Storage Matters

Handbags Handmade

Handmade handbags are more than just accessories�they are unique pieces of art crafted with care, often made from high-quality materials like leather, suede, fabric, or other luxurious textiles. When you invest in a handmade handbag, you want it to last and look its best for as long as possible. One of the most important ways to ensure that your handbag remains in pristine condition is by storing it properly when it's not in use.

Improper storage can lead to a variety of problems, such as damage to the material, loss of shape, or even mold and mildew. To prevent these issues and keep your handmade handbags looking their best, it�s essential to understand how to store them correctly. In this guide, we'll walk through the steps and best practices for storing your handmade handbags, so they remain beautiful, functional, and ready to use whenever you need them.

Why Proper Storage Matters for Handmade Handbags

Storing your handbags properly can help prevent common problems such as:

Loss of Shape: Handmade bags often have a specific shape that gives them their unique look and functionality. If stored improperly, they can lose their shape and structure, leading to unsightly creases, dents, or sagging.
Material Damage: Whether your bag is made from leather, fabric, or another material, storing it in the wrong environment can cause damage. Leather can dry out and crack, suede can become discolored, and fabrics can fade or attract dust and dirt.
Mold and Mildew: Storing bags in humid or damp areas can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can permanently damage the bag and give off a bad odor.
Fading: Exposure to direct sunlight or strong indoor lighting can cause the colors of your handbag to fade over time, making it look old and worn out before its time.
Wear and Tear: Even when you�re not using a handbag, improper storage can lead to wear and tear, such as scratches, dents, and marks from contact with other objects.

By following proper storage techniques, you can prevent these issues and help your handbag retain its beauty and functionality for many years.

Step-by-Step Guide to Storing Handmade Handbags Properly

1. Clean the Bag Before Storing

Before you store your handmade handbag, it�s important to clean it properly. Any dirt, dust, or oils left on the bag can damage the material over time, especially if left for long periods.

For leather bags: Wipe them down with a dry, soft cloth. If needed, use a leather cleaner or conditioner to remove dirt and nourish the material.
For fabric or canvas bags: Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt, and let the bag air dry completely before storing.
For suede bags: Gently brush the suede with a suede brush to remove any dirt and restore the nap of the material.

Tip: Always ensure that your bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent mold, mildew, or damage to the material.

2. Stuff the Bag to Maintain Its Shape

One of the most common problems with improper storage is that bags lose their shape over time. To prevent this, it�s important to stuff your handbag with the right materials to help it keep its form.

What to use: Acid-free tissue paper, bubble wrap, or a soft cotton cloth can be used to fill the inside of the bag. Avoid using regular newspaper, as the ink can transfer onto the interior lining of the bag.
How to do it: Gently stuff the bag until it holds its natural shape, but don�t overstuff it, as this can cause the bag to stretch or distort.

For structured handbags with firm shapes, stuffing is essential to prevent creases and dents from forming. For softer, slouchy bags, stuffing helps maintain their form without sagging.

3. Use a Dust Bag or Pillowcase for Protection

Most high-quality handmade handbags come with a dust bag, which is essential for protecting the bag from dust, dirt, and scratches while in storage.

If you have a dust bag: Place the handbag inside the dust bag before storing it in your closet or storage area. The dust bag allows the handbag to breathe while still providing protection from external elements.
If you don�t have a dust bag: Use a cotton pillowcase as an alternative. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mold and mildew growth.

Tip: Make sure the dust bag or pillowcase is clean and free of any oils or dirt before using it to store your handbag.

4. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

The environment in which you store your handbag is just as important as how you store it. To protect the material and prevent damage, you should always store your handbag in a cool, dry place.

Avoid direct sunlight: Sunlight can cause the colors of the handbag to fade over time, especially for leather and fabric bags. Store your bag in a shaded area, away from windows and bright indoor lights.
Avoid humid areas: High humidity can lead to mold and mildew growth, especially on leather and suede bags. Avoid storing your handbags in bathrooms, basements, or other damp areas.
Store in a well-ventilated area: Proper airflow helps prevent moisture buildup, which can damage the materials and cause odors to develop. A closet with good ventilation is ideal.

Tip: If you live in a humid environment, consider using a dehumidifier or placing silica gel packets in your storage area to absorb excess moisture.

