How to Store Blinds

Storing blinds starts with cleaning and drying each set, removing mounting hardware, and packing the blinds flat or supported in a sturdy container. Whether you are updating window coverings, moving, or completing a home project, labeling each set by room and window can make reinstallation easier later. 

Blinds can bend, tangle, or collect dust when packed without a plan. Store them in a clean, dry location where they can lie flat or rest on a shelf without heavier boxes placed on top.

Key Takeaways

• Clean and dry blinds fully before packing them away. 
• Remove brackets, screws, wands, and other detachable hardware, then place them in labeled bags. 
• Store horizontal and vertical blind slats flat or supported to help prevent bending. 
• Label blinds by room and window location before placing them in storage. 
• Climate-controlled storage provides a more consistent indoor temperature than standard storage units and may be useful for eligible blinds and household items.

What Is the Best Way to Store Blinds?

The best way to store blinds is to clean and dry them, remove detachable hardware, and wrap or place each set in a sturdy box or container. Store blinds flat when possible, and add packing paper or soft cloth between slats or pieces to help prevent contact during transport and storage. 

Blinds Storage at a Glance

Clean Blinds Before Packing Them Away

Cleaning blinds before storage can remove visible dust and debris that may collect between slats, cords, and headrails. The best cleaning method depends on the material. 

Use a microfiber cloth, soft duster, or vacuum brush attachment for most blinds. Wood and faux wood blinds may work best with a lightly damp cloth, while aluminum and vinyl blinds may be cleaned with mild soap and water. Let every piece dry fully before wrapping or packing it. 

Blind Cleaning Checklist

• Dust slats, headrails, cords, and wands with a soft cloth. 
• Use a vacuum brush attachment for visible dust in hard-to-reach areas. 
• Clean wood or faux wood blinds with a lightly damp cloth. 
• Use mild soap and water for aluminum or vinyl blinds when needed. 
• Allow blinds to dry fully before packing. 
• Check cords, slats, and hardware for visible wear before putting them away.

Remove and Label Blind Hardware

Brackets, screws, wands, valances, and pull cords can be easy to misplace during a move or home project. Remove detachable hardware according to the manufacturer’s guidance, then place small pieces in a labeled bag or divided container. 

Label each bag with the room and window where the blinds belong. For example, “Guest Room—West Window” is more helpful than a general label such as “Blind Hardware.” 

How to Store Blind Hardware

Keep each hardware bag with the matching blind set when possible.

Store Horizontal Blinds Flat and Supported

Horizontal blinds, including wood, faux wood, aluminum, and vinyl styles, can bend when stored vertically or when heavy items rest on top of them. Close the slats, wrap the blinds in packing paper or soft cloth, and place them flat in a box that supports the full length. 

Choose a box or container that is long enough for the blinds to lie flat without bending at the ends. If you are storing multiple sets together, place cushioning between each set. 

How to Pack Horizontal Blinds

1. Close the slats and secure loose cords according to manufacturer guidance.  
2. Remove detachable brackets, valances, or wands.  
3. Wrap the headrail and slats with packing paper or soft cloth.  
4. Place the blinds flat in a sturdy box.  
5. Add cushioning around the sides and ends of the box.  
6. Place labeled hardware with the matching blinds.  
7. Label the outside of the box with the room and window location.

Store Vertical Blinds in Flat Stacks

Vertical blinds often include a headrail, individual slats, and small accessories. Remove the slats from the headrail if the manufacturer’s guidance allows, then stack them flat in groups with packing paper between each layer. 

Wrap the headrail separately and place it beside or on top of the stacked slats with cushioning between the pieces. Use a long box or container that supports the full length of the slats. 

Avoid folding or forcing vertical slats into a container that is too short.

Pack Fabric Blinds and Shades Carefully

Roman blinds, fabric shades, and roller shades may have different storage needs depending on their material and construction. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for folding, rolling, removing cords, or detaching hardware. 

For fabric window coverings, use a clean, dry lidded container or box. Place acid-free tissue paper or clean packing paper between folds when appropriate. Keep the container away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Choose a Storage Location for Blinds

Store packed blinds in a clean, dry place where they can stay flat and supported. At home, a closet shelf, spare room, or interior storage area may work for blinds you plan to reinstall soon. 

A storage unit may be an option for eligible blinds during a move, renovation, or room refresh. More than 90% of Public Storage properties offer climate-controlled storage units, which provide a more consistent indoor temperature than standard storage units. Features, unit sizes, and availability vary by location. 

Public Storage can be an option for eligible blinds, window-covering hardware, and household items that are clean, dry, and packed in suitable containers.

Keep Blinds Organized for Reinstallation

A simple label system can make reinstalling blinds easier after a renovation, move, or home update. Label each box on more than one side and include the room, window direction, and blind type. 

Helpful label examples include: 

• Kitchen—East Window—Faux Wood Blinds  
• Living Room—Patio Door—Vertical Blinds  
• Bedroom—North Window—Roller Shade  
• Guest Room—West Window—Hardware 

Take a photo of each window before removing the blinds, if helpful. The photo can make it easier to remember placement and hardware details when you are ready to reinstall them.

FAQs About Storing Blinds

How do I store blinds without bending them? 

Clean and dry the blinds, wrap them with packing paper or soft cloth, and place them flat in a sturdy box that supports the full length. Avoid placing heavy items on top of packed blinds. 

Should blinds be stored flat or upright? 

Store blinds flat when possible, especially long horizontal or vertical slats. Flat storage can help avoid bending and keep the blinds supported. 

How do I store vertical blinds? 

Remove vertical slats from the headrail when manufacturer guidance allows, stack them flat with packing paper between layers, and place them in a long box or container. Wrap and pack the headrail separately. 

How do I keep blind hardware organized? 

Place brackets, screws, wands, valances, and other removable pieces in labeled bags or small containers. Label each bag by room and window, then keep it with the matching blinds. 

Can I store blinds in a storage unit? 

A storage unit may be an option for eligible blinds that are clean, dry, and packed in suitable containers. Review your rental agreement and local facility guidelines before storing items. 

Is climate-controlled storage useful for blinds? 

Climate-controlled storage provides a more consistent indoor temperature than standard storage units. It may be useful for eligible blinds when you prefer an indoor storage setting. Features and availability vary by location. 

Storing blinds is easier when each set is cleaned, supported, and labeled before it is put away. With a simple packing system, you can keep window coverings and hardware organized until your next home project. 

Features and amenities vary by location, facility, and unit. “Climate-controlled” and related terms, such as air-conditioned, heated, or humidistat-equipped, describe storage spaces designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels compared with non-climate-controlled units. Public Storage does not guarantee temperature or humidity ranges. Availability, features, and unit types may differ by location, facility, and unit. Confirm with your facility whether specific climate-controlled features are available on units at that location.