The 6 Best Containers for Storing Clothes

Even for those lucky enough to have large walk-in closets, sometimes there never seems to be enough closet space. Not only do clothing storage bins help with organization and save a ton of space, they also help protect your wardrobe from damage in the off-season.

Cramming those bulky sweaters next to a strappy sundress just doesn’t make much sense, especially when you’re rifling through your closet before work or before a last-minute date. That’s why containers are a great option to keep everything neatly stored and protected, and they’re an ideal way to organize seasonal attire.

Depending on where you live, most people only need to do a seasonal swap twice a year and can store both summer/spring garments and winter/fall together in one or two bins. You may want to keep a few fall or spring favorites out; some of these items can make great year-round layering pieces. When it comes to selecting the right storage bin, first consider where you’re going to store it throughout the seasons. Under the bed? In the hallway storage? On a high shelf in your bedroom closet? This will help determine the style and size of your bin, whether it’s a dust-proof plastic container with a locking lid or a soft fabric, stackable storage case.

Next, consider how much you’re going to actually move the bins throughout any given year. For instance, if you’re anticipating a move in the near future or need something more long-term, you'll want to select an extra sturdy container that’s going to last, like a heavy-duty, airtight storage bin. If you’re looking for something easily accessible in between seasons, under-the-bed options work particularly well.

The good news is, whichever option you choose, the following picks won’t break the bank, as all are under $50 or less. Keep scrolling for our top picks and expert advice, which include why you should never store your clothes long-term in a dry-cleaning bag.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

SALE

Fab Totes Clothes Storage Containers at Amazon ~~$42~~ $21

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Best Value:

Room Essentials Clear Under Bed Storage Box at Target $10

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Best Under-Bed Storage:

Storage Lab Underbed Storage Containers at Amazon $37

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Best for Long-Term Storage:

The Container Store Sterilite Garage Tote at The Container Store $78

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Best for Storing Outerwear:

The Container Store Cotton Gusseted Jacket Bag at The Container Store $22

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Best for Baby Clothes:

FHSQX Stackable Linen Fabric Box Organizer Set at Amazon $50

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Best Overall

Fab Totes Clothes Storage Containers

PHOTO: Amazon

$42 $21 at Amazon

What We Like

Large capacity
Transparent window
Breathable fabric

What We Don't Like

Not heavy duty

For a versatile storage option, these fabric storage bags are not only a great value for an entire set (it comes in either a three, four, six, eight, or 10 pack), but are also very spacious.

Made with breathable fabric that helps protect your clothes from dust and moisture, each storage bag can hold a lot—up to 17 pounds—and with reinforced handles on both sides, they’re fairly easy to move around.

Spacious and lightweight, we especially love the see-through windows, so you’re not guessing what’s at the bottom of each bag at the end of a season. They’re also stackable, making them great for closets. Plus, they can fold-up easily when not in use. The one downside is they’re not especially sturdy when not completely full. But that's minor, considering all of the benefits.

_{Size: 12.4 inches x 13.78 inches x 12.4 inches | Capacity: 17 pounds | Materials: Non-woven fabric and PVC | Stackable: Yes}

Best Value

Room Essentials Clear Under Bed Storage Box

PHOTO: Target

$10 at Target

What We Like

Made with BPA-free, clear plastic
In-store pick-up available
Lasts a long time

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t have a double-sided, hinge opening

If you’re looking for a basic clothing organizer that won’t break the bank, this roomy plastic bin from Target fits the bill. For $10, we like that it’s made with BPA-free, clear plastic so it not only protects your clothes, but you can also conveniently scan what’s inside.

We like that the lid snaps on securely, and it can also be stacked. In fact, we think it would be the perfect system for storing your growing collection of shoes. If you’re using it for under-the-bed storage, one drawback is that it doesn’t have a center hinge, so you'll have to take the entire lid off each time you grab an item.

But, that seems like a minor inconvenience, given that these bins are a great buy and tend to last a long time. Once you purchase one (or several) you won’t have to invest in another for a quite a long time.

