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The 8 Best Containers for Storing Clothes

Is your closet overfilled? We've got the solutions

sweaters in sweaters in FHSQX Clear Window Storage Bins on a bed

The Spruce

Having bathing suits next to wool sweaters in your closet just doesn’t make a lot of sense, especially when you’re trying to find something at the last minute. Storage bins are perhaps the most essential thing to have when it comes to organizing and stowing items that you don’t use on a daily basis, like off-season clothes.

There are many things to consider before buying a container for storing clothes, including where you’re going to actually keep it—under the bed? In a closet? In the attic?—and how many items you’re looking to store.

We enlisted the expertise of 12 testers to try out some of the best clothing storage containers on the market, accumulating over 4,030 hours of research time to determine the very best.

What We Like
  • Easily fits on high shelves

  • Has viewing windows to identify contents

  • Sturdy, stylish design

What We Don’t Like
  • Shape not optimal for storing sweaters

  • Doesn’t have a front handle

Many storage bins—let’s be honest—aren’t particularly chic, but this one is aesthetically pleasing, surprisingly sturdy, and comes in a range of colors. During testing, we found that the low profile and compact size easily fits up on high closet shelves, while the plastic viewing windows make identifying contents a breeze.

The fabric is reinforced with metal so it keeps its shape, and it’s easy to retrieve items thanks to the durable zipper. The best part is that you can choose from a variety of sizes to accommodate your storage needs and we noticed that clothes stay fresh, even over a long period of time.

This pick is great for storing lightweight and off-season items, but given its compact size, it’s not ideal for storing bulky winter items like sweaters and scarves since it lacks a lot of width.

One drawback to buying a fabric storage bin versus a plastic one, overall, is there may be a chance for moths to get inside, so you may want to throw in a couple moth balls or natural bug deterrent like lavender before storing long-term. With that said, we found the fabric of this organizer set to be more puncture-proof (compared to other cotton-fabric options on the market).

While it’s lightweight and easy to move around given the side handles, the one change we’d make is the addition of a front handle (in case you wanted to pull it down from the closet).

Type: Box set | Material: Linen, metal, and MDF

Fab Totes Clothes Storage Containers full of clothes
PHOTO: The Spruce
What We Like
  • Large capacity

  • Fabric material allows flexibility for stacking

  • Reinforced handles for carrying

What We Don't Like
  • Lack of structure made it difficult to stack neatly when filled

  • No labeling system or tags for easy identification of contents

Compared to the FHSQX Clear Window Storage Bin Set, these containers are a bit wider, making them a better option for storing items like winter sweaters and even king-size comforters (which we tried out).

We stored them in both a closet and basement and found that the flexible material is not only great for stacking, but the containers can squeeze into tight places in closets. The handles are reinforced, making the containers easy to transport around the house, even when they’re stuffed to the brim.

While we loved the clear windows, they may attract dust over time and there’s no labeling system or tags to help with organization. Also, the sides aren't reinforced, so if you don’t pack them just right, stacking might be a bit cumbersome or awkward.

Still, they’re ideal for storing seasonal clothes, blankets, and any bulky fabric, as you’re able to fit a lot of stuff in here (compared to, say, a plastic container with a lockable lid). And for under $30 for six of them, you’re getting a really good bang for your buck. 

Type: Box | Material: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and fabric

What We Like
  • Clear plastic makes it easy to see contents without opening

  • Secure, snap-on lid

  • Reasonably priced for the size and features

What We Don’t Like
  • Smaller than expected

  • Not very heavy-duty

One of the best aspects of The Container Store’s Clear Sweater Box is the hard plastic material, which makes it great for storing wool or bulky sweaters without worrying about dust or pesky moths getting inside.

It’s also great for storing up on high shelves or even stacking. Since it’s clear, it’s easy to see at a glance what’s inside (especially if it’s been tucked away for multiple seasons or long forgotten somewhere in an attic). We loved the secure, snap-on lid, too.

