When it comes to transitioning my closet between seasons, I always reach for storage bags with windows. This makes it easy to keep track of all my clothes, and makes switching items out in temperamental spring weather much easier.
They’re the only storage solution I use for this purpose – and organizing and storage experts agree it's a smart solution. Here, I share why I’m a fan, the pros and cons, and my top tops for using storage bags with windows.
As a person with a lot of garments and as an interiors writer, I have tried plenty of clothes storage ideas throughout the years. However, handy storage bags are among my favorites.
Why I love using storage bags with windows
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
Keep your out-of-season outfits safe and sound with these heavy-duty storage bags with windows. They are made from an odorless, breathable, non-woven fabric that protects clothes from dust and moisture and have heavy-duty handles.
One of the biggest reasons I use these bags as storage ideas bags is because of the clear visibility. I can’t count the number of times I put clothes in plastic storage boxes and panicked months later when I couldn’t find my beloved winter sweater or my dreamy summer dress. The windows make it simple to see what garments are in each bag.
I take this a step further and put labels on my clothes storage bags, so I can keep coats, knitwear, occasion dresses, and more neatly categorized (I use ones similar to the Rollo labels on Amazon). Unlike with plastic boxes, it’s easy to peel off the labels off the fabric, in case I decide to use them for another purpose in future.
While I have tried vacuum bags (I have used the Cozy Essential Store bags from Amazon in the past) – which work great for clothes I don’t wear any more – they make accessing clothes difficult. They also make it very hard to distinguish what clothes are in each bag. These storage bags don't have this issue, are much more flexible, and are a breeze to open and close.
I live in a home with a basement, which is where I keep my out-of-season clothes when I’m not using them. Meanwhile, my bedroom is on the second floor, so it used to make it a real pain to carry clothes up and down the stairs in heavy boxes. Thankfully, the bags have soft handles which make for comfortable carrying.
Pros of using storage bags with windows
Using storage bags with windows under your bed will help keep things organized but easily found as needed.
Want to keep your clothes neatly stashed away like me? There are so many reasons to try storage bags with windows:
- Visibility: ‘Using storage bags with a see-through window allows you to easily see what is inside,’ says Barbara Brock, organizing expert and founder & CEO of Barbara Brock Inc. This makes them easy to stash under ottoman storage beds, at the bottom of closets, in the gap under your bed or a storage ottoman and still know what is inside.
- Pest protection: ‘Usually, a plastic-based window doesn’t break down easily and it’s not easy for pests to get inside,’ Barbara adds.
- Portability: ‘The handles will allow you to easily pick them up and carry them wherever needed when the seasons change,’ explains David Hurless, storage expert at Stor-it.
Cons of using storage bags with windows
These are fine to used in climate controlled areas of the home but proceed with caution elsewhere as they may end up with mold or mildew.
Even though storage bags with windows are ideal for seasonal transitioning, there are some downsides to them:
- Durability: ‘These bags are not the most durable, so this method of storage is only ideal for folks that are not planning to move a whole lot or have consistent and safe places to store their items,’ David says.
- Location limitation: ‘I would not suggest putting these kinds of storage bags into a general storage unit, especially if they are not temperature controlled,’ David adds.
Top tips for using storage bags with windows
Clean and fully dry any clothing, bedding or linen before putting them away in storage bags with windows.
Before putting any clothes into storage bags, it’s a good idea to fully clean and dry them first. This will stop any nasty smells or bacteria from building up and is one of the top things people with clean storage always do.
As well as using the windows to see what clothes are in each bag, I stick labels on the bags so I can see at a glance what items are where. From there, I can easily see what textures and colour materials are in the bags. This combination of visibility makes it a total breeze to organize my closet when I’m transitioning between seasons.
I recommend not overloading the bags with too many garments. If it’s too heavy to carry comfortably, you’ll need to redistribute the clothes between different bags. Not only will this ensure easy transportation, but it will also reduce the chances of your bag breaking on you.
If you can, it’s also sensible to keep your clothes in a cool, dry location. I keep mine in my temperature-controlled basement as I live in a small space with no storage.
However, if you are blessed with more space, keep them in a room that doesn’t experience extreme temperature fluctuations to avoid any mold issues.
What to shop
Looking for more storage solutions? These portable boxes will fit perfectly under beds, couches, and tables to maximize under-utilized space. The clear lids also zip up neatly.
Three size options
I use cube storage throughout my house, so I've added these to my basket to try. They have a clear front window, can be wiped clean, and even fold flat.
The big viewing windows on these large storage are just the ticket for putting out of season or surplus items away and still finding them easily later.
Meet the experts
Barbara is the founder and CEO of Barbara Brock Inc., a professional organizing and staging company. Barbara was also previously the president of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals. She has a keen eye for innovative storage ideas.
David is a storage expert and operations director at Stor-it, which has been serving the Greater Treasure Valley, Donnelly and McCall for over five decades and is Idaho’s largest privately owned storage operator. David knows every storage solution in the book.
Now you know how I store my clothes out-of-season, you might be wondering how I keep my in-season clothes neat and organized. I love using velvet hangers, as they’re space-saving and seriously chic.
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