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• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Organize your handbags
• Method 2 of 3: Protect luxury bags
• Method 3 of 3: Maximize your space

Handbags come in so many different shapes and sizes that storing your bags might be a headache for you. Fortunately, bags can easily be stored on shelves or on hooks. However, luxury or designer bags are likely to require more care. If you are short on space, don't worry. You can get the most out of it with creative storage techniques.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Organize your handbags

1. Arrange your bags by size and type. Large and bulky bags should be kept together, while smaller or flexible bags can be placed elsewhere. Make sure that similar bags are grouped together so that you can check all options when you need a particular type of bag.
   • For example, if you have clutches that you like to use for a night out, keep them together.
2. Place the larger bags upright on shelves. If the bag can stand upright on its own, keep it on a shelf. This includes larger bags, such as tote bags or bags made of sturdy material, such as leather or linen. This keeps the shape of the bag without deforming the handles.
   • Compartment cabinets are very suitable for keeping your bags organized and upright.
3. Hang smaller and limp bags by the handles. This works very well with small and light bags (such as satchel bags or shoulder bags) and with bags that cannot stand upright on their own (such as hobo bags). Make sure the bag is empty before hanging it so that the handles don't stretch. You can hang bags on:
   • Command hooks
   • Coat hooks
   • Clothes hangers
   • Shower hooks and closet rods
   • S hooks
4. Put clutches in a shoebox or shoe organizer. Clutches often do not have shoulder straps and cannot remain upright. A shoe organizer keeps them separate. Put one or two clutches in each storage compartment. If you only have one or two clutches, keep them in separate shoe boxes.
   • Do not stack clutches on top of each other. This can cause scratches or warps.
   • You can also use a magazine or folder organizer from an office supply store. Put a clutch in each compartment so that they are vertical.
5. Keep the bags you use every day at the front door. If you have two or three bags that you use regularly, it is best to keep them close to your front door. Mount a number of coat hooks to hang the bags or place them on a side table.
6. Keep the bags for special occasions in a closet. If you don't use certain bags that often, it's best to keep them away. Choose a cabinet with shelves where you can store the bags when not in use.
7. Don't put your handbags on the floor. Leaving the bags on the floor can cause dirt and mold to accumulate on the bags. Whether you decide to hang your bags or put them on a shelf, make sure they don't touch the floor.

Method 2 of 3: Protect luxury bags

1. Clean the bag before putting it away. Grab a lint roller and run it through the liner to pick up any dust or debris. If the bag is made of hard pressed leather, use a damp cloth or an alcohol-free baby wipe to clean the outside. If the bag is made of natural leather or suede, dust it off with a dry paper towel.
   • You can also use leather cleaners. These can be purchased at some supermarkets or online.
2. Stuff the purse full of paper to keep its shape. Fill the bag with crumbled acid-free paper, bubble wrap, old T-shirts, or a scarf. Do not overfill the bag. Use just enough padding to fill the bag so that it retains its nice shape.
   • Do not use newspaper to fill the bag. The ink could stain the liner. Instead, use plain tissue paper from a gift or office supply store.
3. Cross the handles of the bag together. Slide one handle under the other to cross them. Loosen the shoulder straps and store them in the bag. You must ensure that neither the handles nor the shoulder straps are bent or strained during storage.
4. Put the bag in a protective cover. You can use a dust bag or a cotton pillowcase. It should be large enough so that the bag can fit comfortably in it without having to bend the handles or crush the sides.
   • Many designer bags come with a dust bag. Save the bag to store your bag.
   • Only keep one bag in each pocket.
   • Do not use covers made of vinyl or plastic. They can form moisture that builds up and wear out the bag.
   EXPERT TIP

   Keep the bag in a dry and cool place. Most designer bags are made of leather or fabrics that can discolour in the sun. Keep them in a cupboard or on a shelf out of direct sunlight. Keep the temperature cool. If you can, place the bag in a cool closet or near an air conditioner.

5. Place each bag upright on the shelf. All bags must be upright. Do not hang the bag. By hanging a designer or luxury bag, the handles or the shoulder straps can be deformed.
   • If your bag can't stand upright or if it doesn't fit on the shelf, lay it flat on its side instead. Do not stack other bags on top.
6. Leave a space between the bags. Your bags should not touch each other. This is because buckles, zippers and applications can scratch the other bags. The patent leather paint can transfer to other bags when they touch each other. Leave about an inch of space between the bags.

Method 3 of 3: Maximize your space

1. Put smaller bags in larger bags. Clutches can go into satchel bags, which in turn can fit into tote bags. Keep the largest bag on a shelf. This will make the most of the space you have.
2. Mount hooks on the sides of dressers and shelves. Use S hooks or Command hooks. Place the hooks on the side of other large furniture, such as dressers, bookshelves and side tables.
   • Command hooks are attached to the furniture with an adhesive strip. They generally will not damage furniture.
   • S hooks are sturdier than Command hooks, but you will need to drill a hole in the furniture to mount them.
3. Hang a bag organizer on the back of a door or on a closet rail. You can buy a handbag organizer at home supply stores or online. They are attached to a door or a tie rod. Hang one bag on each hook of the organizer. Hang the smaller bags at the top and the larger ones at the bottom.
4. Put the handbag in the original box if you have one. The box is the right size to store the bag without bending or pressing it. The boxes can be stacked on top of each other, while the bags should never be stacked.
   • Maybe a good idea to get into the habit of keeping the original boxes of the bags.