While the product definitely has more depth than other storage bins, it was a bit smaller overall than we expected. The price is certainly on-point though, at just under $7 per bin, so you can grab a few to organize and stow away an entire seasonal wardrobe. One note is that we couldn't find a super efficient way to stack up sweaters within the bin, so organizing may end up being more like a Tetris game. Though, The Container Store offers a full line of coordinating boxes, if you have other sizes you want to try and care to match your containers.

Also this bin is not particularly heavy-duty and we suspect that it’s probably not shatter-proof, so plan accordingly if you’re moving or expect to be making lots of adjustments with contents. But for everyday use, it holds up well and keeps clothes fresh, clean, and in the same condition as when you first stowed them away.

Type: Bin | Material: Polypropylene

What We Like
  • Secure, snap-closure lid

  • Sturdy, plastic material holds up well

  • Ideal for storing sweaters and everyday items

What We Don't Like
  • Hard to store in tighter spaces due to height

  • Lacks wheels

  • Limited capacity compared to the size

This Sterilite Garage Tote is a bit pricier than the sweater box (at around $16 each), but it’s also a lot sturdier and holds much more. Given the increase in height, you can easily store several winter coats or sweaters, as well as square-shaped items like vinyl records.

As with the sweater box, the snap-closure lid is very secure and keeps contents protected in climate controlled environments. Our belongings were in the exact same condition at the end of the testing period as they were when we first packed them—clean, neatly folded, no dust or other contaminants present.

We also found this storage bin fits best inside a closet on the floor (not on a shelf) and the clear plastic makes it easy to identify your items. While the plastic lid may accumulate dust over time, we found that it can be easily wiped away with just a damp cloth.

If you live in a small home or apartment, however, this one may be a bit bulky for you, as it takes up more space than other storage bins (it won’t fit under a bed due to its height). It also lacks wheels, so if you’re moving it around your home—let’s say from the attic to the bedroom or taking it in from the garage—it may get a little heavy. To be fair, most of our picks don’t have wheels, but because this one is larger, the extra weight is more noticeable.

Type: Bin | Material: Polypropylene

What We Like
  • Easy to unzip and access clothing

  • Side straps

  • Holds a decent amount of clothes

What We Don’t Like
  • On the flimsy side; lacks structure

  • No clear label area

Whether you want something for under the bed use or to be placed neatly in a drawer, this no-frills IKEA case is great for storing clothes that you need to retrieve regularly. It’s almost like a packing cube, so it can hold a surprising amount of stuff, and we love the easy-to-use, two-way zipper to readily access clothing.

Since it’s not made of hard plastic, the storage case squeezes into tight places when you’re stowing it away, making it a great option for those in smaller living quarters.

It comes with thoughtful side straps so you can quickly grab it from a shelf or from under the bed (as long as it’s facing outward), and the affordable price point makes it a solid value.

One downfall is the storage case lacks definitive structure or reinforced sides, so it can be problematic if you’re trying to stack several at once. It also doesn’t come with a clear label area, which makes identifying contents a bit more challenging—especially if you own several identical IKEA storage cases. With that said, during testing, it kept clothes fresh and free from pet hair, even in a non-climate controlled area, making it terrific for everyday use.

Type: Bag | Material: Polypropylene and PET plastic

What We Like
  • Glides easily on multiple surfaces

  • Wheels securely lock in place

  • Clear top allows easy visibility

  • Space-saving design fits well under the bed

  • Well structured

What We Don’t Like
  • Shallow depth limits packing flexibility

  • Not enough room to double-stack thicker items like sweaters

Great for stashing under low-clearance beds, this storage option has wheels that glide smoothly on a variety of surfaces (including hardwood, carpet, and wool rugs), and that lock securely into place. They come in a set of two or four, and we tried them under two different beds and loved that the clear top allows for easy visibility and access to items.

It comes with faux leather handles on both sides, which not only add a nice color pop from the standard gray shade, but also makes retrieval a breeze.

While you can certainly store things like sweaters and sheet sets, it veers on the shallow side, so you’re limited in height with this pick. And if you have thicker or bulkier items, there’s not as much room to stack multiple items inside the container.

