
Do consider climate-controlled storage
If you’re looking to store your bag collection in a self-storage unit, consider going with a climate-controlled unit. These units have a set temperature range and humidity level to help maintain a cool, dry, and comfortable environment for your belongings.
Don’t forget to stuff your bags
Our last storage for handbags tip involves placing acid-free packing paper into your bags to help keep their shape. If you don’t do this, you may find your bags folding over or looking a little deflated, which can cause creases in the fabric.
Turn to Stor-It for All Your Storage Needs
Stor-It has gained quite the reputation in Idaho—and for a good reason! We’re the oldest and largest storage facility in the Gem State, which means we have years of experience and expertise under our belts.
We have more than 15 storage locations in Treasure Valley, from Boise to Nampa, making it easier than ever to find a storage unit near you. What’s more, we offer all the best storage advice. Whether you’re wondering how to donate clothes before a big move or what to pack first, we’re here to help. Contact us today to find out how we can help!