A quality humidor is the gold standard for cigar storage — but what if you're not ready to invest in one yet? The good news is that with a few simple tricks, you can keep your cigars fresh and flavorful at home without a traditional humidor. Here's everything you need to know.
Why Proper Storage Matters
Cigars are made from natural tobacco leaves that are sensitive to their environment. Too dry and they crack, burn too fast, and lose their flavor. Too humid and they become soggy, develop mold, and won't draw properly. The sweet spot is 65–70% relative humidity (RH) at around 65–70°F.
Premium hand-rolled cigars like Indalo's — crafted in Tamboril, Dominican Republic — deserve to be enjoyed at their best. Proper storage protects your investment and ensures every smoke is as good as the first.
Option 1: The Ziploc Bag + Boveda Pack Method
This is the easiest and most affordable short-term solution. All you need is a resealable plastic bag and a Boveda humidity pack (available online for a few dollars).
- Place your cigars in a large Ziploc freezer bag.
- Add a 65% or 69% Boveda pack to the bag.
- Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
How long it works: Up to 2–3 months with a fresh Boveda pack. Replace the pack when it feels hard and dry.
Best for: Small quantities (5–10 cigars) and short-term storage.
Option 2: The Coolidor (Cooler Humidor)
For larger quantities, a plastic cooler makes an excellent makeshift humidor. Coolers are naturally airtight and maintain temperature well.
- Buy an inexpensive plastic cooler (any size works).
- Season it by wiping the inside with a lightly damp cloth and leaving it open for 24 hours.
- Place your cigars inside, ideally on a cedar tray or wrapped in cedar sheets.
- Add Boveda packs — one 60g pack per 25 cigars is a good rule of thumb.
- Close the lid and store in a cool, dark location.
How long it works: Indefinitely, as long as you replace the Boveda packs every 2–3 months.
Best for: Larger collections (20+ cigars) on a budget.
Option 3: The Tupperware Tupperdor
Similar to the coolidor, an airtight Tupperware or food storage container works well for medium-sized collections.
- Choose a container large enough to hold your cigars without crushing them.
- Add a Boveda pack sized for the container.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
Best for: 10–20 cigars. Easy to find and inexpensive.
Tips for All Methods
- Avoid the refrigerator. Fridges are too dry and can strip moisture from your cigars quickly.
- Keep away from sunlight. UV light degrades tobacco and can cause uneven drying.
- Don't mix flavored and unflavored cigars. Flavored cigars can transfer their aroma to natural cigars stored nearby.
- Check regularly. Peek at your cigars every couple of weeks to make sure they feel supple — not dry or spongy.
- Use cedar. Adding a cedar sheet or a few cedar spills to your storage helps regulate humidity and adds a pleasant aroma.
When to Upgrade to a Real Humidor
If you find yourself buying cigars regularly — or building a collection of 20 or more — it's time to invest in a proper humidor. A good humidor maintains consistent humidity automatically, protects your cigars long-term, and looks great on a desk or shelf.
Browse our humidor selection to find the right fit for your collection. We carry options for every budget and collection size.
Start with the Right Cigars
Whether you're storing a single cigar or building a collection, start with quality. Our single cigars and cigar boxes are hand-rolled in the Dominican Republic and arrive in perfect condition — ready to smoke or store.