Ways To Store Luggage So It Doesn't Take Up A Lot Of Space

Choosing the perfect luggage is a tough and individual choice. After all, not everyone travels the same, or as frequently. One thing that almost all luggage has in common, however, is that it takes up more space than we’d like it to when it's not in use. If you find that you are constantly moving a suitcase out of the way, or worse, tripping over it, then you need to find a better way to store luggage when it’s not in use.

To store luggage so it takes up minimal space, find a set of luggage that stacks within itself. If you take long trips and can travel light, opt for backpacks and duffel bags that compresses easily. You can use suitcases for seasonal clothing storage, and stash them under your bed or on a high closet shelf. You can even keep your luggage in a climate-controlled attic and even the garage.

Whether you have limited storage space or a lot of suitcases, luggage storage can be a pain. As much as we may dream of traveling constantly, the reality is suitcases tend to spend more time in our home than on the road. If you have luggage and want to keep it out of the way, make sure you keep reading. Below is a list of the top effective ways to store your luggage so they take up as little space as possible.

Eight Space-Saving Ways To Store Luggage When It’s Not In Use 

1. Buy Luggage Sets That Stacks Within Itself

One of the best ways to minimize the amount of space your luggage takes up in your home is to buy a luggage set that stacks within itself. If you can find a good luggage set you love, see if they have a carry-on bag that fits within the checked bag.

This style of design is fairly common. This allows you to keep all your luggage in one place. You can even keep your travel backpack in the carry-on, as well as your toiletry kit and compression cubes. Not only does this save space, but it keeps all your travel essentials in one place. It’s a great way to maximize space and stay organized.

2. Opt For Duffel Bag And Backpack Styles When Possible

If you have very limited space and don’t mind carrying your luggage on your back, then opt for a duffel bag or backpack luggage. Most duffel bags and backpack luggage can fold up into a mere fraction of what it looks like when expanded. 

Other great features of these bags include making it easy to transport your bag on uneven terrain. They are also significantly lighter than most other luggage, making it possible to fit more in a suitcase without going over your weight allowance. You can store these bags nearly anywhere, since they take up so little space.

3. Use It To Store A Seasonal Wardrobe

If you tend to take trips during one season more than others, then consider using your suitcases as seasonal clothing storage. If, for example, you use your hard-shell luggage mostly for winter vacations, then store your bulky sweaters and jackets in them.

This provides your winter clothing with a safe summer home on wheels that can tuck away anywhere. It makes good use of your luggage and also helps free up a lot of space in your closet at the same time.

4. Slide It Under Your Bed

If you have luggage on wheels, then you can often slide it underneath your bed frame. Some luggage is a bit tall, which may require you to put your bed on risers to create more storage space under the bed, Most smaller luggage should fit easily in the space provided by your existing bed frame.

To further maximize space, you can store additional travel materials within your suitcase. Laundry and compression bags, as well as any travel-specific items that you only use when you are on vacation, can all be stored under your bed inside the luggage.

5. Store It On Your Highest Shelf In The Closet

It’s no secret that the most difficult-to-reach storage places are also the least used. If you only need your suitcases once or twice a year for big trips, then store them in one of these hard-to-reach locations. One of the best and most common spaces that are difficult to access include high shelves in closets.

Store your empty suitcases high up in your closet so you don’t have to think about them until right before you take a trip. Your closet is also usually a climate-controlled and dry space. This makes it an ideal location for most luggage materials.

6. Keep Them Elevated In Your Insulated Garage

If you have an insulated garage, you can store your suitcases in it. The key to storing luggage within a garage is to prepare and protect it. Even a finished garage is not immune to outside influences. They can flood, and there are sometimes spills.

Therefore, store your luggage in a container or airtight vessel. You should also keep the bags elevated. Storing luggage on the floor of your garage is inviting disaster in the form of stains, mold, and rust.

7. Store Rarely Used Luggage In The Attic

If you have luggage you rarely use, but can’t part with, then consider storing it in your attic. The attic is a place for items that are rarely used. You can even put items like extra blankets within the luggage, to maximize space.

Attics that are poorly insulated can get very hot and cold. Make sure your luggage doesn't have materials (like some rubbers and metals) that get damaged easily with dramatically fluctuating temperatures. Use silica packs or other humidity-lowering methods to reduce the risk of mold.

8. Get Rid Of Old Luggage

Lastly, if you have old luggage you don’t use, get rid of it. It can be hard to part with luggage, but your storage space (or lack thereof) will thank you for it. You can give old luggage to a family member or a friend. You can also donate them to a charity, as many charities constantly accept and appreciate donations of luggage.

Top Five Luggage Maintenance And Pre-Storage Tips

1. Clean Your Luggage Inside And Out Before Storing

After a trip, your suitcases are bound to be a bit dirty. Before you store them, vacuum and wipe down the interiors. Next, wipe the outer material, and let it dry. This will reduce the risk of mildew smells as well as bacteria growth. 

2. Keep Luggage Elevated

When storing your luggage, always keep it elevated. This reduces the risk of water damage and stains. It also helps prevent certain pests from making a home inside your suitcases when you aren’t using them.

3. Store In A Cool And Dry Place

Extreme temperatures and high humidity are bad for most materials. Opt to store your luggage in a cool dry place out of direct sunlight. If you have to store suitcases in the attic or garage, choose the coolest spot. Also, take measures to reduce the humidity inside the suitcase.

4. Keep It Covered And Closed

Keep your luggage covered when you are storing it for long periods. This will help keep dust off your luggage. It will also reduce the risk of stains and contact with moths and other pests.

5. Use The Right Cleaners For Your Luggage Fabric

Lastly, remember that luggage is made out fromall sorts of different materials. Hardtop plastic luggage will need a very different cleaner than your leather duffel bag. Ensure you are using cleaners that both remove stains and rejuvenate the material of your luggage. This can improve the longevity of your travel bags.

Summing Up How To Store Luggage So It Takes Up Less Space

Luggage is an essential item for travel and a crucial element in forming lasting memories. It can also take up an irritating amount of space when you aren’t using it. To reduce the amount of space your luggage takes up in the home, buy luggage sets that fit within themselves.

You can also opt for duffel bags that compress. Use your luggage to store seasonal clothing to maximize space and store them under the bed or on a shelf in your closet. You can store luggage in an attic or finished garage; just ensure you choose a cool and dry place.

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