How Do You Store Pillows In A Closet?
Assess Your Pillow Storage Needs
First, determine the number and sizes of pillows you need to store. The average person sleeps with about 2 pillows, according to a 2021 poll by the National Sleep Foundation (source). However, your personal preferences and bed size may require storing more or fewer pillows.
Consider if you need easy, everyday access to your pillows or are looking for a long-term storage solution. Pillows you use daily should be within reach, while off-season or spare pillows can be stored more remotely.
Finally, decide if you want your pillows visible as decor in your bedroom, completely hidden away, or something in between. This will dictate whether you store them in closed containers or leave them exposed on open shelves.
Choose Appropriate Pillow Storage Containers
When selecting containers for pillow storage in a closet, you’ll want to consider whether you prefer to see your pillows or keep them hidden from view. As noted in this article from The Spruce 22 Ways to Properly Store Your Pillows, clear plastic bins allow you to easily see the contents inside. This can help you quickly locate a specific pillow when needed. However, plastic doesn’t conceal the look of the pillows. If you prefer a tidier, more hidden storage solution, cloth bins or fabric storage cubes can neatly tuck pillows out of sight. Collapsible fabric containers are also great space-savers since they fold up flat when not in use.
Look for storage containers sized appropriately for the pillows you want to store. Measure your pillows and opt for bins just a few inches longer and wider to avoid cramming. Bins with lids will help keep pillows dust-free. If using open bins, consider adding a lightweight cloth over the top of each bin. Some pillow storage bins feature handles, zippers, or velcro closures for convenience. Prioritize sturdy plastic, cloth or canvas materials over cheaper disposable options. With quality bins, your pillows can be neatly stored in the closet for years to come.
Utilize Shelving to Maximize Vertical Space
Install shelving high up to take advantage of vertical room in your closet. This allows you to store pillows overhead, leaving floor space available for other items. Stack pillow bins on shelves to conserve floor space. Using shelves can triple your storage capacity compared to just placing items on the floor of the closet.
Use dividers on shelves to separate and organize pillow bins neatly. Dividers prevent bins from toppling over and make it easy to identify and access specific pillows (https://www.bhg.com/how-to-store-pillows-7095437).[1] You can purchase closet shelving units with adjustable dividers, or use removable divider inserts to customize your setup.
Look for shelves that extend all the way to the back of the closet to maximize storage potential. Sturdy shelving that can handle the weight of multiple pillow bins is ideal. Install securely following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Store Pillows in Closet Corners
Closet corners often go overlooked when it comes to storage solutions. However, the corners of a closet can provide useful vertical storage space for pillows and other soft goods. Storing pillows in the corners takes advantage of space that would otherwise go unused.
Look for closet organizers or shelving units that are specifically designed to fit into a 90-degree closet corner. This will maximize the available space. Opt for units with multiple shelves to store pillows upright and stacked. Standing pillows on their side rather than flat helps conserve floor space at the bottom of the closet. Some people find it helpful to use canvas bins How to Maximize Storage Space in Closet Corners or other containers to corral pillows on corner shelves.
An additional benefit of using closet corners for pillow storage is that the soft materials provide a bit of cushioning. If closet doors happen to swing open forcefully and hit the corner, the pillows absorb some of the impact rather than damaging the doors or walls. Just be sure to leave some open space in the very back of the corner so the doors have room to open fully.
Hang Pillows from Rod or Wall Hooks
Hanging pillows from a closet rod or wall hooks is an efficient way to store pillows and maximize vertical space. This method allows air to circulate around the pillows, preventing mildew or musty odors from developing. According to The Spruce, hanging pillows in the open air can help them retain their shape and plumpness better than stacking them or storing them in containers.
You can hang pillows using over-the-door hooks, closet rod hooks, or wall-mounted hooks. Space the hooks evenly to distribute the weight. Make sure the hooks are sturdy enough to hold the weight of the pillows without pulling out of the wall or door. For frequently used pillows, hang them towards the front of the closet or lower down so they can be easily accessed.
The main benefits of hanging pillow storage are air circulation, efficient use of vertical space, and easy access. Just make sure not to overload hooks, which could cause damage. This method works best for pillows in current use rather than long-term storage.
Label Storage Containers
Properly labeling pillow storage containers can make organizing your closet much easier by helping to quickly identify contents without having to open each container. Using preprinted or handwritten labels allows you to easily keep track of exactly which pillows are stored where.
