Seasonal Storage Tips: What to Store and When

Seasons come and go and so does the need to have the proper storage solutions to accommodate the items that often come with seasonal change. Things such as sports gear, holiday decorations, pool toys, and bulky winter coats, among many other things.

Storing and organizing these things safely can be stressful, especially when you don’t necessarily have the extra space in your home. This is where portable storage can be extremely useful.

According to a Self Storage Association Demand Study in 2023, around 11.1% of households (approximately 14.6 million households) in the U.S. rent space in a self-storage facility. But, with the increase in demand for convenience and practicality, portable storage units have become an increasingly popular choice in the country.

But how does portable storage work, and how does seasonal storage come into play with this?

We’ll explore the ways to maximize portable unit space for seasonal needs.

What is Portable Storage?

A portable storage unit or container is a large weather-resistant box that is well-designed to accommodate your belongings for storage and transportation. This often comes with the convenience of being delivered right to your doorstep. You won’t have to worry about going back and forth from a storage warehouse or facility just to store and retrieve your items. You get to do everything on your own time, in your own space.

What is the Meaning of Seasonal Storage?

The term “seasonal storage” is pretty much self-explanatory, it refers to the practice of storing items that are only used during specific times of the year. Having a proper seasonal storage space and plan will help you manage your space more effectively and avoid clutter, all while having the convenience of rotating your belongings all year round. 

What Items are Seasonal?

Seasonal items are those that are only needed during specific times of the year and can be stored away when not in use. Common examples include:

Winter	Lawnmowers, hoses, patio sets, umbrellas, hammocks, and gardening tools
Summer	Pool toys, lawn furniture, grills, gardening tools, surfboards, camping gear, summer sports gear
Decor	Seasonal throw pillows, blankets, and other decorative items
Holiday decorations	Christmas trees, lights, ornaments, Halloween costumes and props, Easter baskets
Outdoor tools and equipment	Lawnmowers, hoses, patio sets, umbrellas, hammocks, and gardening tools

How to Manage Seasonal Storage: Best Practices Per Season

Having to deal with storage and organization itself can already be overwhelming, and the same goes for items you have to shelf for certain times of the year. But, with good planning and simple strategical tips, you will be able to manage an organized and clutter-free space all year long, especially with the help of a seasonal portable storage unit.

Here are essential tips for each season to help you transition smoothly as the weather changes and holiday decor rotates in and out of your home:

For Spring – Welcome the Sunshine with a Clean Sweep

• Store heavy winter gear such as snow boots, coats, and thermal blankets.
• Wash and thoroughly dry winter clothing to prevent mildew and odors.
• Bring out gardening tools, lighter jackets, and outdoor furniture.
• Organize by type, such as keeping all gardening tools in one bin.
• Clean and repair outdoor furniture before setting it up.
• Use clear plastic bins for easy visibility and protection from dust.
• Rotate seasonal sports gear, such as storing skis and snowboards and retrieving bicycles.
• Vacuum-seal bulky winter items like blankets and sweaters for more space.
• Ensure items like boots are stored upright to maintain their shape.
• Label bins clearly to avoid confusion when switching back to the next season.

What to Store	What to Bring Out
☒ Heavy winter gear such as snow boots, coats, and thermal blankets ☒ Skis, snowboards, and other winter sports gear ☒ Bulky winter items like blankets and sweaters (vacuum-sealed for space) ☒ Winter boots stored upright to maintain shape	✓ Gardening tools, lighter jackets, and outdoor furniture ✓ Seasonal sports gear like bicycles ✓ Lighter outerwear and jackets for milder weather ✓ Outdoor furniture (clean and repair before setting up)

For Summer – Maximize Your Outdoor Fun

• Pull out pool accessories, barbecuing equipment, and summer sports gear.
• Store away winter items like sleds, skis, and bulky sweaters.
• Use weatherproof bins to protect outdoor cushions and furniture covers from summer storms.
• Invest in stackable storage bins for efficient use of space in garages or basements.
• Label each bin for easy identification, especially for pool toys or grilling tools.
• Store out-of-season winter gear in vacuum-sealed bags to maximize storage space.
• Rotate clothing by moving summer outfits to the front of closets.
• Clean outdoor tools like lawnmowers and garden shears before storing them for easy use.
• Bring out patio furniture and check for repairs before heavy summer use.
• Make a designated summer storage area in your home for beach and picnic supplies.