Still, we found the wheeled design really appealing, and the overall stability was apparent when our cats chose to lay on these bags like a bed. Even after this extra usage, our clothes still remained intact.

Type: Bin | Material: PU Fabric and Metal

What We Like
  • Zipper design allows for easy access from both sides

  • Great for quick retrieval

  • Reinforced sides keep clothes organized

  • Attractive fabric and clear plastic top

What We Don't Like
  • Durability of the clear plastic top is unclear

  • Not ideal for super bulky items

  • Container takes up more space under the bed compared to other options

StorageLab’s under-bed storage containers come in a set of two (so you can finally tackle your organizational needs in one go) and can be easily placed under a bed. We loved how the black zipper allows for easy access to clothing. Plus, the reinforced sides not only prevent items from shifting around, but also keep the bag from collapsing if it’s not entirely full.

These containers are made with an attractive, breathable fabric, and we loved how the clear plastic tops help easily identify items inside. They also look more high-end than other more standard fabric storage containers on the market.

Since they’re not super deep, at 4.5 inches high, you won’t be able to stack a ton of sweaters, but we found that they hold plenty of sweatshirts and tee-shirts with no problem. Technically you can store up to 60 liters within each container and each one comes with handy straps on both sides.

Overall, we found Storage Lab Underbed Storage Containers to be well-constructed with a high-quality design, although we’re not sure how the plastic top will hold up with heavy use over a long period of time. Some buyers may also find the container a bit bulky itself (or simply larger than other under the bed storage options), so keep that in mind if you have a low-clearance bed.

Type: Bag | Material: Polyester blend

Best Underbed (Hard Material)

Room Essentials Clear Under Bed Storage Box

open Room Essentials Clear Under Bed Storage Box full of clothes
PHOTO: The Spruce
What We Like
  • Easy to slide in and out from under the bed

  • Transparent bottom allows for visibility of contents

  • Great budget buy

What We Don't Like
  • Smaller capacity than expected

  • Not ideal for bulkier items

  • No locking mechanism for the lid

This hard plastic, no-frills, under the bed storage option is surprisingly durable, even after many years of use, making it a favorite on this list. It easily glides under the bed due to its low profile, and can be stored on high closet shelves, basements, or attics thanks to its plastic design.

We found the transparent bottom to be great for easily identifying items from up high, if you happen to slip it onto a closet shelf (however it does have a slightly smaller capacity than expected).

The storage bin has a longer length than most, but you won’t be able to stack up a ton of sweaters in this one (and without a lockable lid, it may burst open if it’s overfilled). We also found that the plastic exterior attracts pet hair easily, so that’s also something to consider if you’ll be storing these near any furry family members.

But if you’re looking for something that holds up extremely well over time (one member of our testing team has used a bin like this one for nearly 20 years!) and comes at an accessible price point, this is an excellent budget-friendly option that would make a great storage solution for those with small spaces and limited room for storage. It’s also easy to transport around the house since it’s so lightweight.

Type: Bin | Material: BPA-free and phthalate-free plastic

Final Verdict

After over 4,000 hours of testing, we’ve found that the FHSQX Clear Window Storage Bin Set is the best overall clothing storage container for its viewing windows, chic fabric design, and convenient side handles. For a hard plastic bin for storing sweaters or bulkier items in different climates, The Container Store’s Clear Sweater Box is another great option, especially with its secure lid and accessible price point.

How We Picked the Containers for Storing Clothes

Each container or storage bag in our list is under $50, and many of them come in sets, making them great deals. We wanted to showcase a range of materials, including heavy-duty plastic, BPA-free options, and breathable fabrics, especially for those with sensitivities. The most important features we evaluated are functionality, durability, and stackability, which ensures you can make the most of your closet, basement, or under-bed space.

