How to Store Bedding in Storage Units

Whether you’re packing away seasonal pillows, duvets and blankets or trying to free up space in your cupboards, knowing how to properly store your bedding can help keep them fresh, comfy and ready to use.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to store bedding in a storage unit, from proper cleaning and packing techniques to tips for keeping things fresh during long-term storage. By following these steps, you’ll ensure your bedding is well-protected from dust, moisture and other issues, so it stays in great shape (literally!) for the long haul.

Preparing Your Bedding for Storage

Proper preparation is key to ensuring your bedding remains in excellent condition while stored in a unit. By taking a few extra steps now, you can avoid musty smells, unwanted stains as well as damage from moisture and pests, such as moths. Here’s how to prepare your duvets, pillows and linens for long-term storage:

Clean Everything

Before packing anything away, it’s important to clean your bedding to remove dirt, dust and any oils which may have built up and could cause odours or attract pests. A clean start means your bedding will stay fresher for longer, but be sure to use a gentle detergent, especially for delicate fabrics, such as down-filled duvets or silk pillowcases.

Pro Tip: Avoid using fabric softeners, as they can leave a residue that might attract dust or cause yellowing over time.

Ensure Your Bedding is Completely Dry

Storing damp bedding, even if it’s only slightly moist, can be a recipe for disaster. Moisture trapped in fabrics can lead to mould, mildew and musty smells that are harder to remove than they are to prevent.

If possible, try to air-dry your bedding as this not only ensures that everything is thoroughly dried, but is also gentler than machine drying, which is important for delicate fabrics. Air drying helps preserve the softness and quality of your bedding, especially for materials like cotton and wool.

Check for Damage & Stains

It’s always a good idea to check for any small tears, loose stitching, or stubborn stains before storing your bedding. Even small issues can become bigger problems after months in storage. For example, a tiny rip could worsen if the bedding is compressed or moved around, so it’s best to repair any minor damage beforehand. Similarly, untreated stains can set deeper, making them more difficult to remove later. Tackling these now will save you the hassle later.

Seasonal Bedding Needs

If you’re storing bedding that’s tied to the season, like heavy winter duvets or blankets, take this opportunity to freshen them up before packing them away. This way, your bedding will be ready to use without needing to be washed or aired out when winter rolls around.

Pro Tip: If you plan on rotating your bedding seasonally, labelling items and storing them in a way that’s easy to access can be a big help later down the line.

By giving your bedding some care and attention before putting it in storage, you’ll ensure it’s kept clean, fresh and damage free.

Packing Bedding for Storage

Once your bedding is clean and dry, it’s almost ready to go. But before you stick everything in black sacks and plastic boxes, it’s worth noting that there are better ways to pack fabrics for long-term storage — and we’re not talking about vacuum-sealed bags.

Fabrics (specially natural fabrics) need space to breathe, something that vacuum-bags don’t offer. Storing your bedding properly means ensuring it’s protected while maintaining good air circulation. With that in mind, here’s how to pack your pillows, duvets, blankets and linens for optimal protection:

How to Store Pillows in a Storage Unit

Pillows, especially those made from down or memory foam, require careful packing to maintain their shape. Here are a few tips to help you store them properly:

• Avoid Compression: Pillows need space to breathe. Compressing them too much can lead to them losing their shape or becoming lumpy and uncomfortable. Instead of using vacuum-sealed bags, opt for breathable cotton storage bags — or even clean pillowcases.
• Protect from Dust & Dirt: Wrapping your pillows in fabric will help protect them from dust while allowing air to circulate, keeping them fresh. If you’re using plastic bags, make sure to leave them slightly open to avoid trapping moisture, as this can lead to mould, mildew and unpleasant odours.

How to Store Blankets & Duvets in a Storage Unit

Blankets and duvets, particularly thick ones, can take up a lot of space, but there are ways to pack them efficiently without damaging their quality.

• Folding vs. Rolling: For synthetic blankets or lightweight duvets, folding neatly can help save space. For bulkier items, consider rolling them to reduce the risk of creases and wrinkles. This also allows for more efficient packing in storage containers and boxes.
• Vacuum-Pack with Caution: While vacuum-sealed bags can save a lot of space, they should be used sparingly, especially with natural materials and fibres, like wool or down. These fabrics need to breathe and squashing them for too long can damage them. For synthetic materials, vacuum-sealing can be a space-saver, but be sure to store the bags in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture buildup.

Pro Tip: The same advice applies to storing clothes and other fabrics for long periods of time.

