Long-Term Storage Secrets: Why Vacuum Bags Aren't Ideal for Storing Clothes, Toys & Linens (and what’s a better choice)
In the wide world of organizing, you can be that certain topics will be brought up on the reg: Marie Kondo, lazy susans, and of lately…vacuum bags. I have to admit, as a professional organizer, I have always been dubious about vacuum bags. As the name implies, they are big, thick plastic bags with a valve in them where you can use your handy dandy vacuum to suck the air out of them, compressing the contents into a smaller bag of said contents. Vacuum bags have become a popular choice for long term storage of items like clothes, toys, and linens, especially for those looking to save space. It seems logical that with no air it means it will take up less room - one point for vacuum bags!
However, something I see a lot in the homes where I work are piles of unused or once used vacuum bags. I know that they were bought with good intentions, but that extra step of filling them and getting the vacuum out to seal them is just a bridge too far in today’s busy times. We might think we are going to put last season’s ski clothes in there, but it’s more likely that they will be tossed on top of the unused vacuum bags and shoved into a closet until next ski season #basedonatruestory
Okay, vacuum bags aren’t great for short term/under one year storage. But how about long term storage? Think baby clothes and blankets being saved for another baby down the road (1 -5 years), collection of fabric and yarn for a once loved hobby that we might have time for in a future season of life (3-7 year) or keepsake linens that grandma embroidered (indefinitely)?
Before you go through the effort to carefully store your precious things, here are some reasons why those bags might seem like a convenient solution, they are bad news for a variety of reasons:
Compression Stress:
Ouch look at how sad that ultra compressed fabric looks
One of the main issues with vacuum bags is the compression stress they impose on stored items. When you vacuum-seal clothing, toys, or linens, you're essentially squishing them into a fraction of their original size. While this is a space-saving win (which excites me more than you will ever know), it can actually lead to deformation and damage over time. Fabrics, especially natural fibers like cotton and wool, need some breathing room to maintain their integrity. The constant pressure from being tightly compressed can cause wrinkles, creases, and even permanent distortion of the fabric fibers. And don’t get me started on leather! Over compressed leather will never be the same so do not store it in a compression bag.
Lack of Air Circulation:
Now I have to admit, this actually surprised me. I thought that by sucking all of the air out of a bag would leave no room for moisture to grow bacteria, but I was wrong, wrong, wrong. This is why I am an organizer and not a scientist ha ha. What I failed to see is that the problem is the lack of air circulation in vacuum bags. When items are sealed in these bags, they're deprived of oxygen, which can create a stagnant environment conducive to mold and mildew growth. Clothes, toys, and linens that are stored in airtight conditions are more prone to developing musty odors and becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. This is particularly concerning for items made of organic materials like cotton or wood, which are susceptible to moisture damage.
Potential Moisture Trapping:
Vacuum-sealed bags can inadvertently trap moisture inside. While you may think you're protecting your items from moisture by sealing them in airtight bags, any moisture present at the time of sealing can become trapped within the bag. Now, if you live in a dry, hot climate, this might not be a problem, but for those of us on the coast like me, there is a good chance that there is always a tiny bit of moisture in our things. Over time, this trapped moisture can lead to the deterioration of fabrics and the development of mold and mildew. Additionally, fluctuations in temperature and humidity levels can cause condensation within the bag, further exacerbating the problem.
Risk of Fabric Damage:
Back to that compression damage, certain types of fabrics are more susceptible to damage from vacuum sealing than others. Delicate fabrics such as silk or cashmere can easily be crushed or misshapen when subjected to the intense pressure of vacuum sealing. Similarly, items with embellishments, beading, or delicate stitching may be at risk of damage during the compression process. Even toys like stuffies with fragile parts or intricate designs may not fare well under the pressure of vacuum sealing.
That’s a hard pass on vacuum bags for most situations. So what is a better option?
Let’s agree that for most of us, vacuum bags are not the most convenient option when it comes to accessing your stored items. Unlike traditional storage containers or bins, which allow you to easily retrieve individual items as needed, vacuum-sealed bags require you to unseal the entire bag to access anything inside. This can be cumbersome, especially if you need to take items out (or pop strays back in). Instead, consider one of my favorite storage bins:
The first two have secure latches, making them the perfect choice for garages or anywhere there is concern about pests or mildew. I love the black and yellow option for long term storage because they are sturdy as heck, are opaque, and will prevent discoloration from light. Best of all they are usually $11 each at Home Depot! The last option has a flip top, which is the perfect choice for indoor storage, particularly of things that you want to be able to access quickly. The flip top can be opened with one hand, making it easier to use and hence avoiding the dreaded pile of things that should go in the box, located directly next to or on top of the box.
A Few Hot Tips for Long Term Storage:
Make sure all items are clean and dry before packing. Try and smooth out the fabric and consider a rolling fold technique to prevent wrinkles.
Avoid plastic garment bags and other plastic bag storage for the reasons we have already discussed.
Avoid cardboard boxes and cardboard waredrobes as they are prone to damage, will absorb smells and attract bugs and mildew growth.
Pack items in airtight plastic bins like the ones above and throw in a silica packet. These are so important for sucking out every little bit of moisture. And don’t forget: your clothes need a bit of breathing room so don’t stuff the bins too full.
Avoid mothballs. With airtight bins, moths shouldn’t be a problem, and mothballs are filled with funky chemicals and pesticides. Use cedar chips if you like instead.
Store bins in a cool, dry, dark and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or excessive humidity. Garages and attics often experience temperature extremes (even in San Francisco!) and lack adequate ventilation, which isn’t great for long term storage.
Check on your bins periodically to make sure things are looking good and they are intact and sealed.
If you made it this far, thank you for your attention to this important matter! I hereby grant you an honorary degree from the University of Vacuum Bags #stillbetterthantrumpuniversity. But for more help and tips, please get in touch! Long term storage is usually an important component of home organizing and I am here to help.
