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Bed linens and comforters often come at a premium, so when it’s time to store them for an extended period, it’s important to preserve them. Not only is it inconvenient to buy new bedding after relocating, but it can cost you a lot of money. When you’ve grown to love your sheet sets and have a comforter for every season, preserving them is key to your comfort.

These vital household items affect the quality of your sleep and therefore impact your health, so storing them properly ensures they stay the same. When it’s time to move or keep linens in storage for a season, you can preserve them well by following some pro tips. This guide will explain the proper way to store bed linens like comforters and sheets for storage, what tools are needed, and where they should be stored. When you stick to these guidelines, your sheets will be free of dust, fading, pests, and musty smells that often plague linens in long-term storage.

Safeguard Your Linens from Common Threats

The two main threats to any sheet or comforter set are moisture and light. Moisture makes it easy for mildew to grow within the fibers and creates a musty smell. It can also trigger allergies and make the sheets unusable to use. Direct light will fade your sheets’ brilliant colors just like the sun fades carpets, upholstery, and curtains. By limiting your linens’ exposure to these main threats, you can keep them smelling fresh and preserve their beauty.

To protect your linens from moisture and light,you should always find a place that is dark and dry. If you are able to store your linens at home, then a linen closet is the perfect place to keep them long-term. However, if this place isn’t available, you can store linens in an under-the-bed storage box or a trunk at the end of your bed. If you need to relocate and don’t have a home to store linens, you need a container that will keep your linens dry and not exposed to light. This storage location should also be temperature controlled to control humidity levels.

Protect Your Linens from Dust and Pests

If you plan to use long-term storage, you must protect your linens from two more threats: dust and pests. The best way to keep them safe is to contain them in fabric-friendly containers like fabric bags and then place them in containers that mice and bugs can’t access. If you want to protect your sheets even more, place acid-free paper between your sheets before you place them in a fabric storage bag. Keep all the sheet sets organized so that you can use all matching components when you retrieve them. It’s also helpful to throw in a desiccant pack to absorb any excess moisture to deter pests.

It's also important to avoid yellowing by reducing your use of plastic, cedar, and cardboard in your packing materials. However, if you need to save space for a limited time, vacuum air-seal bags are acceptable choices. Not only do they keep away moisture, but they protect your sheets against dust and pests. All you need to do is cover the vacuum bags so that light doesn’t fade the sheets and comforters. Plastic bags are not advised for white or light-colored linens but are easier to use with dark-colored sheets since the yellowing effect is less likely to be noticed.

Stay Organized

Whether your storage space is a linen closet or a climate-controlled unit, everything should be neat and organized. Avoid pitfalls like overcrowding or throwing sheets in boxes labeled after other items. Though throwing in sheets as add-ons to a loaded box is tempting, this makes it hard to find your sheets when it’s time to move. It’s also important to label the boxes according to what season the sheets and comforters belong to.

For example, experts recommend three sets of sheets and one comforter per bed and season. You may want to organize your sheets according to each bed and place all its seasonal linens in one box. Choose a labeling system that makes sense to you so that it serves your needs the best. However, most importantly, label everything so that you can identify your belongings easily and retrieve them whenever you need them.

Keep Everything Smelling Fresh

While desiccants and vacuum seal bags keep the musty smell away, you may want something more than a neutral scent. When you place a scented sachet in your linen bag, you can subtly enhance the smell of your linens. At home, simply put a scented sachet in your linen closet or linen storage box. If you don’t have sachets, then scented drawer liners can also be placed among your sheets to let out a steady pleasant aroma.

Washing Bed Linen for Storage Tips

Before storing bed linens, it's a good idea to wash and thoroughly dry them. Ensure they are completely clean and free from any stains or spills as these can attract pests or cause fabric damage during storage. Fold them neatly to minimize wrinkles and creases. Using fabric softener or dryer sheets can help keep them fresh.

Can you Store Bed Sheets in a Plastic Bin?

Yes, you can store bed sheets in a plastic bin, but it's essential to be cautious about the type of plastic container you use. Some plastic containers may not be suitable for long-term storage of linens, especially if they lack breathability. Prolonged storage in non-breathable plastic containers can potentially lead to issues like yellowing or streaking, particularly with cotton linens.

If you choose to use plastic bins for linen storage, consider bins with ventilation holes or select ones specifically designed for textiles and bedding. These containers provide some airflow while still protecting your linens from dust, moisture, and pests. Additionally, it's advisable to avoid storing linens in airtight or completely sealed plastic containers to prevent the buildup of trapped humidity.

Ultimately, choosing storage containers should prioritize preserving your linens' quality and preventing potential damage. Always ensure your linens are clean and fully dry before placing them in any storage container to maintain their freshness during storage.

Can I Store Linens in the Attic, Garage, or Basement?

Storing linens in the attic, garage, or basement is possible, but it's crucial to consider the environmental conditions in these spaces. Attics and garages can experience extreme temperature fluctuations and humidity levels, which may not be ideal for linen storage. Basements can sometimes be damp, leading to mold or mildew growth. If you choose to store linens in these areas, use airtight containers or bins to protect them from moisture, dust, and pests. Additionally, periodically check on them to ensure they remain in good condition.

How to Store Comforters in Small Spaces?

Storing comforters in small spaces can be a challenge, but it's manageable with some creative solutions. Consider vacuum-sealed storage bags; these compress the comforter, reducing its size for easy storage. If there's enough clearance, you can also fold the comforter and place it in a flat, airtight container or under your bed. Another option is to use a decorative storage ottoman or bench that doubles as extra seating while providing storage space for your comforters and other bedding items.

Climate-Controlled Storage Units for Bed Linens

If you need to relocate and store your belongings in a rental unit, you’ll get the best results when temperatures are stable and the humidity is low. This is why you should store all bed linens and comforters in a temperature-controlled unit. To find a climate-controlled storage unit for your linens and other delicate belongings, contact us.

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