7 Purse and Handbag Storage Ideas That Keep Their Shape

Bags are awkward to store. They slump, their straps tangle, and a pile on the closet floor crushes the ones at the bottom.

Good storage does two things: it keeps each bag upright and in shape, and it lets you see all of them so you actually use them.

1Edit and empty

Take every bag out and empty each one. You will find receipts, pens and at least one lip balm. Let go of bags that are damaged beyond repair or that you have not carried in two years. Wipe the ones you keep and close the zips and clasps.

2Stand them up between dividers

On a shelf, bags lean and fall like dominoes. Clear shelf dividers slide onto the shelf and create a slot for each bag. Line them up with the handles tucked in and the fronts facing out, largest at the ends.

3Hang an organizer on the rod

If shelf space is short, a hanging organizer with clear pockets holds six or eight bags in about a foot of rod. Each bag has its own pocket and stays dust-free. It suits medium and small bags best.

4Use hooks for everyday bags

The bag you carry daily should not go back on a shelf each night. A sturdy hook inside the closet door or by the entry keeps it ready. Use wide hooks so the strap does not crease, and avoid hanging heavy leather bags long term, since straps can stretch.

5Keep the shape with stuffing

Soft and structured bags hold their shape when they are lightly filled. Purse pillows or acid-free tissue work well. Avoid newspaper, since ink can transfer. Store bags with flaps closed and straps tucked inside.

6Protect special bags from dust

Occasion bags and anything in pale leather benefit from a breathable cover. Use the dust bag it came with or a cotton one. Clear stackable boxes with a front opening are another option and let you see each bag without unstacking.

7File clutches and wallets

Small flat bags get lost under bigger ones. Stand clutches on edge in a bin or a letter sorter, like files. They take a few inches of shelf and are easy to flip through.

Keeping it that way

Empty your everyday bag once a week. It keeps the bag lighter and stops small things from migrating between bags.

Keep leather away from direct sunlight and from plastic bags that trap moisture. A cool, dry shelf is all most bags need.