Plastic bins for storing quilts?
 

I'm making 3 twin size quilts for my 3 grandchildren this year for Christmas. I have to transport them from CO to IL. I've finished 2 of them so far and since I'm going to be traveling to IL in July, I plan to take 2 of them out then. I wondered if it's o.k. to store (temporarily anyway) quilts in plastic bins? Are there any pros or cons to storage in plastic? I would just gift wrap the quilts in the plastic bins. Thanks for any input you have in this. I've asked for and received lots of great advice on this board! I hope I can post pictures of the quilts here soon.

It not recommended for long term storage , but for the short term.. I would do it and in fact have done it. I would just make sure it was not packed in/on a high humid day. If you have concerns about the humidity.. you can purchase those silicone packages , the type you find in new shoe boxes, to absorb the humidity.
Another alternative is to make a decorative pillow case for the quilt . It would serve as wrapping , plus the storage would breathe .. and the recipient would have a pillow case.

Are you driving or flying? Which method will pack better? The quilts can get there either way.

Pretty matching pillow cases are a better way to go than plastic tubs. In the summer humidity mold and mildew grow really fast in dark airless places like plastic tubs. have a good trip.
peace

Why not long term storage in plastic bins (other than the aforementioned mold/mildew)?

According to the appraiser/conservator I consulted for value and storage of several vintage quilts (my great-grandmother's), wrapping them in a white sheet and storing them in a plastic bin is the preferred method. Toss in a couple dessicants to take care of any moisture as well (the kind that come in electronics boxes are good). You can always crack the lid a bit if you're worried about it, but most of the time they let in enough air without having to do that. It's certainly safe for the six months you're talking about.

Keep in mind that some of those "plastic storage containers" will put off an odor if left in there very long. I would not try to store them somewhere that has a huge temperature variant (garage/attic). I would agree with ghostrider if I was going to use bins, I would first wrap them in a white sheet. I would also throw in an odor absorber and a dessicant to remove any moisture that might get in. However, I would not gift a quilt with a plastic container. I'd be afraid they might just keep it stored and I'd rather the quilts were used. I usually gift a quilt in a custom made matching pillow case except that I add four button holes in order to put drawstrings through it which I also made out of matching fabric.

When I use the plastic bins for anything, I drill about 3 holes under the handles in order to add more air to the boxes.
I talked to the guy from Texas who makes those beautiful glass front/oak wood quilt cases and I told him they need air.
If they were in a area, say next to a heater in the winter, or as the sun moves around the house, if the sun hits it at all,
then the quilts stored in there are in trouble. We have to SAVE OUR QUILTS, ladies.

The pillow case is a great idea! I'll have to see if I can get it done by early July! Thank you.