What to Store	What to Bring Out
☒ Heavy winter gear and bulky items already stored during spring ☒ Skis, snowboards, and other winter sports gear (continued storage) ☒ Lawn tools like rakes and shovels that are no longer needed	✓ Pool accessories, barbecuing equipment, and summer sports gear ✓ Outdoor cushions and furniture covers (use weatherproof bins for protection) ✓ Patio furniture (check for repairs before summer use) ✓ Summer clothing moved to the front of closets

For Fall – Get Cozy with Autumn Organization

• Ensure items are completely dry before storing to avoid mold and mildew.
• Bring out autumn decorations, such as wreaths and pumpkins.
• Organize heavier clothing like coats, sweaters, and boots for easy access.
• Create a dedicated spot for storing Halloween and Thanksgiving decor.
• Wash and store outdoor summer furniture under protective covers.
• Declutter garden tools, keeping only the necessary ones accessible for fall gardening.
• Store summer sports gear like bikes and surfboards to free up space.
• Keep a small bin handy for fall-specific tools like leaf blowers or rakes.
• Rotate items so summer gear is stored at the back and fall items are easy to reach.

What to Store	What to Bring Out
☒ Summer gear such as patio sets, pool toys, and garden tools ☒ Summer sports gear like bikes and surfboards ☒ Outdoor summer furniture under protective covers	✓ Autumn decorations like wreaths and pumpkins ✓ Heavier clothing like coats, sweaters, and boots ✓ Fall-specific tools like leaf blowers and rakes ✓ Halloween and Thanksgiving decor

For Winter – Ready for the Festive Chill

• Store outdoor furniture and lighter summer clothing.
• Bring out holiday decorations such as Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments.
• Safely store seasonal clothes like swimsuits and shorts in airtight containers.
• Keep delicate holiday decorations in protective boxes to prevent breakage.
• Use stackable bins to organize holiday-specific decor by type—lights, ornaments, etc.
• Protect outdoor items like grills and lawnmowers with weatherproof covers.
• Label boxes clearly, especially holiday decor, to save time when unpacking.
• Hang wreaths in protective bags to maintain their shape.
• Keep bulkier winter clothing accessible but neatly organized in bins or garment bags.
• Set up a dedicated space in the garage or basement for snow shovels, salt, and ice melt.

What to Store	What to Bring Out
☒ Outdoor furniture and lighter summer clothing like swimsuits ☒ Grills and lawnmowers (protected with weatherproof covers)	✓ Holiday decorations like Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments ✓ Bulkier winter clothing (organized in bins or garment bags) ✓ Snow shovels, salt, and ice melt for snow preparation

How to Safely Store Christmas Decorations?

Christmas decorations often include delicate items such as ornaments, string lights, and wreaths. To store them safely, wrap fragile items in tissue paper or bubble wrap and place them in sturdy, divided containers to avoid damage. String lights should be wound around a spool or a piece of cardboard to prevent tangling, and artificial wreaths should be hung in storage bags or boxes to maintain their shape. For outdoor decorations, make sure they’re wiped clean before storage and placed in waterproof bins to prevent moisture damage.

How to Store Seasonal Clothes So They Don’t Smell?

Before storing seasonal clothes, always ensure they’re clean and dry. Any moisture left in the fabric can lead to mold or mildew, causing musty smells. You can place scented sachets, dryer sheets, or moisture-absorbing packets inside storage bins to keep the clothes smelling fresh. Otherwise, you can opt for breathable containers (the ones with ventilation holes or covered with fabric that doesn’t trap moisture), as these will keep your clothes in good condition. Vacuum-sealed bags can also be useful for maximizing space, but remember that they may cause wrinkles, so use them sparingly on items that won’t require frequent ironing.

Solve Your Seasonal Storage Woes with Big Box

Storing seasonal items can be effortless when you have a portable storage unit. You’ll get to keep your space clutter-free, all while still having everything you need within reach. Just be sure to prepare the right tools and a well-thought-out rotation plan, and your seasonal storage needs are all set!

With the kind of portable storage Big Box offers, you won’t need to stress over the demands of seasonal storage any longer. Just load your unit at your own pace, and we’ll handle the rest. Keep it on your property for easy access, or let us store it securely at our facility until you need it.

Visit Big Box today to learn more and schedule your delivery. Let us take the hassle out of seasonal storage so you can enjoy a clutter-free home all year long!