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.

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10

Ziploc Flexible Jumbo Storage Bag

Amazon

$

9.49

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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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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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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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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10

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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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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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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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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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

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 long term storage solution for clothes? ›

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.

What is the best storage container for clothes in storage unit? ›

Use Plastic Bins

Cardboard boxes are also vulnerable to humidity and water damage. Instead, invest in plastic bins that snap shut to keep your clothing safe from all threats. These bins will keep your items safe from pests, water, humidity, and dust.

Which of these is a good container for storing clothes long term? ›

If you want to store clothing items long term, it is best to put them in an air tight plastic box. They protect the clothes from dust, mold, mildew and water. An added protector would be to add cedar or moth balls into the bin.

What is the best material for clothing storage? ›

Here are some of the most popular options for seasonal clothing storage.
  • Plastic Bins. ...
  • Cardboard Boxes. ...
  • Fabric and Canvas Bins. ...
  • Use breathable garment bags. ...
  • Avoid wire hangers.
Oct 19, 2023

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

TIP #3: AVOID STORING IN PLASTIC BAGS OR CARDBOARD 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.

Is it OK to store clothes in plastic containers? ›

The best way to store clothes in storage is to place all your clothes in plastic containers with clip-on lids. These will protect your clothes from moisture, dust, mould and mildew. Make sure you give your plastic containers a good clean and dry them thoroughly before you place any clothes inside.

What is the number one storage containers? ›

Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers

A two-time 2021 and 2022 Kitchen Gear and Coffee Awards winner, the set features a tight seal with lids that snap closed for extra protection.

How do you store clothes in non climate controlled storage? ›

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.

How do you 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.

What is the best storage container to keep bugs out? ›

Plastic storage boxes are the best storage containers to keep bugs out. They provide the best protection because pests won't be able to chew through or rip them open. Plus, they're easily stackable and much better at protecting your stored items from damage!

How do you store clothes in humid climate? ›

You can manage humidity directly by sealing garments into airtight garment bags that keep them away from any changes in moisture. Vacuum bags are not recommended because they can damage nice clothes by kinking the fibers and causing permanent wrinkles.

Should you store clothes in airtight containers? ›

If you are storing the clothing for a long time, using airtight or vacuum bags is a good idea. It helps prevent insects and small critters from burrowing into them! Also, it can help keep the clothing is very good condition. Exposure to moisture in the air can lead to rot and general deterioration over time.

How do you store winter clothes in the summer? ›

More specifically, consider the following: Sweaters – Fold and place in plastic bins or fabric storage bags. Don't cram lots of sweaters in one container or mold and mildew could form. Winter coats – Zip up zippers, button the buttons, and gently fold coats made of leather, wool, or faux fur so they keep their shape.

How can I organize my clothes without a closet? ›

  1. Use a Dresser for Foldable Items.
  2. Utilize a Storage Bench for Your Shoes.
  3. Add Wall Hooks.
  4. Bring Racks Into the Space.
  5. Try Magazine Racks for Handbag Storage.
  6. Employ an Armoire.
  7. Reimagine Book Shelves.
  8. Look Up to Your Ceiling Fixtures.
Oct 11, 2023

Can you store clothes in storage bins? ›

Clothes storage bins

Plastic storage containers are especially helpful, as they're more durable than cardboard and can shield your clothing from dust, moisture, and potential pests. For added protection, consider lining the container with a cotton sheet.

How do you store fabric in a storage unit? ›

One of the best ways to save space when storing fabric is to roll it instead of fold it. This works especially well for large pieces of fabric. To do this, simply fold the fabric in half lengthwise, then roll it up from the selvage edge. You can then store the fabric rolls on a shelf or in a storage bin.

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