If you have a few different costumes, wigs and props accumulating in your home, you may need to find a better way to put them away so nothing gets damaged and they’re easy to find. Keeping your costumes and props organized is easy when you utilize these tips for managing cosplay storage.
Tips for Managing Cosplay Storage
Use Garment Bags for Costumes
Costumes made of delicate or custom materials should always be hung up when possible. Always use sturdy hangers and for costumes needing additional protection, use a garment bag to fight against dust, UV damage and fabric snags. Always label each bag or hanger with the character name or series so you can easily find it.
Clear Bins for Props and Accessories
Large plastic bins with secure lids are perfect for props, armor pieces and bulkier accessories that can’t be hung up. Choose clear ones so you can see what’s inside at a glance and use foam or bubble wrap to cushion fragile items. For extra organization, group items by character or series and label the outside with tape, tags or inventory lists. You can also get flat, long plastic bins that stash well under beds to hold longer props.
Wig Storage Without the Tangles
Store wigs on wig heads if you have space or stash them into breathable mesh wig bags to save room. Make sure they’re brushed out, gently twisted or pinned to avoid tangling and clearly labeled. Consider using stackable cube organizers or a hanging closet organizer with compartments for lightweight wig bags. Or alternatively, you can 3D print wig head holders or buy wig holders that mount to the wall for additional storage.
Label Everything
Even if it feels obvious at the time, it’s easy to forget what goes where after a busy con season. Label your bins, bags and shelves with the character name so you can keep track of costume inventory. A quick label now saves tons of time later when you’re packing for the next con or photoshoot.
Use Vertical Space
Costumes and props can take up a lot of square footage. Try using over-the-door racks, wall-mounted hooks or even pegboards to hang lightweight props, belts, capes, or weapons. This keeps things off the floor and easy to grab when you’re working on updates or packing for an event. Amazon has an abundance of storage options for this to shop from.
Keep an Inventory
If your collection is growing fast, consider keeping a digital inventory. Keep this list in either a spreadsheet or using an app where you can track which items you have, where they’re stored and what condition they’re in. This is especially helpful if you rent or lend out costumes or reuse pieces across different builds.
Have a Shoe Rack
Shoes will pile up fast and create a mess. It also can lead to mix ups and losing the matching pair. Keep a shoe rack to neatly store shoes so it takes up vertical space, keeps everything together and helps maximize your closet.
Use Mannequins for Armor Sets
If you want to also make your cosplays in displays, a mannequin can safely store your armor. It’s a great way to keep everything together and you don’t even have to buy expensive mannequins. You can easily make one from PVC pipe to best show off and store your costumes.
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