How to properly store pillows: keep them fluffy and fresh

Storing pillows properly protects them from mould, flattening, and musty smells, especially in a storage unit. This guide walks through the best ways to store bed pillows, throw pillows, and other bedding while making the most of your storage space. Whether you're organising seasonal pillows, freeing up space at home, or preparing for a move, the right technique keeps them in good shape.

Pillows are made from materials like memory foam, cotton, and synthetic fibres, all of which can deteriorate if stored incorrectly. Moisture, dust, and pests in a poorly maintained storage unit can cause musty smells, flattened shapes, or mould and mildew damage.

Proper storage keeps pillows and bedding usable long after you take them out of the unit.

Choosing the right storage method makes the biggest difference for long-term storage in a self storage facility. Here are the most effective ways to protect pillows and bedding.

Clean pillows thoroughly before storing them.

• Wash and dry: wash bed pillows and throw pillows according to their care labels, and make sure they're completely dry to prevent moisture build-up and mould.
• Fluff and inspect: fluff pillows to restore their shape and check for damage or wear.
• Use protective covers: cotton or breathable storage bags keep pillows clean while allowing airflow, which prevents musty smells.

If you're storing other bedding, like blankets or linens, wash and dry them properly first. Clean linens keep the whole unit smelling fresh.

The right storage solution depends on the pillow type and how long you're storing it.

• Vacuum sealed bags: good for saving space and compressing pillows for easier storage. Compression permanently damages memory foam, so skip long-term vacuum sealing for these pillows specifically.
• Plastic storage bins: durable and stackable, ideal for protecting bed pillows and throw pillows from dust and moisture. Line bins with cotton bags for extra protection.
• Cotton storage bags: best for decorative or seasonal pillows, giving them breathing room while keeping dust out.

Keep pillows off the floor of your storage unit. Use shelves or stack plastic boxes to keep them elevated and away from potential moisture.

Extended storage calls for climate control and a few extra protective steps. Choosing a self storage facility with climate-secure units keeps temperature and humidity stable, which protects pillows and linens from moisture damage over time.

Cedar blocks naturally repel moths and other insects, though the scent fades after 3 to 6 months, so refresh or replace them periodically to keep them working. Labelling clear plastic boxes or bins also makes it easier to organise pillows and bedding, and speeds up retrieval later.

If you're moving house, these tips fit neatly alongside our moving house checklist.

Throw and decorative pillows often feature delicate fabrics or embellishments, so they need careful handling to stay in good condition.

• Protect the materials: wrap delicate fabrics or embellishments in acid-free tissue paper to limit contact with harmful materials, then place them in cotton storage bags for airflow and to prevent musty smells.
• Use plastic bins: ideal for organising throw pillow storage, since they form a sturdy barrier against dust and moisture. Transparent bins make seasonal designs easy to identify at a glance.
• Avoid overpacking: cramming pillows into one container can deform them. Leave breathing room between each one to preserve their shape.
• Compress with care: vacuum bags work for compressible throw pillows without delicate fabrics, but skip them for decorative pillows with embellishments, since compression can damage their structure.

Clean, dry, organised pillows are ready for guest rooms, living rooms, or as décor whenever you need them.

Prolonged storage can lead to musty smells and deterioration, so a few extra steps help protect pillows. Plastic bags offer short-term dust protection, but they trap moisture over time and lead to musty smells, so breathable storage bags or vacuum sealed bags (aside from memory foam pillows, covered above) work better for long-term storage.

Airflow matters too. If you're using plastic bins, add silica gel packets to absorb residual moisture, particularly in areas prone to high humidity. Lavender sachets alongside cedar blocks add a pleasant scent as well, so pillows smell fresh when you retrieve them.

Check your storage unit for signs of moisture or damage every so often, and address any issues promptly before they worsen.

Pillows are often stored alongside bed linens and blankets. Folding linens and blankets neatly saves space and prevents wrinkles, and plastic storage bins protect them from dust and moisture once they're packed away. Cedar blocks repel pests while helping to banish musty smells.

If you're storing a mattress alongside your bedding, HOLD's box shop sells a mattress dust cover built for double and super king mattresses, protecting against dirt, dust, and water damage while it's in storage or on the move.

Picking the right storage unit size makes retrieval easier when you need it, so choose one that gives your bedding room to breathe rather than packing it in tight.

HOLD offers some of the best storage facilities in London, with flexible, convenient options for everyone: from business owners managing inventory to students needing secure space for their belongings.

At HOLD's London facilities, storage is built around strong security and practical amenities that make it straightforward. Whether you're transferring a unit to a family member, managing extra storage for business, or decluttering your home, we can help.

For storage supplies, visit HOLD's box shop.

Get a free quote and secure your HOLD storage unit in minutes.