As the seasons change, so do our storage needs. Homeowners often find themselves rotating belongings–packing away summer essentials when winter arrives and vice versa. However, improper storage can lead to damage, mold, pests, or deterioration, especially when dealing with temperature-sensitive items like clothing, electronics, and furniture.
Whether you’re using seasonal storage solutions at home or opting for a self-storage unit, following the right strategies will help maximize space, prevent damage, and keep your belongings organized. This guide provides the best tips for seasonal storage to ensure your items remain safe year-round.
Assessing Your Seasonal Storage Needs: What Should You Store and Why?
Before packing things away, take a moment to think about what actually needs to be stored each season. Some items need extra care because of temperature changes, moisture, or pests, so choosing the right storage method is important.
Planning your storage properly also helps keep your home, garage, or basement organized, so you’re not just stacking things up and creating clutter. Whether you’re storing items at home or using a self-storage unit, a little planning can go a long way in keeping your belongings safe and in good shape all year.
Common Items That Need Storage
Each season brings new things to pack away. Here are some common items that need proper storage:
- Winter gear: Heavy coats, boots, scarves, gloves, snow shovels, sleds, and holiday decorations. Store them properly to avoid moisture buildup and odors.
- Summer essentials: Patio furniture, pool floats, beach gear, camping equipment, and lawn tools. Keep them in a dry place to prevent rust or sun damage.
- Outdoor equipment: Grills, bikes, gardening tools, and sports gear. Clean them before storing to prevent dirt buildup and rust.
- Temperature-sensitive items: Wooden furniture, electronics, important documents, artwork, and leather goods. These need climate-controlled storage to prevent damage.
Tips for Year-round Storage
Keeping your things in good shape all year doesn’t have to be hard. With the right storage habits, you can avoid damage, mess, and stress. Here are some simple tips to keep your storage space neat and your belongings safe no matter the season:
How to Store Summer Items the Right Way
Before you put your summer things away, give them a good cleaning so they don’t collect dirt or bad smells while in storage. Here’s how to handle different items:
- Patio furniture: Wipe down tables and chairs to remove dust, pollen, and mold. Let them dry completely before covering them with weatherproof covers. If possible, store them indoors!
- Lawnmowers and power tools: Empty the gas from lawnmowers and other outdoor tools to prevent leaks or engine problems. Remove dirt and grass clippings before storing them in a dry area.
- Grills and outdoor cooking equipment: If possible, store your grill in a shed or storage unit to protect it from snow and freezing weather. For gas grills, remove the propane tank and store it separately in a well-ventilated outdoor spot.
- Pool and beach gear: Deflate pool floats and make sure towels, swimsuits, and pool toys are completely dry before storing them in sealed plastic bins to prevent mold.
How to Declutter and Store Winter Items
To keep winter clothes and gear fresh and in good shape, follow these storage tips:
- Wash everything first: Clean heavy coats, scarves, and blankets before storing them to remove dirt and sweat that can cause odors or mildew. Use vacuum-sealed bags for bulky items to save space.
- Store boots & shoes properly: Insert shoe forms or stuff them with paper to help them keep their shape. Toss in some silica gel packets to absorb moisture and prevent mold.
- Use plastic storage bins: Plastic bins protect better than cardboard boxes, which can absorb moisture and attract pests.
- Protect winter sports gear: Wipe down skis, snowboards, and sleds before storing them in a dry, well-ventilated space. A coat of wax can help protect them from damage.
Choosing the Right Storage: Home vs Self-Storage
Finding the best place to store your seasonal items depends on space, accessibility, and how much protection your belongings need. Some things are fine at home, while others might be safer in a storage unit.
Home Storage: Pros & Cons
Different areas in your home have their own advantages and limitations when it comes to storage:
- Attics: Great for lightweight, non-fragile items like holiday decorations, seasonal clothes, or artificial trees. But since attics get very hot or cold, avoid storing things like electronics, candles, or wooden furniture.
- Basements: Good for tools, sports equipment, and bulk storage. However, basements can get damp, so use airtight plastic bins instead of cardboard boxes to prevent mold and mildew.
- Garages: Ideal for outdoor gear, bicycles, and gardening tools. However, garages can be exposed to temperature swings and pests. To keep items safe, use sealed containers and store things on shelves instead of directly on the floor.
When a Storage Unit is a Better Choice
If you’re running out of space or need extra protection, a self-storage unit offers several benefits:
- Climate control: Keeps delicate items like electronics, leather, artwork, and musical instruments safe from extreme heat, cold, or humidity.
- 24/7 access: Allows you to grab what you need without cluttering your home.
- Better security: Many storage facilities have cameras, secure locks, and keypad access to keep your belongings safe.
- More space at home: A storage unit frees up room in your house, making seasonal transitions easier.
Looking for a secure and convenient storage solution? Click Storage offers climate-controlled units, 24/7 access, and top-notch security to keep your belongings safe year-round. Whether you need extra space for seasonal items or long-term storage, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today to find the perfect unit for your needs!
Storage Safety Tips
No matter where you store your things–at home, in a garage, or in a storage unit–keeping them safe from damage, theft, and environmental risks is essential. Proper storage techniques help extend the lifespan of your items and ensure they remain in good condition for future use.
Wrap breakables
Fragile items like glassware, ceramics, and electronics need extra protection to prevent cracks or breakage. Use bubble wrap, foam padding, or packing paper to cushion these items before placing them in sturdy, labeled boxes. Make sure to fill any empty spaces in the box with packing peanuts or soft material to minimize movement and reduce the risk of damage.
Store artwork properly
Framed pictures, paintings, and valuable artwork require careful handling to avoid warping, bending, or fading. Always store framed artwork in an upright position and use acid-free tissue paper or hard-shell cases for added protection. If storing paintings, avoid direct contact with other items, as pressure can cause scratches or indentations.
Protect furniture
Furniture can collect dust, suffer scratches, or even warp if not stored correctly. Cover sofas, tables, and chairs with moving blankets or furniture covers to shield them from dirt and moisture. Avoid using plastic wrap directly on wooden or leather furniture, as it can trap humidity and lead to mold, mildew, or warping over time.
Take furniture apart
Disassembling large furniture pieces, such as bed frames, tables, or shelving units, can help save space and reduce the risk of damage during storage. Keep screws, bolts, and small parts in clearly labeled plastic bags and tape them securely to the corresponding furniture piece. This will make reassembly much easier when you need to use the furniture again.
Conclusion
Storing your seasonal items the right way helps keep them in good shape, saves space, and makes your home less cluttered all year long. Whether you’re using your attic, garage, or self-storage unit, taking the right precautions ensures everything stays in great condition.
If you need extra room, climate-controlled storage, or 24/7 secure access, Click Storage has you covered. Get in touch with us today to find the right storage unit for your needs!