What to Look for in a Container for Storing Clothes

Think About Size and Capacity

First off, you should consider how much clothing you own. Rectangular and square containers are usually best for clothing, since they tend to be stackable. One large plastic bin (around 50 quarts) can typically hold an entire season’s worth of clothing, whereas under-the-bed storage containers, like Storage Lab Underbed Storage Containers, are better for lighter summer clothes or shoes. Remember to utilize various storage spaces around the house, whether it’s a high shelf in your bedroom closet or the floor of your coat closet.

A person places clothing inside the Container Store Natural Cotton/PEVA Storage Bags

The Spruce

Consider Your Unique Storage Situation

Keep your clothes in a nice, dry area, whenever possible, says Julie Starke, a professional organizer, home stager, and owner of Keys To Living Light. You don’t want it to be exposed to light, she explains. “Make sure [your clothes are] in airtight bins if they need to be stored in a shed or garage so the clothes aren’t exposed to any moisture and dust," she says. For better organization, Starke says you should always properly label your storage bins and containers.

Storing Clothes in a Commonly Used Closet: If you’re storing clothing in a closet, you may want to consider using plastic bins—consider how easy it is to see a stack of sweaters in a clear plastic bin. It’s also great to get under-bed or stackable plastic containers for more frequently used clothes. For example, we love the Room Essentials Clear Under Bed Storage Box (our best under-bed, hard option), because it's made of plastic to protect clothing from dust. Plus, it fits a lot of items, and the clear base makes it easy enough to see what you're looking for.

Storing Clothes for the Long-Term: If you’re keeping your items outside in a storage unit, be sure to get a container that’s free from humidity and any light sources, like a high-quality bin that keep out humidity and dust. We suggest The Container Store Sterilite 50 qt. Garage Tote Clear (our best for long-term storage). What we love the most is that the handles lock into place and the container is stackable and fairly easy to move around.

There's a reason that stackable bins frequently come up in conversations about long-term storage and organizing. They're a versatile choice that works for a variety of belongings, and they allow you to take advantage of unused vertical space. Among the choices gathered here, many are stackable. We especially like the Fab Totes Foldable Storage Bags (our best overall, runner-up) because they're spacious and made with breathable fabric.

How To Avoid Moldy Clothing in Storage

One thing you’ll want to make sure to do is avoid putting your clothing in a moisture-prone area like a damp basement or packing them while they’re damp. Only pack away clothes that are completely dry, because wetness can lead to, at best, wrinkles, and the absolute worst, mildew, mold, or other damage.

Once you’re certain that everything you’re packing away is aired out, choose a dry area for your clothing bins and containers. Upper closet shelves, for example, tend to be much better than  unfinished basement floors or non-air controlled climates.

Select a Durable Material for Longevity

Plastic bins tend to last a long time, so you won’t find yourself replacing them very often. They also tend to be airtight and more durable, especially if you’re moving them around a lot.

Canvas, fabric, and linen, however, are generally more aesthetically pleasing and can easily fold up when not in use. “If you’re going for aesthetics, then canvas is certainly a better choice,” says Starke. You may want to look for canvas bins that have a clear front that you can unzip and see through. The FHSQX Clear Window Storage Bins, our best overall pick, has a transparent panel to quickly see your clothing, and it comes in multiple sets and color options.

A person packs clothing into the IKEA PÄRKLA Storage case

The Spruce

One More Thing

Although they are convenient, you should never use dry-cleaning bags to store clothes long-term. It’s not good for the clothing, says Starke. “If you do want to keep your clothing free from dust, make sure to purchase garment bags that are designed for clothes storage,” she says. “The clothes need to breathe and the dry cleaning bags won’t allow for that. You want air flow.”

Why Trust The Spruce?

Amber C. Snider is a NYC-based journalist covering topics in design, interiors, culture, and travel. She has used many of the storage containers described above for organizing her cozy (read: small) Brooklyn apartment, especially for separating out seasonal clothes. For this list, she reviewed and considered clothing storage options from trusted brands and focused on durability, ease of use, and design.

Our Experts:

  • Julie Starke, a professional organizer, home stager, and owner of Keys To Living Light