Storing Resale Inventory Properly

You've cleaned, steamed, and photographed your inventory. Now it needs to wait—sometimes weeks or months—until it sells. Proper storage keeps items in sellable condition and prevents the problems that create returns.

The Core Principles

Climate control: Humidity breeds mildew. Heat accelerates degradation. Store in cool, dry, climate-controlled space when possible.

Air circulation: Stagnant air traps odors. Avoid sealed plastic containers for clothing. Use breathable storage.

Light protection: Sunlight fades fabric and damages vintage items. Store away from windows or use opaque covers.

Pest prevention: Moths love wool. Silverfish eat cotton. Cedar blocks and regular inspection prevent infestations.

Clothing Storage

Hanging vs. Folding

Hang: Structured garments (blazers, jackets, dresses), items prone to wrinkles, anything you've already steamed.

Fold: Knits (hangers stretch shoulders), heavy sweaters, casual t-shirts, items you'll re-steam before shipping anyway.

Hanger Selection

Wire hangers distort garments. Use:

Velvet/flocked hangers: Slim, grippy, prevent slipping. Good for most clothing.

Wooden hangers: For suits, blazers, structured items. Worth the investment for high-value pieces.

Padded hangers: Delicate vintage, silk, items prone to hanger marks.

Garment Bags

Use breathable fabric garment bags (not plastic) for:

High-value items, white/light-colored pieces prone to dust discoloration, vintage items, anything stored long-term.

Plastic bags trap moisture and cause yellowing over time. Only use plastic for short-term transport.

Shoes & Accessories

Shoes

Stuff with tissue paper or shoe trees to maintain shape. Store in original boxes when available (adds value anyway). For box-less shoes, use clear plastic bins so you can see contents.

Keep leather conditioned during storage to prevent drying and cracking.

Bags

Stuff with tissue paper to maintain shape. Store upright, not stacked. Use dust bags for leather and designer pieces. Never fold leather bags—causes permanent creasing.

Jewelry & Small Items

Compartmentalized storage prevents tangling and scratching. Small plastic organizers with dividers work well. Keep silver in anti-tarnish bags or cloths.

Organization Systems

SKU/Location Tracking

As inventory grows, you need a system to find items when they sell. Options:

Location codes: Assign each storage area a code (A1, A2, B1). Record location in your inventory spreadsheet or listing software.

Photo organization: Name photo files with SKU. When item sells, SKU tells you where to find it.

Physical tags: Attach tags with SKU to items. Useful for high-volume operations.

Sorting Methods

By category: All shirts together, all pants together. Simple but requires searching within category.

By platform: eBay items here, Poshmark there. Useful if platforms have different handling.

By date listed: Oldest inventory visible/accessible. Reminds you to price-drop stale listings.

By size: Common for clothing-focused sellers. Speeds up multi-item orders.

Small Space Solutions

Not everyone has a dedicated inventory room. Small-space strategies:

Vertical storage: Maximize wall space with mounted racks. Over-door organizers for accessories.

Under-bed storage: Flat bins for folded items and shoes. Rotate seasonal inventory here.

Closet optimization: Double hanging rods, shelf dividers, door-mounted organizers.

Multi-use furniture: Ottoman with storage, bed frame with drawers.

Preventing Common Problems

Musty Odors

Caused by insufficient air circulation. Use cedar blocks, lavender sachets, or activated charcoal in storage areas. Ensure space isn't sealed too tightly. See deodorizing guide if odors develop.

Yellowing

White and light items yellow from light exposure, oxidation, or off-gassing from plastic storage. Store in dark area, use acid-free tissue paper, avoid plastic bags for long-term storage.

Pest Damage

Moths target wool, cashmere, and silk. Cedar blocks deter but don't kill. Inspect wool items regularly. If you find damage, isolate affected items immediately—moths spread.

Wrinkles

Overcrowded racks cause wrinkles. Give items space. If wrinkles develop, quick steam before shipping.

The Death Pile Problem

The death pile—unlisted inventory—is a storage issue too. Unprocessed items take up space and generate no revenue.

Separate storage: processed/listed inventory in organized system, unprocessed items in designated "to list" area. The visual separation motivates processing.