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Theatre and dance groups should clean and dry costumes before storage, use breathable garment bags, fold silk with acid-free tissue and wrap jewellery with anti-tarnish strips. Roll backdrops on tubes, store flats upright off the floor, and keep a numbered, photographed inventory by production. Self Storage India offers private, lockable rooms with 24/7 CCTV, regular pest control, monthly plans with no lock-in and a GST invoice for business customers in Noida, Delhi and Gurugram.
- Why do theatre and dance groups need storage?
- How should costumes be stored?
- How do you care for dance jewellery and accessories?
- How should sets and props be stored?
- How do you protect costumes from moths and damp?
- How do you keep track of costumes and sets?
- How should costumes be packed for touring?
- How should groups plan around the production calendar?
- What can't go into storage?
- How secure is a storage room for costumes and sets?
- How much does storage for costumes and sets cost?
- Where can you store costumes and sets in Delhi NCR?
- Theatre and dance storage checklist
- FAQs
- Sources and notes
Theatre companies and dance groups build up a remarkable collection over the years: costumes for every production, jewellery and headpieces, masks, props, painted backdrops and set pieces, and the trunks they travel in. Classical dance groups hold silk costumes and temple jewellery worth a great deal, while theatre groups keep flats, platforms and furniture that may be reused in the next show. Most groups rehearse in rented halls, schools or members' homes, with little room to keep any of it. Costumes get crushed in cupboards, sets are stacked in garages, and items are lost when members move on. This guide explains how theatre and dance groups can care for costumes and sets and use a shared storage room between productions.
Why do theatre and dance groups need storage?
- Costumes are costly to replace. Silk, zari work and custom tailoring represent years of investment.
- Sets are bulky. Flats, platforms and backdrops need floor and wall space.
- Productions are reused. Revivals and touring shows need the same costumes and sets again.
- Rehearsal spaces are shared. Halls and schools rarely allow groups to leave things behind.
- Members change. A shared room stops items being scattered across homes.
How should costumes be stored?
Clean costumes before storing them, because sweat, make-up and food stains attract insects and set over time. Follow the care instructions for each fabric; silk and zari pieces often need dry cleaning. Make sure everything is fully dry. Hang structured costumes on padded hangers in breathable garment bags, and fold flat pieces with acid-free tissue between folds. Refold silk along different lines every few months to avoid permanent creases. Avoid plastic bags for long storage, since they trap moisture. Our guide on storing silk sarees covers silk care in detail.
| Item | How to store | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Silk and zari costumes | Folded with acid-free tissue in cotton bags | Creases, damp and silverfish |
| Structured costumes | On padded hangers in breathable bags | Crushing and fading |
| Jewellery and headpieces | In padded, labelled boxes, pieces wrapped | Tarnish and broken stones |
| Masks and props | In boxes with padding, labelled by show | Cracks and loose parts |
| Backdrops and cloths | Rolled on tubes, never folded | Creases and mould |
| Flats and platforms | Upright, off the floor, by size | Warping and damp |
How do you care for dance jewellery and accessories?
Temple jewellery, ghungroos, bells and hair ornaments should be wiped clean and dry after every performance. Wrap each set in soft cloth or tissue and keep it in a padded box labelled with the dancer's name or the production. Keep anti-tarnish strips or silica gel in the boxes. Store high-value pieces separately and keep a photo record. Our guide on preventing tarnish on metal has more tips.
How should sets and props be stored?
Dismantle sets where possible, keep fixings in labelled bags taped to each piece, and store flats upright against a wall rather than flat on the floor. Raise everything on pallets or planks. Roll painted backdrops face out around a tube, wrap them in cloth or sheeting, and store them horizontally. Pack small props by production in labelled boxes with padding. Number every piece and record it in an inventory linked to the show it belongs to.
How do you protect costumes from moths and damp?
Pests and moisture are the main threats to fabric. Clean before storing, keep everything dry, and add cedar blocks or neem leaves in costume boxes. Check stored costumes every couple of months, especially during the monsoon, and air them out if they smell musty. Add silica gel sachets to closed boxes and keep everything off the floor. Read our guide on protecting stored items from monsoon damp.
How do you keep track of costumes and sets?
Keep a shared inventory listing each costume, accessory, prop and set piece with a number, a photo, its size where relevant and the production it belongs to. Record which box or rail each item lives on. When costumes go out for rehearsals or shows, note who took them and when they're due back. A shared spreadsheet that all office-bearers can see works well. Our guide on making a storage inventory list has a template.
How should costumes be packed for touring?
Pack each performer's costume, jewellery and accessories in one labelled bag or trunk, with a checklist taped inside the lid. Use garment bags for hanging costumes and padded boxes for jewellery and props. After the tour, unpack, clean and dry everything before it goes back into storage, and update the inventory with any repairs needed.
How should groups plan around the production calendar?
Keep the costumes and sets for the current production near the door, and move finished shows to the back of the room. Before each new season, review what is stored: repair what can be reused, donate or sell items no longer needed, and record any changes. This keeps the room from filling with pieces nobody will use again. Read how to arrange a storage unit.
What can't go into storage?
Don't store anything flammable, hazardous, perishable or illegal. This includes fuel, gas cylinders, chemicals, paint thinners, oil, ghee, camphor, incense and food items. Make-up, hair spray, spirit gum and stage effects fluids should be kept elsewhere. If you're unsure about an item, ask the team before you bring it.
How secure is a storage room for costumes and sets?
With a private, lockable room, you use your own padlock and keep the only key. The facility has 24/7 CCTV and regular pest control. Limit who holds the key, keep a log of what goes out and comes back, and confirm operating hours and access arrangements with the team before planning visits. Read security for business storage.
How much does storage for costumes and sets cost?
Pricing depends on the room size and location you choose. Plans are monthly with no lock-in, so you can change or end storage as your needs change. Business customers can get a GST invoice. Pickup, packing and transport can be arranged through partners at an additional cost. Use the storage calculator or call +91-9090206090 for a quote.
Where can you store costumes and sets in Delhi NCR?
Self Storage India serves Noida, Delhi and Gurugram. Choose the location closest to where you work, so collecting and returning items takes less time.
Theatre and dance storage checklist
- Clean and dry costumes before storing
- Use breathable garment bags, not plastic
- Fold silk with acid-free tissue and refold every few months
- Wrap jewellery and keep anti-tarnish strips
- Roll backdrops on tubes, never fold them
- Store flats upright and off the floor
- Add cedar, neem or silica gel against pests and damp
- Number and photograph every item
- Record who takes costumes out and when
- Pack touring costumes by performer
- Review stored items before each season
Disclaimer: this article gives general information on storing costumes and sets. Follow the care instructions for each fabric and material, and consult a textile conservator for very old or valuable pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clean, dry and folded with acid-free tissue in cotton bags, refolded every few months.
Rolled face out on a tube, wrapped and stored horizontally. Never fold them.
Clean before storing, keep dry, and use cedar, neem or silica gel.
No. Plans are monthly with no lock-in.
Yes. Business customers can get a GST invoice.
Self Storage India serves Noida, Delhi and Gurugram.
Sources and notes
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
- Unit features, plans and GST invoice: Self Storage India home page.
- Silk care: how to store silk sarees.
