.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;}

How to Store Backpacks Properly? 11 Clever Ways 

 June 19, 2023

By  Chloe Farro

Be it a travel backpack or your basic daypack, correctly storing backpacks is essential for long-lasting usage. Don't worry if you're not so good at organizing your stuff- we got your back.

In this post, we'll share the 11 most effective tips on how to store backpacks in the right way.

First, wash your backpack and add fillers to give it a nice shape. Of course, you need to pick the right backpack storage space depending on what type of items you store in it.


Finally, properly organizing backpacks is a must to get going as quickly as possible. Let's dive in and discuss some clever ways to store your backpack.

11 Effective Tips for Storing and Organizing Your Backpacks

Whether you use your backpack daily, weekly, or once just a year, you need to do some prep-ups before storing it. There are three crucial steps of proper storage: Preparing, Selecting the storage space and Organizing the backpacks.

Keep reading as we explain the different stages and share some useful tips.

Preparing Backpacks for Proper Storage

This is probably the most important step for long-term backpack storage. Be sure to follow all the tips given below to ensure that your bags remain in good condition and prevent molds and other impurities.

Tip One - Clean and Dry Your Backpack

As you're taking your backpack outdoors, it will always have dust and dirt on the surface. Therefore, cleaning and properly drying your backpack before storing it is essential to prevent uneven wear and the growth of mold and mildew.

Here's the easy process of washing your backpack-

Step One

To clean the backpack, take out all its contents and shake out any loose debris or dirt. Use a soft-bristled brush or a damp cloth to gently scrub away any dirt or stains on the backpack's exterior.

Step Two

Fill a large sink or bathtub with clean rinse water and add a mild detergent or backpack cleaner. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals that can damage the fabric.

Now, immerse the backpack in soapy water and gently agitate it to distribute the detergent or cleaner evenly. Let it soak for about 30 minutes.

Drain the soapy water and refill the sink or tub with clean, cool water. Finally, rinse the backpack thoroughly to remove all traces of detergent.

Step Three

After washing, hang the backpack to completely air dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Place desiccant packages, such as silica-filled packets inside the bag to absorb moisture.

Tip Two - Add Paper Fillers

Adding fillers to the backpack before storing helps it to maintain a good shape. Only air-filled packaging will ruin its form over time. You can avoid this step if you're using the bag daily.

For long-term storage, fillers are necessary as they distribute weight evenly throughout the backpack, reducing the stress on the straps and zippers.

Packing paper and cardboard are the most commonly used materials for backpack storage, but you can also use clothing items like t-shirts, socks, or towels.

Tip Three - Cover the Backpack

If you store your backpacks in an open area, they will accumulate dust. Storing them indoors might also invite mold and mildew. Covering the backpack will protect it from dust, moisture, mildew, and other potential damage.

A simple dust bag will do the job if you frequently use the backpack.
You can also use a large plastic bag or a backpack cover.

Whatever you use, make sure the cover is large enough to fully enclose the backpack and seal it tightly to keep out dust and moisture.

Find the Perfect Storage Space

For small backpacks, a typical wall hook is a great storage option. But if you have a large bag that takes up a lot of wall space, hooks won't be enough.

Thankfully, we have some great ideas for storing bags, depending on their size and usage. Let's take a look at the backpack storage options.

Tip Four - Storage Rack to Save Space

The most basic storage racks have multiple hooks or pegs where you can hang backpacks. A typical 4-peg rack is mostly used to save space and place the backpack in an elevated position to protect it from potential rodents.

It's a very neat and affordable option for handy storage. Go for a storage rack to store smaller backpacks that you regularly use.

Tip Five - Floating Shelf for Hanging Bags

Want something more spacious and sophisticated? Floating shelves are the ideal storage unit choice for backpacks, clothing, phone, keys, gloves, etc.

Here, you get multiple shelves and pegs to store your stuff.

Typically, storage racks are made of the strong wood. The material, color, and size of the rack can be customized depending on your needs. Also, you can place them anywhere in your house for easy access to your backpack.

Tip Six - Wire Rack to Place Backpacks

This type of storage unit is made of strong metal wires for organizing and storing various items. The wire rack is a great choice if you have a large backpack and heavy sports gear.

It can accommodate all types of equipment-from basketball to rock climbing tools, thanks to its rigid frame.

The open design of wire racks allows for better air circulation, which is essential if your room has high humidity. Another benefit of the open design is that you can easily see what items are stored on the rack.

This way, it becomes way easier to find what you're looking for.
Wire racks typically have multiple shelves and hooks to store bags, clothing, sports equipment, and other items.

Tip Seven - Cubby for Larger Backpacks

One major drawback of open racks and hooks is that anyone visiting your house can see them. Also, hanging backpacks can look messy if you have a small room. Storage cubbies can be your ultimate storage solution in this case.

But they offer much space.

You can use them to store your backpack, office and school supply, coat, shoes, books, toys, golf sticks, and other equipment. Bench cubbies are a popular choice for backpack storage as they provide room for all your stuff and a comfortable tufted sitting.

Moreover, you can use cubbies as a decorative element in your house. By choosing a color or design that complements your room décor, you can create a visually appealing storage solution.

Tip Eight - Closet Offers Additional Storage

When you have multiple backpacks for storing, racks or cubbies might not be spacious enough. Closets are the best option for storing backpacks properly and protecting them from high humidity.

You can use it to put everything from the school supplies of your kids to your household items. As a closet have a door, it keeps the stored backpack out of view.

You can place the bag on a closet shelf or a hook as per your wish. The strong wood structure of a closet makes it an excellent choice for larger and heavier backpacks.

Follow a Systematic Approach to Organizing the Backpack

Now that you've prepared your backpack and selected a storage space, it's time to organize your backpack for proper storage. The process will depend on the type of backpack and the items you plan to store inside.

Here are some useful tips you can follow to organize your bag for storage -

Tip Nine - Sort and Categorize the Items

If you're storing different types of items inside your backpack, sorting is a great idea to easily access them later.

Sort your items into categories such as clothing, electronics, books, and personal care items. You can also use different compartments or pouches for different categories.

Tip Ten - Use Packing Pouches

Storage pouches or cubes will keep your items organized and separated. They can also help compress your items to save space.

You can also make use of backpack pockets and compartments to store smaller items like mobile chargers, water bottles, pens, and pencils. If you're organizing school bags, packing pouches will help to properly store all the items without scattering.

Remember, how you organize your stuff will make a difference in storage. So, organize smartly, and don't put any item out of your backpack if it's unnecessary.

Tip Eleven - Pack Heavy Items First

When organizing your bags, pack heavier items at the bottom to keep the center of gravity low. It will prevent the backpack from tipping over. Also, if you place the light items first, the heavier ones might damage them.

Once you're done organizing your backpack, securely fasten the zippers and straps to prevent damage to the backpack or its contents during storage.

Wrapping Up!

So now you know how to store backpacks and organize them properly. Be sure to clean your backpack to remove all the dust and dirt. To store your backpack correctly, choose a sturdy rack with multiple hooks.

You can also utilize your closet for a neat and tidy look. Finally, categorize your items and utilize packing pockets to organize backpacks in a way that everything fits perfectly.

About the author

Chloe is the newest writer to join the team. Her favorite bags are Herschel and Jansport. "I can’t choose between these two"

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}