Despite the luggage being bulky, it is very convenient having one. If you love traveling to different places locally and internationally, then owning a luggage is definitely a good investment. Packing your things and traveling can really be exciting for some, but when it comes to unpacking and properly storing your luggage, it may not be the same. This sturdy, bulky, rigid four-wheeled travel companion can sometimes be neglected for proper storage space.
Leaving a decent amount of space to store your luggage and utilizing the storage space you already have are essential if you want to maintain its quality and be able to use it for your next travels. There are pretty much a lot more you can do with your luggage than you know of. That’s why in this article, we will be giving you smart and creative ways to store your luggages.
How Can You Safely Store Your Luggage?
The first thing you should know about storing your luggage or any item is to practice proper preventive measures that will help in the maintenance of their quality while in storage.
1. Inspect Your Luggage
Once you have unpacked your luggage, it is important to inspect for stains, scratches, patches, or if it incurred any cracks. Check if the zipper, handle, wheels, staps, and buckles are working fine as well. By doing this, you are able to know what remedies or repairs to do in order to maintain the quality of the luggage.
2. Clean Your Luggage Before Storing
Cleaning your luggage before storing should be a practice every time you unpack all your things after traveling. Don’t skip this part and just plainly store your luggage. For sanitary reasons, you must clean your luggage because it has been to many places, and a lot of people have come in contact with it. Not cleaning your luggage before storing it will increase its chances of quality deterioration because of scratches, dirt spots, wet patches, etc. that got stuck on the surface, which will eventually turn into stains.
- Use a damp microfiber cloth to clean the interior of your luggage. No need to use soap, so just wipe the interior clean with the damp cloth.
- If dark patches still remain even after wiping it with a damp cloth, you can use detergent and mix it with water on a 1:5 ratio. Dip an old toothbrush into the detergent and water mixture, then apply it on the dark patch or stain.
- For the exterior of your luggage, use warm water and a sponge to clean off the dirt spots. Leave it open and let the interior and exterior dry.
3. Choose the Right Storage Location for Your Luggage
The place where you store your luggage is important, and with other belongings as well. Find a storage space for your luggage that is clean, cool, and dry. Keep it away from areas that are prone to high humidity because moisture and molds can build up in the long run, which can damage the aesthetics of your luggage. Don’t store it in direct sunlight as this can cause the material to fade over time. See to it that the area is also free of pests.
Where Can You Store Your Luggage?
When you are looking for a place to store your luggages, you need to be smart and think of ways on how you can safely store them and at the same time, stick to a practical, budget-friendly way.
1. On a Top Shelf
Since luggages are big and bulky, plainly storing them at the corner of your bedroom or stairs is not really advisable, as it is not space-saving. If you have wall-mounted shelves in your bedroom, garage, or attic at home that are spacious enough to store your luggage, then use it. Store your luggage on the top-most shelf. But also see to it that the shelf is sturdy and wide enough to be able to hold the weight of the luggage.
2. Under the Bed
The space under your bed is a good place to store things, so make use of it and store your luggage. It is very convenient since your luggage will be accessible to you.
Clean and dust-off the space under the bed before sliding your luggage in. You can also place your luggage inside a large trash bag to keep it safe from dust while it is stored under the bed.
3. On Strong Hooks
Luggages are not lightweight materials, especially the large-sized ones. So if you want to save space and store them by hanging them on the wall, then investing on strong hooks will be ideal for you. This way of storing works best if you have a garage or a closet that has a wide wall space. Also, don’t store anything inside the luggage when you hang them on the wall as this will only add more weight.
4. In a Self-Storage Unit
Renting a self-storage unit is a smart storage space solution for your belongings. It is not only capable of storing your luggage, but also seasonal items, furniture pieces, and other belongings that need an extra storage space. You can safely store your belongings here and access them 24/7.
How Can You Use Your Luggage for Storage?
Luggages are very handy because they can also serve as an extra storage space for personal items.
1. Shoes
If you have enough closet space, you can place your luggage on the bottom compartment and turn it into a shoe rack. Just make sure to leave it open, so you can easily access your shoes. Don’t forget to put a clean cloth or towel in the luggage before placing the shoes because it will serve as a protective layer to keep dirt and mud from sticking to the luggage interior.
2. Carry-on bags
Large luggages are good storage spaces for your carry-on bags, may it a duffel bag, tote bag, or a beach bag. As long they are light and foldable, you can safely store them inside even for long periods of time. If you frequently have short travels, then it will be easier for you to access all your travel bags because they are stored in one place. Although, you also have to avoid stacking up too much of the bags inside and allow for some room to breathe. It becomes hard to get your bag if they are stacked up.
3. Hats and Caps
Whether you collect hats and caps or you just like making them a part of your outfit, then the luggage is definitely a good alternative storage for them.
We hope that this article has been helpful in giving you smart and creative ways to store your luggage
In need of a self-storage unit nearby to store your belongings? Contact us today and we will be glad to assist you!
