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
Table of Contents
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