Handbags are an investment, and they lose their shape, scratch or crack when they're stuffed in a drawer or piled on a closet floor. Knowing how to store purses properly keeps them looking good for years and makes it easy to find the right bag. This guide covers how to prepare bags for storage, the best ways to store purses on shelves, in closets and in small spaces, and how to care for leather and designer bags.
How to Prepare a Purse for Storage
- Empty it completely, including pockets. Pens leak and receipts fade.
- Clean it. Wipe the outside with a soft dry cloth, and vacuum crumbs from the lining.
- Stuff it with acid-free tissue paper or a purse pillow to keep its shape. Avoid newspaper, which can transfer ink.
- Protect hardware. Wrap metal chains in tissue so they don't scratch the leather.
- Use a dust bag. A breathable cotton bag protects from dust and light.
The Best Ways to Store Purses
1. Upright on shelves
Storing bags upright on a shelf, like books, keeps their shape. Shelf dividers stop them slumping into each other.
2. In clear acrylic boxes
Clear boxes protect from dust while showing which bag is which, and they stack.
3. In dust bags
Breathable fabric bags are ideal for leather. Label them or attach a photo.
4. On hooks (lightweight bags only)
Hooks work for everyday totes and crossbody bags. Heavy leather bags can stretch at the straps if hung for a long time.
5. In hanging organizers
Fabric pocket organizers that hang from a closet rod hold clutches and small bags.
6. In cubbies
Cubbies give each bag its own space and work in closets or on wall shelves.
7. In drawers (clutches and wallets)
Flat clutches and wallets can stand on end in a drawer with dividers.
8. In a display wardrobe
A wardrobe with glass doors and lighting turns a bag collection into a display while keeping dust out.
Storage by Bag Type
| Bag | Best storage |
|---|---|
| Structured leather handbags | Stuffed, upright on a shelf, in a dust bag |
| Slouchy totes | Folded lightly or on a hook if lightweight |
| Clutches | Upright in a drawer with dividers |
| Crossbody bags | Hooks or shelf with straps tucked inside |
| Designer bags | Dust bag, stuffing, shelf away from light |
| Straw and canvas bags | Upright on a shelf, kept dry |
| Backpacks | Hooks or bins |
How to Store Purses in a Closet
- Use the top shelf for occasional bags in dust bags.
- Put everyday bags on an eye-level shelf with dividers.
- Add hooks on the inside of the closet door for lightweight bags.
- Keep bags away from the closet floor, where they get stepped on.
See our guide on how to organize a closet.
How to Store Purses Without a Closet
- A bookcase or open shelving unit with bags displayed like art.
- A wardrobe with shelves.
- A dresser drawer for clutches.
- Under-bed boxes for off-season bags, each in a dust bag.
- A wall rack of decorative hooks for everyday bags.
Wardrobes and Islands for Bag Storage
- The Tela Classic Display & Storage Wardrobe Set combines closed cabinets and drawers with glass and lighting, so favorite bags can sit on show while the rest stay behind doors. Shelves hold up to 44 lbs.
- The Vestia Zoned Wardrobe Closet Organizer System has open shelving, cabinets, drawers and lighting.
- In a walk-in closet, the Jewelry Island with Glass Display Top and Storage Drawers has open shelving below for bags and folded items.
Caring for Leather Bags
- Keep them out of direct sunlight, which fades and dries leather.
- Avoid humid rooms that can cause mildew; let bags air out occasionally.
- Condition leather a few times a year with a product made for it.
- Don't store bags in plastic, which traps moisture.
- Keep light-colored bags away from dark ones to avoid color transfer.
How to Organize a Bag Collection
- Sort by use: everyday, work, evening, travel.
- Or sort by color for a display-style look.
- Keep everyday bags in the most accessible spot.
- Rotate seasonal bags twice a year.
- Declutter bags you haven't carried in a year.
Storing Designer Handbags
- Keep the original dust bag, box and authenticity cards together.
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place with steady temperature.
- Stuff with acid-free tissue and remove straps if they're detachable.
- Don't stack bags on top of each other.
- Check on stored bags every few months and air them out.
Common Purse Storage Mistakes
- Leaving items inside, which stretches pockets and stains linings.
- Hanging heavy bags by their straps.
- Storing bags in plastic, which traps moisture.
- Piling bags on the closet floor.
- Keeping bags in direct sunlight.
Display-Worthy Bag Storage
If you love your collection, display it. Glass-front wardrobe sections, lit shelves or a bookcase styled with bags and a few books turn handbags into decor. Arrange by color or size, leave space between bags, and keep the most fragile pieces behind glass.
FAQ
What is the best way to store purses?
Empty and clean them, stuff them with acid-free tissue, put them in dust bags, and store them upright on shelves with dividers.
Is it bad to hang purses?
Lightweight bags are fine on hooks. Heavy leather bags can stretch at the straps over time, so store them on shelves.
How do you store purses so they keep their shape?
Stuff them with acid-free tissue or a purse pillow and store them upright, not stacked.
How do you store handbags long term?
Clean, stuff and place them in breathable dust bags, then store in a cool, dry, dark place. Check on them every few months.
For more closet ideas, see our walk-in closet ideas and closet island ideas.