5 Tips to Keep Your Handbags Looking Like New

As much as I love shoes,  it dims in comparison to my love of handbags. I treasure them. They’re not only functional, they’re also stylish and maintain their resale value if taken care of properly.  Depending on the bag, it can be an investment passed down from generation to generation.

I can still recall my first real Coach bag. I ogled one particular handbag for weeks. Walking through those doors made me feel like I arrived. No more knock-offs for me!  I didn’t hesitate to charge that baby to my credit card.  I still have and use it today. It’s a timeless piece that works with jeans, as well as business attire.  It showed me the value of a great handbag! (Psst Coach bags are all the rage now!)

Below are 5 Tips to Keep Your Handbags Looking Like New. Considering the costs, I want to make sure my handbags last so over the years I’ve learned through trial and (costly!) error what works for me. Hopefully my pain, and emptier wallet, will help you!

Use the Dust Bag

I used to think the handbag dust bag was only for traveling. It’s not. It protects your bag from dust and dirt. It also protects your bag from sun exposure, color transference, and moisture too. So use it!

Pro tip: Don’t use dark colored dust bags to store light colored bags. The color may transfer and stain your bag.

Stuff It 

To maintain the structure of your handbag stuff it before storing it, especially if it’s a structured bag. This will help you avoid wrinkles and creases and keep it standing upright so you have more space for bags!

Pro Tip: Short on space? Stuff your bag with your seasonal essentials like scarfs, hats, gloves, or even your bathing suits and beach towels. Not only will this help you keep everything in order, it will also help you maintain the structure of your bag. Just make sure you don’t stuff it with items that transfer color or are sharp!

Want to upgrade your handbag stuffing? Check out these inexpensive fillers. They can be used in all size bags, including clutches, evening bags, larger bags and totes.

Protect from Moisture

Don’t throw out your silica gel packets! These come in handy when you’re storing your handbags. They protect your bags from humidity. So throw them in the bag before your stuff them and store them in their dust bag. Trust me. Even if you do not live in a humid climate, depending on where you store them (I have mine in the linen closet, next to the bathroom), they can be affected by humidity! Don’t risk ruining your handbag with mold.

Straps 

Whenever possible, remove the straps on your handbags before storing. Also, if your bag has satchel handles, store them UP. This will avoid any indentations, especially if your straps have metal on them.

Water Water Everywhere

Repeat after me. Water is not your handbag’s friend. Unlike you, your bag, does not need a shower. Water can ruin it.

To protect your bag from the rain, carry an umbrella or at minimum a plastic bag with you at all times. Or, better yet, grab this super cute and useful clear handbag raincoat. You’ll thank me when your bag’s resale value hasn’t tanked.

Let’s chat! How do you protect your handbags from wear and tear? Share your ideas and tips in the comments! 

Just one last tip! Before I put away my bags (or seasonal clothing!) I leave a few dollars in the pockets. It can be just a dollar or two, or if my budget allows a five or ten. Why? Because everyone likes being surprised by *lost* money! Ok. I know it’s not really lost, but think about how good you feel when you go into a pocket and find a five dollar bill that you forgot you left there. It’s like hitting the jackpot! So go ahead and stuff it with a few bills. You’ll thank me later 😉

Psst… ShopBop is having one of their (rare!) amazing sales. It’s the perfect time to pick up the season’s handbag that you’ve been eyeing!