Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-06-20 Origin: Site
Creating a Stable Environment for Your Cigars Without a Cigar Cabinet
For many people just getting into cigars, owning a full set of cigar equipment from the start isn’t very realistic. Cigar cabinets, walk-in humidors, and electronic systems can be expensive and require space. For someone who’s just beginning to explore cigars and only owns a few, it doesn’t make sense to invest in expensive gear right away.
So, without a cigar cabinet, is it still possible to store cigars properly? The answer is yes. With the right setup, you can create a simple and effective environment that keeps your cigars in good condition. This article will guide you through how to build a basic cigar storage system using easy-to-find tools and materials. It’s a great method for beginners or anyone storing cigars in small quantities.
You can build a simple storage setup using a few everyday items and some materials commonly used with cigars. The main container is a plastic food storage box with a tight seal—something like a Lock & Lock box. Choose a slightly larger one to leave space around the cigars. The better the seal, the more stable the humidity inside.
Next, add a few cedar wood sheets into the box. Cedar is commonly used in cigar storage because it repels insects, helps regulate moisture, and gives off a mild scent that can enhance the cigar’s aroma over time. While most professional cigar cabinets use Spanish cedar, regular cedar wood pieces will still help in a small setup like this.
For humidity, a 69% humidity pack is ideal. This level is widely accepted as suitable for cigar storage—not too dry, not too moist. These humidity packs are easy to use, adjust automatically to changes in the environment, and don’t require complicated maintenance.
Last, include a small hygrometer. It can be digital or analog, as long as it gives you a rough idea of the humidity and temperature inside your box. This will help you monitor whether adjustments are needed and when to replace your humidity pack.
Once you have everything, you can begin setting up your storage. Gently place your cigars inside the container, leaving space between them to allow airflow. Don’t pack them too tightly—this can damage the wrappers and restrict moisture circulation.
The cedar wood can be placed at the bottom or on the sides of the box. You don’t need to wrap the cigars in it—just make sure the wood is exposed to the air. The humidity pack should go in one corner or attach to the lid if possible, but it should not touch the cigars directly.
Place the hygrometer somewhere visible inside the box. Try to keep it away from the humidity pack to avoid inaccurate readings. If you're storing unwrapped or loose cigars, you may also want to place them in small cloth bags or tubes before putting them in the box.
Once your box is ready, find a suitable place to keep it. Cigars are sensitive to environmental changes, so you want to choose a stable location.
A good place is a cool, dark corner in your home—like the bottom shelf of a bookcase, a bedroom drawer, or a closet that stays closed most of the time. Avoid areas with direct sunlight, near kitchen appliances, or close to heaters and air conditioners. Don’t keep your cigars in the fridge either—it’s too dry, and the temperature changes too often.
Aim for a location that stays between 18°C and 22°C (roughly 65°F to 72°F) with minimal temperature swings. The key here isn’t just coolness—it’s stability. A steady environment will always be better than frequent ups and downs.
The most important rule after setting up your storage is to keep it stable. Avoid opening the box too often. Each time you open it, the humidity level drops, especially in dry or cold seasons.
It’s recommended to check on your cigars once every two to four weeks. If you notice the humidity dropping below the recommended range (typically 65% to 72%), replace the humidity pack. If it looks too moist—condensation on the box walls or a musty smell—leave the lid open for a short time to air it out.
This is also a good time to gently rotate the cigars to ensure even moisture and inspect for any signs of mold or dryness. If your cigars look and feel fine, close the lid again and let them rest.
5. Who Is This Method For? Short-Term and Low-Volume Users
This type of DIY storage is best suited for beginners, casual smokers, or people who only store a small number of cigars. It’s affordable, simple, and doesn’t take up much space.
If you're just sampling cigars to find your preferences, or only keeping a dozen cigars at home, this setup works very well. You don’t need to rush into buying expensive equipment—just focus on keeping the environment steady, and your cigars will stay fresh for months.
However, once your collection grows past 50 cigars or you’re planning to age cigars for a year or more, this setup might not be enough. You’ll need to monitor it more often, and eventually, space becomes limited. That’s when it might be time to consider a small cigar cabinet or build a dedicated cigar area at home.
Whether you're using a professional cabinet or a homemade plastic box, the goal is the same: to keep your cigars in a consistent environment. Cigars are not like cigarettes. They are meant to age, to develop richer flavors over time. This only happens when they’re stored under the right conditions.
So the focus shouldn’t be on whether the setup is expensive or high-tech, but on whether it’s stable. Even if you only have a few cigars, it’s worth building good storage habits from the start. Creating a small, stable storage box is the first step to treating your cigars with care.
Many people new to cigars get excited and want to buy everything right away: humidors, cabinets, gadgets. But cigars are more about experience and patience than gear.
Start by trying cigars from different regions and flavor profiles—find out whether you like lighter cigars, richer ones, spicy blends, or mellow ones. As you gain experience, your storage setup can grow with you. Begin with a small box, then maybe get a beginner-friendly cabinet, and later build out a larger cigar space if needed.
A cabinet or humidor is just a tool. The real value lies in the time spent enjoying the cigar, the aroma that fills the room when you open the box, and the quiet moments of reflection when you light one up.
