Clothes Storage Ideas for When You Don’t Have a Closet

Whether you’re trying to house bulky seasonal clothing, looking for a safe place for your most cherished garments or simply struggling to find space for all your clothing at home, hope is not lost – there are plenty of clothing storage options out there to get you sorted. 

From finding extra space in small bedrooms to correctly storing clothes long-term, a few top tips are all you need to ensure your clothes are stored safely and you gain some valuable space at home. 

Where is the best place to store clothes?

Finding the right place to store your clothes is crucial for maintaining an organised and functional home – but there is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to clothes storage. Whether you want to store your clothing in your home or elsewhere, there are plenty of options out there. 

Clothes storage ideas in the home

Clothes storage at home can be tricky, particularly if you’re already short on space. A few simple hacks can help clear clutter and organise your clothing for seasons to come. 

• In small bedrooms, try to keep only the clothing you’re wearing this season on hand, and put the rest into storage. 
• For storing clothes without a closet, invest in free-standing rails, boxes under your bed and wall shelves or hooks to maximise space. 
• Make use of any additional space in your home, like attics or basements, for storing your clothes. Just be sure to use the correct storage containers to prevent musty smells or mould. 

Long-term clothes storage outside the home

Storage units are perfect for long-term clothes storage. Not only will clothes be kept safe, you’ll free up plenty of extra space at home. Long-term clothes storage is ideal for clothing you don’t reach for daily, like camping gear, sports gear and seasonal items, but it’s also a secure option for stashing away any keepsake pieces too. 

Where to store clothing – pros and cons

Space	Pros	Cons
Under the bed	Easy to access, great for clothes you wear regularly	Takes up bedroom space, not ideal for storing large amounts of clothing
Attic	Relatively easy to access, frees up space in your home	Can be damp, usually not accessible in apartments
Garage	Easy access from your home, gets plenty of fresh air so no danger of musty smells	Not all houses have garages, often already full of other equipment
Basement	Easy to access, frees up space in your home	Can be damp, usually not accessible in apartments, not all houses have them
Storage unit	Safe and secure, lots of space available	Outside the home so some travel required to access

What is the best way to store clothing?

The best way to store clothing is largely dependent on what you need to stash away, but thankfully there are plenty of containers available to house everything from the fluffiest jumper to the smallest accessories. 

Clothes storage in bags

Clothes storage bags come in a myriad of shapes and sizes, so you’re bound to find something that fits your storage needs. Soft fabric dust bags are ideal for storing delicate pieces at home, but for longer-term storage in attics or storage units, airtight plastic bags are your best bet for keeping clothes in prime condition. Look for clothes storage bags with zippers for easy access and handles so you can easily transport them. 

Clothes storage in boxes

From plastic containers to cardboard boxes,  storing clothes in boxes can be useful for a number of reasons. Easily stackable for optimal organisation in larger storage spaces, boxes are perfect for storing away accessories and shoes in addition to folded items. 

Other clothes storage ideas

Some items just don’t work in bags or boxes and need a little extra attention. A clothes rack is perfect for hanging delicate garments; be sure to cover them correctly for extra protection. Vacuum storage bags are excellent for packing away bulky knitwear and padded jackets – just pop them in, suck the air out with your vacuum, and seal! Vacuum storage bags work best for short-term storage and items that don’t crease easily, like knitwear. 

Is it best to fold or hang clothes for storage?

As a rule of thumb, if the material is stretchy or knitted, folding works best to avoid stretching over time. For delicate fabrics like silk, and starched fabrics like cotton, hanging is your best bet to avoid any hard-to-remove creasing. 

Clothes you should fold when storing

• Jersey t-shirts and tops
• Jeans
• Chinos
• Knitwear
• Denim jackets
• Anything very heavy
• Anything stretchy
• Activewear and loungewear
• Pyjamas 

Clothes you should hang when storing 

• Blazers
• Most dresses
• Silk items
• Starched cotton shirts
• Anything pleated 
• Anything silk or very delicate

How do I store designer clothes or seasonal clothes?

Some items of clothing require special attention. From investment buys to much-loved heirlooms, here’s how to store them. 

The best way to store bulky winter clothes

Storing knitwear can be difficult thanks to its bulky nature. Plastic clothes storage bags and vacuum bags work best for voluminous knits, as you can push most of the excess air out and fit more items in. Plastic also protects knitwear from moths, who love nibbling holes in wool fabric. 

How to store delicate or expensive clothes

Best stored on hangers, delicate pieces require a little extra TLC when being stored. Cover them first with a fabric dust bag, then layer a plastic garment bag over the top for added protection. 

How to store baby clothes

When it comes to storing baby clothes, sorting by size is the best place to start. Tiny legs and sleeves can be hard to fold, so trying rolling each little piece instead before placing into a box. 

How to keep clothes smelling fresh and in good condition in storage

Packing your clothes away into correct clothes storage is the best way to keep them in excellent condition, but a few extras can help protect and keep them smelling fresh too. Adding a couple of cedarwood balls to storage boxes can help ward off moths – look for mothballs on strings to hang in garment bags. When it comes to keeping clothes beautifully scented, adding bags of dried lavender works a treat and is all-natural to boot. 

Top tips for clothes storage in a small bedroom

1. Look in unexpected places – shelving above doors for example!
2. Maximise your use of high-up space for additional storage
3. If you’re lacking a closet, opt for baskets and boxes to store daily clothes
4. Invest in a bed with storage built-in
5. DIY clothes storage in your bedroom for a personal touch
6. Don’t hide it – opt for open storage and racks to display your clothes
7. Make use of the space under a clothes rack for extra boxes 
8. Hang shoes and bags on wall hooks or pegs
9. Choose multi-purpose clothes bins for kids’ bedrooms
10. Store items in suitcases to make use of them when not travelling
11. Add a chest of drawers to store foldable items away
12. Add internal storage, like an accessories hanger, inside your wardrobe

Clothes storage FAQs

 Still unsure how you want to store your clothes? Nesta’s FAQs have got you covered. 

Can clothes shrink in storage? 

It’s extremely unlikely that your clothes will shrink in storage, however, they can stretch – the best way to avoid this is to follow tips on whether to fold or hang and which storage method is best. 

Is it safe to store clothes long-term?

Yes, long-term clothes storage is safe once you follow the correct guidelines. Choosing the correct storage method and container, washing your clothes before you store them and taking extra precautions for delicate items are all crucial steps in maintaining the condition of your clothing throughout storage. 

Where can I buy clothes storage bags?

Clothes storage bags and boxes can be found easily both online and in shops, with most large homeware shops offering plenty of choices. For short term or bedroom storage boxes, Nesta stocks a range of cardboard boxes in various sizes.

Where is the best place to store clothes in a loft or converted attic? 

Coming up with the best clothes storage ideas in converted attic rooms can be difficult due to the lack of space and sloped ceilings. Make use of any cupboard space built into walls by adding clothes storage boxes. Keeping clothes storage boxes or baskets with open tops on shelves is a great way to easily store and access your daily clothing.

Where do you store clothes if you don’t have space at home?

Don’t have any room at home? Nesta is here to help. Storing your clothes in one of our storage units is by far the best option when personal space is tight – your clothes will be kept safe and secure and your home will stay organised and free from clutter. 

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