_{Size: 6 inches x 18.25 inches x 29.25 inches | Capacity: 41 quarts | Materials: BPA-free and phthalate-free plastic | Stackable: Yes}

Best Under-Bed Storage

Storage Lab Underbed Storage Containers

PHOTO: Amazon

$37 at Amazon $30 at Walmart View on Thestoragelab.com

What We Like

No fuss zipper
Expandable design
Ideal for under-the-bed storage

What We Don't Like

Not as long-lasting as hard plastic

Storage LAB’s storage container was our number one pick in our tested and reviewed under-the-bed storage picks, so it definitely deserves another cameo here. Its large capacity with an expandable, stackable design can fit just about everything, including chunky knit sweaters and sweatsuit collections.

We also love that the container's durable zipper won't tug or stick and can handle a bit of overstuffing (which we know can sometimes happen!).

Since the containers come in a set of two, you can store a whole season’s worth of clothes directly under your bed and the fabric won’t scratch your floors (like hard plastic might). We also like the transparent top, which allows you to quickly view the bag’s contents.

_{Size: 4.5 inches x 17 inches x 33 inches | Capacity: 4.1 pounds | Materials: Polyester blend | Stackable: Yes}

Best for Long-Term Storage

The Container Store Sterilite Garage Tote

The Container Store Sterilite 50 qt. Garage Tote Clear

PHOTO: The Container Store

$78 at The Container Store

What We Like

50-quart capacity
Durable construction
Secure lock system

What We Don't Like

Size can make them hard to put on a high shelf

If you're a bit nostalgic and can't bear to give away your favorite clothes from years past, we think these sturdy plastic containers from Sterilite are perfect for heavy duty use and will last many, many years to come. The handles lock into place and despite the container’s large size, they’re stackable and fairly easy to move around.

In fact, once labeled, we also think they'd be ideal for storing away heavy winter coats, cute ski outfits, or your bulky collection of rain boots.

Whether you’re placing them high up on a closet shelf or tucked away in the garage or basement, we're confident they’ll keep out dust, pests, and moisture throughout the seasons.

_{Size: 14.75 inches x 19 x 15.5 inches | Capacity: 50 quarts | Materials: Polypropylene | Stackable: Yes}

Best for Storing Outerwear

The Container Store Cotton Gusseted Jacket Bag

PHOTO: The Container Store

$22 at The Container Store

What We Like

Stylish design
Made with breathable cotton
Can fit up to three coats

What We Don't Like

Doesn’t include hanger
Not easy to clean

Protect your cashmere and wool coats with this cotton jacket bag, which can hold up to three full-length jackets. It’s made with unbleached cotton twill so it’s breathable and won’t trap in moisture.

We also love that it comes in two sizes: One is 42 inches long, and the other is 62 inches. That way you can store away your fashionable corduroy jacket and your long winter pea coat, too.

We like that it’s also constructed to protect items from dust and debris in between seasons, as well as keep moths at bay. We particularly like the stylish design, which we think looks pretty terrific hanging in the closet. The only downside is that the zipper may be hard to use, but that’s a minor issue compared to all of the other noteworthy advantages.

_{Size: 42 inches x 24 inches x 4 inches | Capacity: Accommodates up to three coats or jackets | Materials: Unbleached cotton | Stackable: No}

Best for Baby Clothes

FHSQX Stackable Linen Fabric Box Organizer Set

PHOTO: Amazon

$50 at Amazon

What We Like

Breathable, linen fabric
Stylish design
Plenty of size options

What We Don't Like

Zippers could be better

When it comes to storing precious baby clothes, you may want to steer clear of all-plastic materials, especially for those with sensitive skin. For $50, this set of two is made with linen fabric and can easily fold up when not in use.

We think having a place to store and organize your little ones' clothes is a great idea, especially if this is baby number two, and you are making use of an older child's hand-me-downs. Think of saving those beautiful delicate dresses, hand knit blankets, or adorable Halloween costumes.

We especially love the classic beige color, which goes well with any nursery aesthetic and also means it’s stylish enough to keep out of the closet year-round. And unlike many other fabric options out there, it’s made with a steel frame, so it won’t collapse or sag.

_{Size: 15.7 inches x 16.5 inches x 23.6 inches | Capacity: 100 liters | Materials: Linen | Stackable: Yes}

Final Verdict

For our best overall, we love the Fab Totes Foldable Storage Bags, because it comes in multiple sets and color options at a reasonable price point. Impressively, it can also hold a lot of clothes, despite its compact size. Another great option are the Storage LAB Storage Containers (our best under-bed storage). They’re our number one pick in our tested and reviewed under-the-bed storage story, plus they come in a set of two and have a transparent top so you can easily find what you are looking for.