5. Keep Handbags Upright

When possible, store your handbags in an upright position to help them maintain their shape and prevent creasing or flattening.

Structured bags: These should always be stored upright to avoid losing their shape. Make sure they�re stuffed properly, and avoid stacking other items on top of them.
Slouchy bags: While they can be more flexible in terms of storage, it�s still a good idea to store them upright with proper stuffing to help retain their shape.

If you don�t have enough shelf space to store bags upright, consider investing in handbag organizers that allow you to hang bags without putting pressure on the handles or body of the bag.

6. Separate Handbags to Avoid Scratches

Handbags can easily get scratched or dented if they rub against each other during storage. To prevent this, it�s important to store each bag separately.

Use dividers: If you�re storing bags on a shelf, you can use dividers or place each bag in its own cubby to keep them from touching.
Place smaller bags inside dust bags: If you�re short on space, you can store smaller bags inside larger ones, but be sure to place the smaller bags in dust bags or pillowcases first to prevent scratching.

Tip: If you have bags with metal hardware, make sure the metal doesn�t come into contact with other bags or surfaces, as it can cause scratches.

7. Protect the Handles

The handles of a handbag are often the first part to show signs of wear, especially if they�re not stored properly. To protect the handles:

Wrap them in tissue paper: Gently wrap the handles in acid-free tissue paper to prevent them from becoming creased or misshapen during storage.
Avoid hanging bags by their handles: While it may seem like a convenient way to store bags, hanging them by their handles can cause stretching, especially for leather bags. If you need to hang bags, use hooks designed for handbags that support the body of the bag as well as the handles.

8. Avoid Overcrowding Your Storage Space

It�s tempting to store as many handbags as possible in a small space, but overcrowding can lead to damage such as scratches, creases, and even mold growth. Make sure each bag has enough space to "breathe" and that there�s no pressure on the bags from other items.

Create a designated handbag storage area: If possible, dedicate a shelf, drawer, or section of your closet specifically for handbags. This will ensure that they have enough space and won�t get damaged by other items.
Rotate your handbags: If you have a large collection, rotate the handbags you use regularly. This helps prevent some bags from sitting in storage for too long without being aired out or used.

9. Check on Stored Bags Regularly

Even if you�re not using a particular handbag frequently, it�s a good idea to check on your stored bags every few months. This allows you to:

Check for mold, mildew, or odors: If you notice any musty smells or mold spots, take the bag out of storage and clean it immediately.
Ensure the bag�s shape is intact: Adjust the stuffing or reposition the bag if needed to make sure it�s maintaining its shape.
Condition leather bags: Leather handbags benefit from occasional conditioning to keep the leather soft and supple. Apply leather conditioner as needed to prevent cracking.

Bonus Tips for Storing Different Types of Handmade Handbags

Leather Handbags

Leather is a durable material, but it requires special care when storing to prevent drying out or cracking.

Condition regularly: Before storing, apply a leather conditioner to nourish the leather and keep it soft.
Avoid plastic: Never store leather handbags in plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and cause the leather to become stiff or moldy.
Use a breathable dust bag: Always store leather bags in a breathable dust bag or pillowcase to allow airflow.

Suede Handbags

Suede is a delicate material that can easily get damaged if not stored correctly.

Brush before storing: Gently brush the suede to remove dirt and restore its texture before storing.
Avoid direct contact with other bags: Suede can be prone to staining, so make sure it doesn�t come into contact with other materials or bags during storage.
Keep away from moisture: Suede is particularly susceptible to moisture, so ensure it�s stored in a dry place with good airflow.

Fabric and Canvas Handbags

Fabric and canvas handbags are generally more forgiving but still need proper care.

Clean before storing: Make sure the fabric is clean and free of stains before storing.
Stuff to maintain shape: Even though fabric bags are more flexible, stuffing them helps prevent creasing and sagging.

Proper storage of handmade handbags is essential to maintain their beauty, shape, and longevity. By following the steps outlined above�cleaning, stuffing, protecting with dust bags, storing in a cool and dry environment, and checking on them regularly�you can ensure that your handbags remain in excellent condition for many years.

Handmade handbags are often crafted with love and attention to detail, and taking the time to store them properly is a small but important way to honor that craftsmanship. Whether your collection consists of leather, suede, or fabric bags, these simple storage tips will help preserve the unique beauty of each piece and ensure they remain treasured parts of your wardrobe.