Where Should You Store Luggage When You’re Not Traveling?

Luggage is one of those things you need, but probably don’t use very often. The problem is that suitcases are big, bulky, and don’t really fit neatly into most closets. If you have several suitcases for different types of trips, finding a place for all of them can be even more of a headache.

The good news is that you don’t need a special luggage closet. There are plenty of places to stash suitcases when you’re not traveling, including under beds, on closet shelves, behind furniture, and even inside other suitcases. Here are some ideas to help you get that luggage out of the way.

Key Takeaways

• Store luggage in a clean, dry place away from moisture, extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight.
• Under beds, on closet shelves, and inside closets are some of the easiest places to store suitcases.
• Nest smaller suitcases inside larger ones to save space.
• Use empty suitcases to store travel accessories or other clean, lightweight belongings.
• Clean and completely dry luggage before storing it to prevent odors and moisture problems.
• Keep luggage off damp floors, especially in basements and garages.
• If you rarely travel and don’t have room at home, a storage unit may be a good place for your luggage.

Inside Another Suitcase

This is one of the easiest ways to store multiple suitcases without using a ton of space. If you have a luggage set, there’s a good chance the smaller suitcases will fit inside the larger ones. Start with the largest suitcase, then put the next largest inside it. 

Keep going until you’ve nested as many as you can. You can also put smaller travel bags, packing cubes, and toiletry bags inside the smallest suitcase.

Just make sure everything is completely clean and dry before nesting. You don’t want to open your luggage before your next vacation and discover a musty smell.

Under Your Bed

If you have a bed with plenty of space underneath it, that may be the perfect place to stash a suitcase or two. Measure the space between the floor and the bed frame before trying to shove a suitcase underneath. Don’t forget to include the wheels and handles in your measurements.

Soft-sided luggage and duffel bags are usually easier to fit under low beds than hard-sided suitcases. If you don’t have enough clearance, bed risers may give you a little extra room, as long as they’re compatible with your bed frame.

Before storing luggage under your bed, vacuum the floor. Dirt can dirty your luggage and scratch up hard-case luggage. You may also want to put it in a breathable luggage cover to keep dust off.

On a Closet Shelf

The top shelf of a closet is a good place for luggage you don’t use very often. It gets the suitcase out of the way without taking up valuable floor space.

Before putting a suitcase up there, make sure the shelf can support its weight and that the luggage won’t hang over the edge. Large, heavy suitcases may be better off somewhere lower, especially if you’d need to balance on a ladder to get them down.

If you have a lot of luggage, consider keeping your most frequently used carry-on in an easy-to-reach spot and putting larger suitcases on higher shelves.

In Your Closet

If you don’t have room on a shelf, try storing luggage on the floor of your closet. A suitcase can fit underneath hanging clothes, especially if you have a section for shirts, jackets, or other shorter items.

If your closet is already packed, try moving seasonal clothing, extra bedding, or other rarely used items to another storage area. You may find that you have more room for luggage than you thought.

Don’t forget about the corners of your closet. A suitcase standing upright in a corner may take up less usable space than one lying flat across the floor.

Behind Furniture

Got a little space between your dresser and the wall? That may be enough room for a slim suitcase. This trick works particularly well for slim carry-ons, garment bags, and soft-sided luggage.

Look for unused spaces behind:

• Dressers
• Bookcases
• Desks
• Sofas
• Headboards
• Freestanding wardrobes

Measure the space first, and make sure the suitcase won’t block vents, electrical outlets, doors, or walkways. Don’t push furniture into an unstable position just to make room for luggage.

In a Guest Room

If you have a guest room that doesn’t get used very often, it can be a handy place to store luggage. Try putting suitcases in the closet, underneath the bed, or on a shelf.

You can also use an empty suitcase to hold extra guest bedding or pillows. Just remember where you put those items so you don’t accidentally take your guest’s spare blanket on vacation.

If guests use the room regularly, keep luggage out of their way so they still have somewhere to put their own bags.

In a Storage Bench or Ottoman

Some storage benches and ottomans have enough room for small suitcases, duffel bags, and travel accessories. This option is particularly handy for people who travel with smaller bags and don’t want them sitting out in the open.

Measure the inside before buying one specifically for luggage storage. A bench may look enormous from the outside but have surprisingly little room inside.

On a Garage Shelf

The garage may seem like an obvious place for luggage, especially if you’re short on closet space. However, garages can get extremely hot, cold, dusty, or damp, depending on where you live.

Those conditions aren’t great for every type of luggage. Heat can affect some plastics, adhesives, and other materials, while moisture can lead to musty odors and mold.

If your garage stays dry and doesn’t experience major temperature swings, a sturdy shelf may work for some luggage. Keep suitcases off the floor, away from chemicals, and protected from dust. For expensive luggage, leather bags, or anything with delicate materials, indoor storage is usually a better bet.

In the Basement

A basement can provide plenty of storage space, but moisture is the big thing to watch out for. If your basement is dry and climate-controlled, you may be able to keep luggage on shelves or in a storage closet. Avoid putting suitcases directly on concrete floors, particularly if the basement has a history of dampness or flooding.

If the basement smells musty, has visible moisture, or regularly experiences water problems, find another place for your luggage.

In a Storage Unit

If you don’t travel very often, there’s no reason your suitcases need to take up half your bedroom closet all year. A storage unit can be a place to keep luggage along with seasonal decorations, extra furniture, camping gear, and other things you don’t use regularly.

Consider a climate-controlled unit for luggage that may be affected by heat, cold, or humidity, especially leather or other delicate materials. Clean and dry everything before storing it, and keep suitcases off the floor on shelves or another raised surface.

If you travel frequently, though, keeping your favorite carry-on at home will probably be more convenient than making a trip to your storage unit every time you need to pack.

Luggage Storage FAQs

Where is the best place to store suitcases at home?

A clean, dry closet is one of the best places to store suitcases. You can also put luggage under a bed, on a sturdy shelf, or in another indoor storage area away from moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures.

Is it okay to store luggage in the garage?

You can store luggage in a garage if conditions are dry and temperatures stay within a range that won’t damage the materials. Keep suitcases off the floor and away from chemicals. If your garage gets extremely hot, cold, or damp, indoor storage is a better option.

Can you store suitcases inside each other?

Yes. Nesting smaller suitcases inside larger ones is a good way to save space. Just make sure each suitcase is clean and completely dry before putting it inside another one.

How do you store luggage in a small apartment?

Try storing luggage underneath your bed, inside a closet, behind furniture, or nested inside larger suitcases. You can also use empty luggage to store travel accessories or other rarely used belongings.

Should luggage be stored open or closed?

Luggage can generally be stored closed once it’s completely clean and dry. If the suitcase has a lingering odor or moisture inside, leave it open in a dry, ventilated area until the problem is resolved before putting it away.

Can you store clothes inside luggage?

Yes. Clean, completely dry clothing can be stored inside luggage, especially seasonal items you won’t need for a while. Avoid overpacking, and choose a storage location that protects the clothing from moisture and extreme temperatures.

How do you keep luggage from smelling in storage?

Clean the inside and outside of your luggage after traveling, remove any leftover food or damp items, and let the suitcase dry completely before storing it. Keep it in a clean, dry location, and check on it occasionally if it’s being stored for a long time.

Is it better to store luggage standing up or lying down?

Either can work, depending on the suitcase and the space available. Hard-sided suitcases can often stand upright, while some soft-sided bags may hold their shape better lying flat. Avoid putting heavy objects on top of luggage or storing it in a position that puts unnecessary pressure on wheels, handles, or zippers.