How to Store Purses

To store purses properly, start by cleaning them inside and out and making sure they’re completely dry before you pack them away. Clean purses keep their shape, texture, and color longer, especially if you rotate them seasonally or have different bags for work, travel, and weekends.

Step 1: Empty and Clean Every Purse

Begin by emptying each purse completely. Check all pockets for small items like receipts, keys, or pens. Once empty, wipe the interior with a soft cloth. For fabric linings, use a handheld vacuum or a lint roller to remove dust. For leather or faux-leather exteriors, use a cleaner designed for that material and a dry microfiber cloth to buff gently. If you have canvas or nylon purses, a mild soap and warm water solution works well.

Let every purse air dry completely before moving to the next step. Moisture left inside a bag can lead to musty odors or discoloration over time.

Step 2: Maintain Shape and Structure

Stuff each purse lightly with acid-free tissue paper, soft towels, or clean fabric. This helps the bag retain its original shape. Avoid newspaper, as the ink can transfer to the lining. Close zippers, buckles, or snaps to keep the bag’s structure firm. Wrap straps in tissue paper or tuck them inside to prevent indentations.

Step 3: Choose the Right Containers

Store purses upright in breathable dust bags, pillowcases, or cotton covers. If you don’t have these, large plastic bins with loose-fitting lids also work. Place heavier purses at the bottom and lighter clutches or crossbody bags on top. Avoid overcrowding so each purse has room to breathe.

Label containers by category—work bags, evening bags, travel purses—so you can find what you need quickly.

Step 4: Organize in the Storage Unit

Inside your self-storage unit, arrange purse bins on shelves or stable surfaces instead of the floor. Keep accessories like scarves, belts, or hats nearby to create a coordinated section. Organizing by type helps you unpack or rotate seasonally without digging through boxes.

Step 5: Long-Term Tips

For long-term storage, add silica gel packets to each bin to help control moisture. Re-fluff stuffed materials once every few months if you check your unit periodically.

Storing Made Simple

Storing purses is easy once you clean, stuff, and organize them. With a little preparation, your bags stay tidy and ready to grab for your next outing. Reserving a self-storage unit at Public Storage helps you declutter your closet while keeping your favorite purses packed away for a rainy day or your next wardrobe revamp.

Features and amenities vary by location, facility, and unit. “Climate-controlled” and related terms (such as air-conditioned, heated, or humidistat-equipped) describe storage spaces designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels compared to non-climate-controlled units. Public Storage does not guarantee temperature or humidity ranges. Availability, features, and unit types may differ by location, facility, and unit. Please confirm with your facility whether specific climate-controlled features are available on units at that location.