How to Store Bed Linens in a Storage Unit

Bed linens, such as sheets and pillowcases, are typically easier to store but still need some care to ensure they’re kept fresh and ready to use.

• Fold Carefully: Proper folding can prevent wrinkles and make it easier to store your linens compactly. For high-thread-count sheets or delicate materials, take extra care when folding to avoid unnecessary creases that can weaken the fibres over time.
• Storage Containers: Store your linens in breathable fabric bags or cotton pillowcases to protect them from dust and dirt. Avoid plastic storage bins unless you’re 100% certain the linens are completely dry. Remember, any trapped moisture can lead to mildew — we can’t stress that enough!

The right packing method can make all the difference in preserving the quality of your duvets, pillows and linens. By following these tips, you’ll keep your bedding in good condition and ready for when you need it.

How to Protect Bedding in Storage

Once you’ve packed your bedding properly, the final step is ensuring it stays protected for the duration of storage. Bedding can be vulnerable to moisture, pests and even dust, so taking a few steps to protect your bedding will help you steer clear of such issues. Here’s how to protect your duvets, pillows, blankets and linens while they’re in storage:

Use Breathable Covers

To keep your bedding fresh for the long haul, always use breathable covers such as cotton bags or fabric storage containers. These allow air to circulate, which prevents moisture from getting trapped and causing issues like mildew or musty smells. Avoid using plastic bags or bins for long-term storage unless you’re absolutely certain that your bedding is 100% dry — even a small amount of moisture can lead to big problems over time.

Keep Your Bedding Off the Floor

It’s always worth elevating your bedding off the storage unit floor with shelves or pallets. This protects your items from potential damage, should any water seep into the unit. Even in dry conditions, storing bedding off the ground helps with air circulation, which further reduces the risk of mildew.

Pro Tip: This tip applies to practically anything you plan on keeping in storage, from furniture to fridges, as it helps optimise the airflow and prevent moisture buildup.

Use Cedar Blocks & Chips

A great way to keep your linens smelling fresh while protecting them from pests is by using cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Cedar is a natural repellent for moths and other insects, while lavender adds a pleasant scent. Avoid chemical-based mothballs, as they can leave strong odours that are hard to remove from fabric.

Pro Tip: If you’re storing your bedding during September or October, conkers are also a great moth deterrent, and they’re free! Just be sure to clean and dry them before putting them in with your bedding.

Check on Your Bedding Regularly

Even if your bedding is packed and stored correctly, it’s worth checking on it every few weeks if possible. Look for any signs of moisture buildup, pest activity or musty smells. If you notice anything unusual, airing out the bedding or giving it a quick wash and dry can help maintain its freshness.

By following these steps, you’ll keep your bedding in top condition, no matter how long it stays in storage. Taking the extra time to protect your bedding now means you can enjoy it for years to come.

FAQs

How do you store pillows when not in use?

The best way to store pillows is to keep them in breathable storage bags, pillowcases or fabric containers. These allow for air to flow, which helps prevent moisture buildup and keeps the pillows fresh. Make sure the pillows are completely clean and dry before storing them to avoid odours or mildew.

How do you pack pillows and bedding for storage?

When packing pillows and bedding, avoid over-compressing the items. Use breathable materials like cotton storage bags or pillowcases for protection and fold or roll bedding to minimise creases. For blankets and duvets, you can use vacuum-sealed bags for synthetic fabrics but be careful with natural materials like wool, which need space to breathe.

How to protect pillows in storage?

To protect pillows kept in storage, keep them off the ground and in breathable covers. Avoid using plastic bags unless you’re certain they’re completely dry. Vacuum-sealed bags should also be avoided as these can damage the fibres and cause pillows to lose their shape.

Should you store pillows in plastic bags?

Storing pillows in plastic bags isn’t ideal for long-term storage unless you’re 100% certain there’s no moisture trapped inside. Plastic can prevent airflow and trap humidity, which may lead to mould and mildew. Instead, use breathable cotton bags or pillowcases to store your pillows and keep them fresh.

Can I store blankets in a storage unit?

Yes, blankets can be kept in a storage unit, but it’s important to ensure they’re clean and completely dry before packing. Store them in fabric containers or breathable bags and avoid placing them directly on the floor to help optimise airflow and protect them from damp. Rolling blankets can save space and reduce wrinkles.

How do you keep bedding fresh in storage?

To keep bedding fresh, use breathable fabric covers and store them in a cool, dry space. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets can help keep your linens smelling fresh and deter pests. It’s also worth checking on your stored bedding every few weeks (or whenever you have the time) to ensure everything is as it should be.