How We Picked the Containers for Storing Clothes

Each container or storage bag in our list is under $50, and many of them come in sets, making them great deals. We wanted to showcase a range of materials, including heavy-duty plastic, BPA-free options, and breathable fabrics, especially for those with sensitivities. The most important features we evaluated are functionality, durability, and stackability, which ensures you can make the most of your closet, basement, or under-the-bed space.

What to Look for in a Container for Storing Clothes

Think About Size and Capacity

First off, you need to really consider how much clothes you own. Rectangular and square containers are always best for clothing, since they tend to be stackable. One large plastic bin (around 50 quartz) can typically hold an entire season’s worth of clothing, whereas under-the-bed storage containers are better for thinner, summer clothes or shoes. Remember to utilize various storage spaces around the house, whether it’s a high shelf in your bedroom closet or the floor of your coat closet.

Consider Your Unique Storage Situation

Keep your clothes in a nice, dry area, whenever possible, says Julie Starke, a professional organizer, home stager, and owner of Keys To Living Light. You don’t want it to be exposed to light, she explains. “Make sure [your clothes are] in airtight bins if they need to be stored in a shed or garage so the clothes aren’t exposed to any moisture and dust," she says. For better organization, Starke says you should always properly label your storage bins and containers. Whether you’re using plastic or fabric, she loves the Brother P-Touch PTH110 to create easy labels.

Storing Clothes in a Commonly Used Closet: If you’re storing clothing in a closet, you may want to consider using plastic bins. A stack of sweaters in a clear plastic bin makes them easy to see. It’s best to get under-the-bed or stackable plastic containers for more frequently used clothes. For example, we love the Target Clear Under Bed Storage Box White (our best value option), because it's made of plastic to protect clothing from dust. Plus, it fits a lot of items, and the clear base makes it easy enough to see what you are looking for.

Storing Clothes for the Long-Term: If you’re keeping your items outside in a storage unit, be sure to get one that’s free from humidity and any light source. You’ll want to buy good quality bins that keep out humidity and dust. We suggest The Container Store Sterilite 50 qt. Garage Tote Clear (our best for long-term storage). What we love the most is that the handles lock into place and the container is stackable and fairly easy to move around.

There's a reason that stackable bins frequently come up in conversations about long-term storage and organizing. They're a versatile choice that works for a variety of belongings, and they allow you to take advantage of unused vertical space.

They also tend to hold their shape well. Among the choices gathered here, many are stackable. We especially like the Fab Totes Foldable Storage Bags (our best overall) because they are indeed stackable, plus they are spacious and made with breathable fabric that helps protect clothes from dust and moisture.

How to Avoid Moldy Clothing in Storage

One thing you’ll want to make sure you do is avoid putting your clothes in a moisture-prone area or packing them away when they're damp. Only pack away clothes and belongings that are completely dry, because wetness can lead to, at best, wrinkles, and at worst, mildew, mold, or other damage.

Once you're certain that everything you're packing away is aired out, choose as dry an area as you can for clothing bins and containers. Upper closet shelves, for instance, are better than unfinished basement floors.

Select a Durable Material for Longevity

Plastic bins tend to last a long time, so you won’t find yourself replacing them every few years. Plus, they tend to be airtight and more durable, especially if you’re moving them around a lot.

Canvas, fabric, and linen, however, are generally more aesthetically pleasing and can easily fold up when not in use. “If you’re going for aesthetics, then canvas is certainly a better choice,” says Starke. You may want to look for canvas bins that have a clear front that you can unzip and see through. The Fab Totes Foldable Storage Bags, our best overall pick, have a transparent panel to quickly see your clothing, and it comes in multiple sets and color options.

One More Thing

Although they are convenient, you should never use dry-cleaning bags to store clothes long-term. It’s not good for the clothing, says Starke. “If you do want to keep your clothing free from dust, make sure to purchase garment bags that are designed for clothes storage,” she says. “The clothes need to breathe and the dry cleaning bags won’t allow for that. You want air flow.”

Why Trust The Spruce?

Amber C. Snider is a NYC-based journalist covering topics in design, interiors, culture, and travel. She has used many of the storage containers described above for organizing her cozy (read: small) Brooklyn apartment, especially for separating out seasonal clothes. For this list, she reviewed and considered clothing storage options from trusted brands and focused on durability, ease of use, and design.

Our Expert: