Tips for Properly Storing Seasonal Items in Your Garage

WHY SEASONAL ITEM STORAGE MATTERS

Improper storage can lead to items getting damaged, which may mean you have to spend more money each season replacing last year’s decor and furniture. Storing your seasonal items properly not only helps protect your belongings, it can also help keep your home and garage free from chaos and clutter.

TIPS FOR STORING HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

Your holiday decor only comes out of storage once a year, so you want to be sure to protect your Christmas ornaments and Halloween decorations for the months they stay packed away. 

The first step to keeping holiday decorations stored securely is to choose sturdy storage containers that can handle the fluctuating temperatures of your garage between seasons. Opt for plastic storage bins over cardboard boxes, as excess humidity may wear down cardboard and risk damaging the items inside.

Next, pack fragile items in bubble wrap and use divided containers to help prevent items from clashing into one another. Try not to overload containers with delicate decorations, and instead, use any decorative pillows and seasonal throw blankets to add extra cushion. 

Since holiday decorations don’t need to be accessed at a moment’s notice, consider storing your plastic containers in heavy-duty overhead shelving, like the Overhead Max Gearloft™ Storage Shelves from Gladiator brand that can hold up to 200 lbs.

GLADIATOR TIP: Add labels to your storage bins to avoid having to open each container to find the decorations you need.

HOW TO STORE OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT

Summer is for riding your bike, floating downstream in a kayak and swimming in the pool. Before you stow all your outdoor recreational equipment for the colder months, make sure each item is clean and completely dry before packing them away to help prevent mold and mildew. 

You can store smaller items like pool toys, baseballs, tennis balls and footballs in wall-mounted cabinets and baskets to keep them out of the way when not in use and easily accessible when the weather warms up.

For larger items, like bicycles, kayaks and paddleboards, opt for wall-mounted racks and hooks to keep them off the ground. Gladiator® Wall System Shelving with the Vertical Bike Hook and Deep Hook features vinyl coating to prevent scratching while your items are stored for the season.

BEST PRACTICES FOR STORING OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Like your recreational equipment, it’s important to make sure your outdoor furniture is clean and dry before storing them away for the season. Add a layer of protection to your furniture, like dust covers or rust-proof coatings (be sure to follow manufacturer instructions). To reduce the bulk of storing furniture, consider stacking chairs whenever possible and disassembling larger items. 

You can even go a step further in protecting your outdoor cushions, pads or disassembled furniture from dust and debris by storing them in cabinets with shelves, like the Premier Cabinet System from Gladiator brand.

GLADIATOR TIP: If you’re disassembling furniture for storage, place any screws, bolts, washers and other fastenings in clearly labeled storage bags or containers, making sure to organize and label them based on the piece of furniture they came from.

SEASONAL MAINTENANCE TIPS BEFORE STORAGE

Before you pack away seasonal or holiday items for the months ahead, use the following checklist to help maintain your belongings and extend their longevity for years to come.

• Check items for wear and tear, making repairs whenever possible.
• Use dust covers for larger items that don’t fit inside storage containers.
• Apply protective coatings or lubricants to climate-sensitive items; consider oiling your bike chains and waterproofing outdoor fabrics.
• Clearly label storage containers to help you easily identify what’s inside.
  
  

MAXIMIZE GARAGE SPACE WITH THE RIGHT STORAGE SOLUTIONS

With the right storage solutions, your garage can act as a built-in storage unit that still remains functional as a workspace, home gym or parking spot for your car. Gladiator brand has shelving and storage options designed to help you maximize your space to keep your garage organized and functional.