Seasonal Storage Tips: Where to Keep Your Summer or Winter Gear

Kiwis love the outdoors, whether it’s carving up the slopes on a bluebird day, catching a few waves, or summertime camping. All of these hobbies require expensive and bulky equipment that doesn’t fit anywhere easily. Alongside your bikes, DIY tools, gardening gear, and boxes of things that might come in handy, your rarely used and seasonal gear just gets in the way.

Why Seasonal Storage Matters

Storing your seasonal gear properly keeps everything in good condition, while freeing up valuable space at home. 

Proper storage in the offseason increases the lifespan of your equipment, saving you money in the long run. Neglecting proper storage can mean damaged gear that requires a replacement for the next season (this is not an excuse to buy new!).

For businesses, you can plan for seasonal overstock using our business storage units. This can save money in the long run by not having to pay for larger premises which aren’t utilised year-round.

Storing Summer Gear for a Rainy Auckland Winter

Surfboards and Stand-Up Paddleboards

Before storing your board for the cooler months, wash the salt off your surfboard or paddleboard before you store it, because salt water can cause corrosion over time. Remove the fins and wax, then store your board on a padded rack or in a surfboard sock.

Never lean surfboards against a wall at a steep angle for extended periods, as this can cause flat spots or unwanted bends. Horizontal padded racks that support each board at multiple points are ideal. 

Keep boards out of direct sunlight, which can expand the foam and burn away epoxy and fibreglass layers.

Wetsuits

Wetsuits require special care to maintain their flexibility and insulation properties. Always rinse your wetsuit thoroughly in fresh water after use. Leaving salt crystals on neoprene creates wear and tear on the neoprene fabric because they’re abrasive.

Never fold wetsuits, as this can permanently crease the neoprene and damage the fibres. Hang wetsuits on broad, padded hangers in a shaded, well-ventilated area to prevent mould and mildew.

Camping Gear

Before storing camping equipment, ensure everything is completely clean and dry. Tents are particularly vulnerable to mildew if stored damp (let’s be honest, in Auckland, even the summers are wet and damp, this is not just a winter thing). Store tents loosely in a cool, dry place rather than tightly compressed in their bags to remove risk of mildew.

For camping electronics like GPS devices and torches, remove batteries to prevent corrosion. Clean with a soft cloth and compressed air, then store in original packaging or cardboard boxes rather than plastic containers, which can trap moisture. Add silica gel packets to absorb any residual humidity.

Canoes, and Kayaks

Before storing any watercraft, thorough cleaning is essential. Cleaning your boat keeps it clean and is also a great way to prevent invasive species from spreading. Scrub your kayak or canoe with mild detergent and water to remove dirt, sand, and salt. Drain all water completely by opening drain plugs and wiping excess moisture. Allow the craft to dry thoroughly in a sunny location before storage. 

Store kayaks and canoes on their side, as the sidewalls are the strongest part of the structure. Alternatively, store upside down on padded sawhorses or racks to distribute weight evenly.

Jetskis and boats

Proper off-season storage is crucial to protect these significant investments from winter weather and ensure they’re ready to perform when summer returns.

Give it a thorough cleaning inside and out to prevent mould and mildew. Scrub the hull, deck, and cabin to remove dirt, salt, algae, and residue. For boats used in saltwater, fresh water flushing is essential to prevent corrosion. Apply a fresh coat of wax to protect the hull further.

Properly winterising your engine is perhaps the most critical step in off-season storage. This can include an oil and filter change, use of antifreeze, emptying or filling the fuel tank (depending on manufacturers instructions), disconnecting the battery, and flushing jet units.

At Safestore, maximum width and height of the boat and trailer is less than 2.4m wide and 2.4m high.

Outdoor Furniture

Winter weather can be harsh on outdoor furniture, and proper storage protects your investment. Before storing outdoor furniture, thorough cleaning is essential. Cleaning requirements vary by material, but clean with a mild soap solution and dry in the sun completely. 

Don’t store in sealed plastic bags, which can trap moisture. Keep cushions elevated off the floor on shelves or racks to prevent pest access and moisture damage.

For outdoor umbrellas, clean with a brush and mild detergent, ensuring the fabric is completely dry before folding and storing.

Storing Winter Gear for Summer

Skis and Snowboards

Proper off-season storage extends the life of your snow sports equipment significantly. Start by cleaning your skis or snowboard thoroughly with a garden hose to remove dirt, salt, and grime.

Once clean and dry, sharpen the edges to remove obvious burrs and prevent rust. Apply a generous coat of summer ski wax to protect the bases, but don’t scrape it off. This wax layer acts as a protective barrier during storage.

Store skis and snowboards in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Store in a neutral position without pressure on the camber or rocker. Avoid hanging by the tips or compressing the camber with straps.

Winter Clothing and Accessories

Before storing your bulky winter clothing, ensure everything is thoroughly washed and completely dry. Use breathable garment bags, plastic bins, or cardboard boxes to store winter items in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and deterioration. For items like ski boots and gloves, ensure they’re dry inside to prevent mould growth.

Choosing the Right Storage Solution

For those with limited space at home, self-storage containers offer an excellent solution for seasonal gear. You can choose the size of the unit and the length of duration.

Self storage units are a fantastic idea because they:

• Are secure, with 24/7 CCTV and keycard access. No worries about burglaries
• Save space in your garage, spare room, or garden shed
• Are less prone to moisture damage than other storage options at home, as they are fully enclosed and designed to avoid any water ingress
• Are dark inside, so no risk of fading or other sun damage

Save Space

Optimise your storage unit for seasonal items for optimal space, ease of access, and to ensure everything stays in good condition. 

With proper storage techniques and the right facility, your seasonal gear will remain in excellent condition year after year, ready for your next adventure on the slopes, waves, or trails.

Contact us at Safestore for a personalised quote so you can safely store your seasonal gear when it’s not in use.