Most people think the risk to a bean bag comes from heavy daily use. In reality, more bean bags are damaged in storage than in use. A wet cover sealed in a garage breeds mould within days. A bag left compressed under boxes for a season flattens permanently. Fabric left where sunlight reaches it through a window fades in patches. The mistakes are easy to avoid — once you know what they are.
Whether you're storing a bean bag for winter, between seasons, during a move, or just clearing room temporarily, here's exactly how to do it without shortening its life.
Before You Store: The Preparation That Matters Most
Storage preparation is the step most people skip — and the one that determines whether the bean bag comes out in good shape or doesn't.
Clean the cover thoroughly
Never store a bean bag with a dirty cover. Stains that seem minor now will set and become permanent over weeks or months. Organic matter — food residue, body oils, pet dander, moisture — creates the conditions for mould growth in storage, particularly in any space that isn't perfectly climate-controlled (which most garages, sheds, and spare rooms aren't).
Clean the cover according to its fabric type before packing anything away. Our fabric-by-fabric cleaning guide covers the correct method for cotton, velvet, microsuede, vinyl, and outdoor fabrics — the approach varies significantly between materials.
Dry completely — completely
This is the most critical step and the one most commonly done inadequately. A cover that feels dry on the outside can still hold moisture in the seams, the zipper housing, or the inner layers of thicker fabrics. That residual moisture, sealed into a storage bag in a warm space, is all mould needs.
After cleaning, air-dry the cover in a well-ventilated space for at least 24 hours before packing away. In humid Australian summers, 48 hours is safer. Don't be tempted to speed up the process with a dryer — most bean bag covers shouldn't go in the dryer, and heat can damage or shrink certain fabrics. Our post on whether bean bags can go in the dryer covers which fabrics can handle it and which can't.
Check for existing mould or damp
Before packing, inspect the cover closely — particularly around seams, the zipper area, and any folds. If there's any existing mould, treat it before storage, not after. Sealing mould into a dark, enclosed space accelerates its spread significantly. Our post on removing mould from fabric covers the treatment process.
Storing the Cover
Keep it loose, not compressed
Bean bag covers are large and slightly awkward to store, and the temptation is to compress them as tightly as possible. Resist this. Tight compression creates permanent creases in certain fabrics (velvet and corduroy in particular), can stress seams and zipper housing, and reduces airflow — which matters if there's any residual moisture. Fold loosely and store flat if possible, or hang in a wardrobe if you have the space.
Use a breathable storage bag, not an airtight one
Vacuum-seal bags and airtight plastic containers trap any residual moisture and prevent the fabric from breathing. A breathable cotton bag, a pillowcase, or simply a clean large bin liner left loosely tied (not sealed) is better. The goal is protection from dust and pests while maintaining some air circulation.
Keep it away from direct light
UV exposure fades fabric even indirectly — sunlight through a shed window or skylight will bleach exposed fabric over weeks. Store covers in a dark location or wrap them in something opaque if light can reach the storage area. This matters more for bright or saturated colours, which show fading more obviously than neutrals. Our post on how to stop fabric fading explains the UV mechanism and which fabrics are most vulnerable.
Storing the Filling
You have two options: store the filling inside the cover, or remove it and store separately. Each has trade-offs.
Storing filling inside the cover
The easier option for short-term storage (a few weeks to a couple of months). The cover contains the filling, there's nothing extra to manage, and the bag is ready to use immediately when you bring it back out.
The downside: the weight of the filling, combined with pressure from anything stored on top of the bag, causes compression. EPS beads that are compressed for an extended period don't fully recover their original volume — the bag comes out of storage noticeably flatter than it went in. To mitigate this, store the bag so nothing is stacked on or against it. Flat, unsupported storage is ideal.
Removing and storing filling separately
Better for longer-term storage. Removing the filling means the cover can be stored flat and folded without bulk, and the filling can be stored without compression in a large sealed bag or container.
EPS filling stored in a dry, sealed container doesn't degrade. The main risk is moisture — if damp gets into the filling container, the beads can clump and the container creates conditions for mould. Store filling in a dry location in a properly sealed bag. Our post on how to remove beans from a bean bag covers the removal process, and our refilling guide covers getting it all back in cleanly.
One practical note: if your bean bag has an inner liner, this makes removal much easier — the liner keeps all the filling contained without any loose beads. If you're buying a new bean bag and storage is a consideration, an inner liner is worth prioritising. Our post on bean bag inner liner pros and cons covers what to look for.
Storage Location — What to Avoid
Where you store the bean bag matters as much as how you prepare it.
- Avoid garages and sheds unless they're well-ventilated and dry. Most Australian garages experience significant temperature fluctuation and humidity, particularly in coastal areas. These are ideal conditions for mould on fabric. If the garage is your only option, seal the cover in a breathable bag and place it off the ground — moisture pools at floor level.
- Avoid anywhere with direct or indirect sunlight. Even a few hours of sun per day through a window will cause noticeable fading over a season of storage.
- Avoid anywhere that gets damp. Laundry rooms, bathrooms, and areas near external walls are higher-risk. If you can see condensation on walls or smell mustiness, the space isn't suitable for fabric storage.
- Avoid storing under heavy items. The weight of boxes, equipment, or other furniture stacked on top of the bean bag compresses the filling permanently.
- Best options: A wardrobe in a spare room, a dry cupboard in a climate-controlled part of the house, or a purpose-built storage box with ventilation.
Storing Outdoor Bean Bags Specifically
Outdoor bean bags present additional storage considerations. They're designed to handle weather during use, but that doesn't mean indefinite outdoor storage is fine — UV, moisture, and temperature cycling still affect even the most durable outdoor fabrics over time.
The best approach for outdoor bean bags during extended off-season storage (winter, or any period longer than a few weeks) is to bring them inside or into a dry, covered space. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, use a fitted cover or waterproof bag and elevate the bag off ground level to prevent moisture absorption from below.
Our post on protecting outdoor furniture from Australian weather covers the broader principles for off-season storage of outdoor pieces, and our guide to preventing mould on outdoor bean bags covers the specific risks for bean bags stored in semi-outdoor conditions.
After Storage: Getting It Ready to Use Again
When you bring the bean bag back out, a few quick checks before putting it back into use:
- Check for mould or musty smell. If either is present, treat before use. A musty smell that airs out quickly is usually just absorbed ambient odour; persistent smell after airing indicates mould.
- Check fill volume. If the filling was stored inside the cover, the bag will likely be flatter than when it went in. Top up the filling before expecting full comfort. Our refilling guide covers how much to add. If it went completely flat, our post on why bean bags go flat covers the options.
- Check seams and zipper. A quick visual check for any stress or damage before loading the bag with weight lets you catch any developing issues early.
- Air it out. Leave the bag in a well-ventilated spot for a few hours before use, particularly if it was in enclosed storage. This settles any compression in the filling and clears any absorbed odours.
For the full picture on keeping a bean bag in good condition over the long term — not just during storage but through regular use — our bean bag maintenance guide covers the five habits that make the biggest difference to lifespan.
Browse our range of indoor bean bags and outdoor bean bags — all come with care guides to help you get the most out of them year-round.
