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Regardless of if you’re looking to put away your pillows for the season, need to store the extra pillows that you bought for your guests, or are moving, it is vital that you learn how to put pillows away correctly.
Storing your pillows the right way will prolong their life and prevent them from looking old and rumpled. It will also protect the cushions from the elements and keep them safe from pests.
In this post, we’ll go over some of the best ways of storing your pillows. You can use any of these methods safely according to your budget and needs.
How To Store Your Pillows
Step #1: Gather And Categorize The Pillows You Want To Put Away
First, you must gather all the pillows you want to put away. It is a simple step, and having all the pillows in one place will make the process fast and pain-free, and keep you from running around the house time and again.
Next comes the fun part. Categorize your pillows and sort them into piles. Sort throw pillows in one pile, bedroom pillows in another pile, and outdoor pillows in the final pile.
Since different pillows have different storage requirements, doing this will help you quickly pack the pillows without needing to find all the right ones from an unorganized pile at the last moment.
If you’re moving into a smaller space, it is important that you consider selling the pillows you’ll not be using.
Aside from the few extra pillows that help you when the season changes, storing pillows that you don’t plan on using yourself will only take up time, effort, and much-needed space.
If you are downsizing, you can also donate your extra pillows to a charity organization.
Step #2: Plastic Wrap The Pillows
Wrapping every pillow you’re storing will give them an added layer of protection, and make it virtually impossible for pests to damage the cushion.
It will also protect the pillows from getting dusty, dirty, or crumply.
Step #3: Find The Right Storage Option (And Put Them Away)
You don’t always need a spacious closet to put away your pillows. There are plenty of both cheap and expensive alternatives to cabinets that will help you effectively store your pillows.
Vacuum Bags
Vacuum bags are cheap and are arguably the simplest pillow storage solution on this list. Not only do they reduce the amount of space it takes to store your pillows, but they also protect them from dirt, pests, and mildew and prevent the build-up of bad odors.
When using a vacuum bag to put away your pillows, make sure that you use your vacuum cleaner to draw out all the air from the bag. A flat, compressed bag won’t take up too much space, and make storing pillows easy.
Also, make sure that you label each bag and make an inventory note. It makes keeping track of your pillows easy.
You can also use a plastic trash bag instead of a vacuum bag. After using the vacuum cleaner to compress the bag, you can either knot the open end or use packing tape to close the bag.
Plastic Boxes/Tubs
If a vacuum bag is too make-do for you, and you’re looking for a more sophisticated solution, a plastic tub should work for you.
Not only are tubs inexpensive, but they also come with a tight lid, which keeps pests out. Another significant advantage of using plastic tubs is that they’re available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The vast array of options enables you to get a container just right for your pillows.
After putting your pillows away, make sure you label each tub and make an inventory note. It makes keeping track of your pillows easier in the long run.
Baskets
Baskets are excellent short-term storage solutions. You can get a pretty basket and put it in the corner of any room, and store your pillows in it.
These are ideal only for smaller, decorative pillows, and you putting away regular-sized cushions in baskets is not a good idea.
Baskets aren’t safe for long-term storage since they don’t offer much protection from dust or pests.
Cedar Chest
A cedar chest is a practical long-term storage solution perfect for putting away pillows of all sizes. The wood naturally repels insects, reduces moisture build-up, and does not expose the cushions to dust.
Since these are expensive, only consider getting them if you own the house you live in, since moving with one of these can be difficult.
If you do get a cedar chest, make sure that you sand the insides of the chest at least once. It will make sure that the delicate pillows don’t snag or tear from the rough surface.
Storage Bench
Storage benches are multifunctional storage units that you can get your hands on for cheap.
Getting a solid storage bench is a great way to put pillows and other bedding away safely.
Common Mistakes You Should Avoid Making
Following the simple steps above, you can easily store any type of pillow safely. Going over this list of the most common mistakes will help ensure that your cushions retain their loft and stay in good condition.
Storing Pillows In Moist And Warm Places
Moist and warm places like basements, garages, attics, and even closets with external walls promote the growth of mold and mildew and are hotspots for pest infestations.
Avoid storing pillows in these spots and always keep them in a cool, dry place.
Forcing Pillows Into A Box
Never squish your pillows or force them into a box or a container. Storing a pillow in a container that’s too small for it will damage the pillow and cause it to lose its shape.
Putting a pillow away into a small box for an extended period will ruin its loft, and it will look old and wrinkled when removed from the storage.
Only store you’re pillows in a box of the same size or larger.
Not Vacuum Sealing The Bag
Leaving the bag uncompressed increases the risk of condensation in the bag. The risk significantly increases if the bag is stored in a room prone to changes in temperature.
Vacuum sealing the bag not only reduces the space the pillows occupy in storage but also decreases the risk of damage.
Not Covering The Pillows
Leaving your pillows out in the open, without plastic wrapping them will cause them to get dirty. They are also prone to getting wet and becoming a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Your pets may damage them, or insects may infest the pillows.
Storing Pillows Around Rough Surfaces
Pillows and pillow covers are delicate. Storing a pillow in a rough wooden basket or box increases the risk of it snagging and tearing.
Always use protective paper on wooden baskets, shelves, and boxes to protect pillows from unnecessary damage.
Storing cushions the right way will save you money – you won’t have to worry about pest infestations or damaging your cushions when they’re stored away safely.
Now that you know about the various storage options and have learned about the most common mistakes people make when storing pillows, putting them away should be quick and easy.