How to Store Designer Handbags

I’ve always been a big believer in investment pieces that are going to last me a lifetime. One of my favorite things to splurge on is a designer handbag that I know I will get a ton of wear out of. If I am going to be spending a lot of money on a piece, I obviously want it to last as long as possible. To make my designer handbags look brand new for years to come, I make sure to store them properly so that they maintain their shape and color over the years!

Squeaky Clean

Before you put your bag away, make sure that your bag is spotless! This will ensure that any scuffs, marks, or stains don’t have time to set in! Also, the next time you pull your bag out to wear it, you won’t have to worry about cleaning it before you run out the door. Cleaning techniques will vary from bag to bag so make sure to ask the salesperson how they recommend keeping it clean. No matter what, I recommend doing a patch test in an inconspicuous spot the first time you clean it to ensure that you won’t ruin the bag. Gentle treatments like baby wipes or a delicate soap are usually good for spot cleaning and general maintenance. Treat your handbag collection as they would in the store – keep it clean and ready to be worn at any time!

Stuff it Up

When you first purchase your handbag, chances are it comes with paper or plastic filling the inside. Keep this! Using the packaging that the bag originally came with will be a really easy way to ensure the stuffing perfectly fills out the measurements and crevices of the bag. If you’ve already thrown that away, no problem! Use packing materials like kraft paper, bubble wrap, or packing paper to stuff the interior of the bag! I would avoid newspaper or colored tissue paper because the ink may discolor the interior of the bag. Stuffing it properly will allow the handbag to maintain its shape and not develop creasing over time! Be sure not to overdo it, though – you don’t want the stuffing to stretch the handbag. Just do enough so that all the crevices are filled and the exterior of the bag looks relatively smooth.

Dust Bag

Once your bag is cleaned and stuffed, you can finally put it into the dust bag! This is something that I have gotten so into over the last few years because I realize what a difference it makes in the integrity of the bag. Designer handbags usually come with a dust bag specifically to store the purse in. Keep those bags no matter what! If your bag didn’t come with one for some reason, you can purchase a set like this or this. Make sure whichever dust bag you choose has a breathable, moisture-proof material that won’t scratch up the exterior of the bag. Using a dust bag will keep your investment away from anything in the environment that would harm the bag.

Smart Storage

When deciding where to store your handbags, consider temperature, accessibility, and the size of the storage area. In terms of temperature, the handbags aren’t that sensitive but don’t place them in direct sunlight or very close to a hot light because that may harm the leather or discolor the bag. You definitely want the bags to have enough room so that they aren’t squished, defeating the purpose of stuffing them in the first place. Also, make sure that the handbags are out of the way but still totally accessible for when you want to wear them! I like to keep mine on a shelf in my closet – this allows me to reach them when I need them but gets them out of the way and clutter-free for when I don’t!

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How do you store your handbags? Do we have the same habits?!

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