5 places to store suitcases – plus 3 spots experts warn to always avoid

Love travelling but then struggle to know the best place to store your suitcases once home? Bulky and expensive, they're not something that can be simply discarded randomly until the next trip, they need to be stored with care so they stay in good condition and are ready for your next adventure.

Whether you travel alone or with the whole family, the amount of suitcases you own could be significant – especially if it's the latter. This means finding space to stash these usually large objects can be tricky.

The basement or garage might seem like the most obvious locations, but are they the best spots? We asked our experts for their suitcase storage ideas and they shared five ideal areas to keep your luggage when not in use.

1. On top of the closet

According to Audra N George, owner and pro-organizer at Pretty Neat: An Organizational Solution storing your suitcases on top of the closet is perhaps one of the best ideas.

'Suitcases can be difficult to store with their size and shape, we recommend on top of the closet or in it, as it keeps it out of the way.' It also keeps them dry and in a temperature controlled environment as apposed to outside the house where they might attract mold and mildew.

This idea works well if you use the case often, Audra adds, 'Things to think about are how much do you need your suitcases and how accessible do you need them to be? If you rarely use your suitcase, then storing it in less accessible areas is okay. If you need to use your suitcase frequently, then choose somewhere that it's easy to get to.'

If you have practical closet organizers in play, there should be space for a case.

2. In the guest room

There are things to never store in a guest room, but suitcases aren't one of them. In fact, it's a great spot for suitcases, mainly because it should have space for them and won't regularly be in use. If you do have a lot of luggage to stow at home, you can share them between your bedroom and this space.

'Ideal for luggage storage, particularly on upper shelves, the guest room closet allows suitcase space while keeping the rod area clear for occasional visitors,' says Cara Palmer, organization and decluttering expert, founder of home organization publication, OrganizeEveryRoom.com

This location offers climate-controlled conditions and easy access when needed says Cara. 'Install sturdy shelf brackets rated for heavy luggage, and consider adding motion-sensor lights (we like Walmart's Lofter-Pro 3 pack motion sensor LED under cabinet lights) for better visibility in deep closet spaces.'

If your job involves frequent travel – a few times a month for example – then keeping a suitcase on a luggage stand tucked in a corner of a guest room could be an option as guests can use it for theirs too. We like Amazon's fully assembled walnut bamboo luggage rack that comes with a shoe shelf too. Its heavy duty straps make it a sturdy choice.

3. Attic

Attics are both a 'yes' and a 'no' depending on the state of yours, as there are ways to organize a big attic so it can be used for storage. When you spend good money on decent suitcases you don't want to store them in an overly warm attic that will start to damage them.

Cara explains, 'If your attic is properly insulated and ventilated, it's prime real estate for luggage. Create dedicated platforms six inches off the floor for air circulation. I also recommend installing a basic temperature monitor. If it consistently reads above 85°F or shows high humidity, add a small dehumidifier to protect your investment. Place cedar blocks inside the suitcases for extra protection.'

Cedar blocks repel moths as they hate the smell, as do other common indoor pests.

If your attic is uninsulated and experiences swings in temperature, don't use it for storing items such as suitcases, which feature fabric inside and out that can be at risk of mold due to moisture or temperature fluctuations.

4. Entryway closet or mudroom

If you do have enclosed entryway storage or a mudroom, you can store all or some of your suitcases there. In this case due doors opening and closing frequently there are some top tips to follow to keep your luggage in good condition whilst being stored here.

Victor Tam, travel expert, founder and CEO of Monos says, 'When storing luggage in unfinished or non-climate-controlled spaces, clean your luggage thoroughly – inside and out – and make sure they’re completely sealed to avoid any pests from entering. You can also use a dust bag to keep the exterior protected.'

We like Wowfit's 5 CT 40 x 60 inches extra large clear plastic bags for luggage from Amazon, they're heavy-duty and come with brown ties.

5. Under the bed

Under the bed storage is always a winner and there are two options, either you simply slide them under, or, if you have a storage or ottoman bed, place them underneath. Both work well as they're not damp areas.

'It's a great storage spot as it can be wasted space, and if you’re not a frequent traveler, luggage can double as storage for off-season clothing or decor to help save closet space while keeping items secure,' says Victor. 'For ultimate convenience, opt for nest-able luggage sets that store compactly within one another.'

Our favorite nest-able luggage is below – it's space-saving and help you identify your family's luggage on the belt easier when you're all looking out for the same design.

Where to never store suitcases

There are 3 key places never to store suitcases, unless they are temperature controlled, which in most homes, they aren't.

'Unfinished basements – the worst luggage disasters occur in basements,' says Cara. The combination of concrete walls that trap moisture which can lead to mildew is a big no, making suitcases one of the items to never store in a basement.

Audra adds, 'If basement storage is your only option, use a dedicated dehumidifier and keep luggage at least 6 inches from the floors and walls.' There are ways to heat a basement to keep it warm if you want to store suitcases and other essentials in it.

Next up is uninsulated attics and non-climate-controlled garages. Cara explains, 'Temperature swings can break down luggage materials and attract mold. Garages are particularly problematic because they often experience extreme temperatures and humidity fluctuations, which can damage luggage materials and hardware.' Although you can draft proof a garage, the climate you live in is key to storing suitcases.

Outdoor sheds are our third place to avoid, Audra agrees, 'This is a set up for a dirty suitcase with dirt and bugs and it may need a good cleaning before use. If this is the only space you have, then opt for a suitcase cover to keep things nice and clean and ready for use.'

There are two types of suitcase cover, one is fabric based and the other is a PVC-made design that's also waterproof.

FAQs

Is it OK to store suitcases in a garage?

Garages can be used for storing suitcases if they are climate controlled. If you live in an area that has a moderate temperature for example and little moisture, it would be fine, so it's about assessing the space beforehand.

In some instances it might be your only choice, and hard shell cases will cope better in a garage than a soft case.

How to store suitcases in a small apartment?

When spare really is tight, you need to be clever with how your store your suitcases. The closet is a good option, as are under the bed and couch – if the suitcase is small and a soft design. You can also store out of season clothes in them to maximize storage functionality, or nest them inside one another.

Another idea is to install a luggage rack – rather like the designs you'd see on an old train, that way they are up and out of the way. We like Amazon's French coat luggage rack that comes in a brass finish with 8 hooks.

Meet our experts

Audra N George

Audra is the owner and pro-organizer at Pretty Neat: An Organization Solution in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It's a professional organizing company that serves the unorganized, the overwhelmed, and the busy family.

Cara Palmer

Cara Palmer is a home organization expert and founder of Organize Every Room, where she combines form, function, and fun to help people turn cluttered chaos into spaces they love.

Victor Tam

Victor is the co-founder and chief executive officer at Monos. He is a digital marketer and serial entrepreneur with a passion for consumer psychology, branding, design, and a knack for pattern recognition and trendspotting.

There are definitely key places within the house to store your suitcases when they're not needed, it just need a little thought to ensure they are kept in prime condition during the storage period. Cara explains, 'Remember proper storage keeps your home organized and extends the life of your luggage. It protects your investment and ensures your bags are ready for your next adventure.'

Next, explore the hidden storage ideas you may not be aware of that can maximize the space in your home.