Storing seasonal items can often feel like a never-ending battle for space and organization. Trying to figure out how and where to store items every season can be frustrating and leave you feeling drained and irritated, but it doesn’t have to be that way. With the right approach and tools, you can turn this task into a manageable and efficient process. Whenever you’re dealing with winter decorations or springtime gear, these 13 essential seasonal storage solutions will help you make the most out of your space and keep your belongings safe.
How to Store Seasonal Items
Regardless of if you’re looking for winter storage tips to help you keep seasonal decorations safe or spring storage options to get the most out of the changing seasons, there are ways to make room in your home. Whether you live in an area that experiences all four seasons or not, there are some great tools and tips to maximize your space to help with the weather changes throughout the year. To get started, here are 13 essential seasonal storage tips everyone should know.
1. Assess and Declutter Every Season
Apply the mentality of spring cleaning to every season and keep control of clutter. As the seasons change, so do our needs and lifestyle demands. Therefore, over the years, something that used to be essential can lose its importance and become a waste of space. As you start to swap things out of your storage room each season, consider whether you actually need or even want things that you’re putting back away. Get rid of things you don’t use or no longer need. Decluttering every season can help you avoid accumulating unnecessary items, which makes it much easier to find and use the things that truly matter. Make this a habit, and things will become easier to find and much less chaotic.
2. Stay Organized Throughout the Year
Storage spaces can quickly become a jumbled mess of this and that, which can make you want to avoid them at all costs. When you take the time to stay organized, you’ll know exactly what’s inside, where things are, and how to access them without having to open your unit and take everything out. To save you time, try to reduce clutter and organize your unit for easy access. Clear storage containers can help, but keeping inventory and a map will be the best solution to finding what you need in a time crunch.
3. Optimize Your Closet Space
The same theory applies to your closets. If you want to truly maximize storage space, consider taking an organizing journey throughout your home. Reassess every closet and its primary function to get the most out of the space. There are several ways to store clothes in a closet, but extend that mentality to linen closets and hallway closets if you really want to keep things organized throughout each season.
4. Rotate Off-Season Clothes
Winter clothes are bulky and won’t be worn during the heart of summer, so why allow them to take up valuable space? Consider storing them in an off-site storage unit so they’re not in the way. You may want to put them in garment bags or check out the best practices for storing clothes, but having things you don’t use packed away will do wonders for your home. If you’re storing clothes for longer periods of time, you’ll want to make sure you’re careful to avoid ruining them. Check your items each season and thoroughly clean them prior to putting them inside containers for storage. Having a rotating wardrobe can do wonders for your style, efficiency, and overall stress levels.
5. Repair and Clean Items Before Storing Them
When you’re changing out your seasonal wardrobe, always take the time to inspect things and repair them before they’re stored. This is especially important for delicate items, as they may face more damage if not properly cared for. This mentality can also be applied to holiday decor, appliances, and anything else you plan to put into seasonal storage. You’ll also want to clean things thoroughly before storing them.
6. Make a Place for Seasonal Sporting Equipment
Sporting equipment can take up a lot of room, especially if your family engages in more than one season of activity. Whether it’s hockey gear, snowboards, skis, or football pads and soccer balls, try to create an organized process that makes it easy to swap things out as the seasons change. Storing items by sport and season can keep items in good condition and give you enough space throughout the year. You may want to hang some shelves in the garage to help you maximize floor space.
7. Learn How to Winterize Your Equipment Properly
You won’t need to use your snow blower during the summer, and your jet ski isn’t going to get much use in the winter. However, these items can be delicate in extreme temperatures, so it’s a good idea to store them safely if you want them to work next time you need them. Cooled and heated storage units can help keep things in good condition, but it’s still a good practice to learn how to winterize things that will be kept in the cold. This is especially true if you want to winterize your car or motorcycle, as failing to do so can result in expensive damage.
8. Keep Outdoor Accessories Safe
Contrary to what you might think, your outdoor furniture probably isn’t meant to face freezing temperatures. When it’s time to store summer gear and items like patio furniture, keep them safe and protected by washing them and moving them into a temperature-controlled facility. In doing so, you can keep expensive outdoor furniture in good shape for years to come.
9. Find Clever Holiday Storage Solutions
Holiday decorations can take up a lot of room, especially if you love to decorate. Finding the right storage solution can be a game-changer if you need a place for ornaments, wreaths, Easter bunnies, or St. Patrick’s Day decor. To preserve things well, the most important aspect of storing holiday decor is protecting it and finding a safe place to store things. A self-storage unit can be great for storing vintage pieces, old treasures, and new favorites.
10. Consider Creative Storage Ideas
Your home has plenty of hidden storage capabilities. From under the stairs to behind the door, creative types can find tons of options for in-home storage. Try to look at different areas throughout your home in a new light to find ways to satisfy your storage needs.
11. Label Storage Bins and Boxes
One of the most important tips on how to store seasonal items (or regular items, for that matter) is to take the time to label bins or boxes so you know what items are inside for future use. It can seem tedious at first, but it’s still a good idea, and you’ll thank yourself later.
12. Choose a Climate-Controlled Storage Unit
The type of storage container you use matters, especially if you live in an area with a harsh climate. As the seasons change, you may find fluctuating temperatures that range from freezing to sweltering hot. Using climate-controlled storage to help reduce the risk of damage is a great way to protect seasonal items.
13. Find the Right Size Storage Unit
Finally, take the time to find the right size option for storing your belongings. If you don’t have something to measure or estimate your size needs, talk with your facility about their recommendations based on your storage contents. It may also be beneficial to try and size out your items ahead of time. At the end of the day, it’s always better to get something a little too big rather than something a bit too small.
To help you store your seasonal items, rent a self-storage unit from The Lock Up Self Storage. The Lock Up offers temperature-controlled self-storage units in several sizes to help supplement your home storage and increase your livable space. All our units are climate-controlled with stable humidity levels to keep your belongings in excellent condition, regardless of how long you need to keep them in storage. Our facilities are also protected with top-of-the-line security features such as perimeter alarms, gated access codes, and 24/7 CCTV. For more information about our available self-storage units and sizing options, contact us at 1-866-327-LOCK or visit one of our locations for a tour.