Labels are especially helpful for designating certain containers for different types of pillows – for example having separate bins for bed pillows, throw pillows, couch pillows, and outdoor pillows. This keeps your inventory organized so you know exactly where to find the pillow you need.
Some popular preprinted label options include Talented Kitchen 133 Closet Labels or chalkboard style labels that allow you to write with chalk marker. Or you can make custom labels by printing on adhesive paper or using a label maker.
Consistent labeling makes retrieving and replacing pillows a breeze while also keeping your closet looking tidy and organized.
Store Off-Season Pillows Elsewhere
One effective way to maximize closet space for pillow storage is to remove off-season pillows that won’t be used for several months. This clears out infrequently used pillows and prevents overcrowding the closet.
Consider storing winter pillows in an underbed container or chest during warmer months. Place the bin somewhere easily accessible when it’s time to swap them back into the closet. You can label the storage bin “winter pillows” so you remember exactly what’s inside.
For summer pillows, find an empty shelf or area in the garage, attic, or basement during cooler seasons. Make sure to store them in a clean, enclosed plastic bin safe from dirt, moisture, bugs, and rodents. Add a moisture-absorber inside to prevent mildew growth.
Storing off-season pillows elsewhere saves your main closet space for pillows you’ll use regularly. It also keeps the closet organized and decluttered. Just remember to swap pillows back when the weather changes!
Use Closet Door Storage
The back of the closet door is often an overlooked space for storage. However, this area can be useful for storing pillows with products such as over the door hooks, shelves, and hanging organizers. Over the door hooks or shelves mounted to the back of the closet door allow you to utilize the vertical space and get pillows up off the ground. Look for sturdy hooks or shelves that can support the weight of pillows without pulling off the door.
Hanging over the door shoe organizers with multiple pockets are also handy for storing pillows vertically on the closet door. Look for shoe organizers made of durable fabric that have compartments large enough to accommodate pillows. These types of hanging organizers allow you to easily see what’s inside each pocket. Small and medium sized pillows can stand upright in the compartments. Utilizing the back of the door provides clutter-free storage that keeps pillows off the closet floor and easily accessible.
Keep Closet Tidy
When storing pillows in a closet, it’s important to periodically declutter and remove any unnecessary items to keep the space neat and organized. Here are some tips for keeping your pillow closet tidy:
Only keep the pillows you use regularly inside the closet. If you have decorative pillows or extras that are rarely used, consider storing them elsewhere to avoid clutter. As recommended by professionals at Homes & Gardens, regularly decluttering your closet helps eliminate disorganization (https://www.homesandgardens.com/interior-design/bedrooms/closet-decluttering-tips).
Donate or trash any pillows that are damaged, stained, or no longer needed. Check pillows before putting them into storage and remove any that are ripped, flattened, or otherwise unfit for use. This decluttering advice from Real Simple helps maximize small closet space (https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/closets/small-closet-organization-ideas).
Rotate pillows in and out of storage seasonally. Store off-season pillows elsewhere and swap them when the weather changes. This ensures you’re only keeping necessities inside the closet so it doesn’t become overcrowded.
Consider Climate Control
The climate where you live can impact how you store pillows in order to prevent issues with mold, mildew, pests, and dust. Using some preventative measures can help keep pillows fresh and damage-free.
In humid climates, using a dehumidifier in your closet can prevent mold growth on pillows and other fabrics. The optimum humidity level for closets and storage is around 50%. Keeping humidity below 60% inhibits mold spores from developing.[1]
Cedar blocks or sachets placed in storage containers and closets act as a natural insect repellent. The strong aroma of cedar repels moths, silverfish, roaches, and other pests without using harsh chemicals. Rotating cedar blocks every few months will maintain the fresh scent. [2]
For dust prevention, closet storage bags which are airtight and watertight can prevent dust buildup on pillows in storage. Vacuum storage bags are another option to limit air exposure.
Taking climate conditions into account and using preventative storage methods will help keep pillows fresh and damage-free while in closet storage.
[1] https://www.georgetownmoving.com/blog/how-to-protect-storage-from-pests/
[2] https://www.mypromoversdc.com/blog/how-to-keep-rodents-and-bugs-from-your-storage-unit
