On a wall, two jackets, two wreaths, and winter hats hang on Gladiator Wall Hooks and in a Gladiator Bin. A sled leans against the wall next to the hanging items.

HOW TO STORE SEASONAL ITEMS IN YOUR GARAGE

Keeping a garage organized is challenging. For most, it’s where we store tools, outdoor furniture, bikes, sports, and lawn equipment. Proper storage is essential for protecting your belongings while maximizing the space and minimizing clutter.

This guide will introduce you to some tips and tricks for storing seasonal items with the help of Gladiator brand.

Seasonal items like a rake, jackets, and wreaths hang on Gladiator Wall Hooks. There are shelves with plant pots above the hanging items, and a Gladiator Shoe Storage below Seasonal items like a rake, jackets, and wreaths hang on Gladiator Wall Hooks. There are shelves with plant pots above the hanging items, and a Gladiator Shoe Storage below

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WHY SEASONAL ITEM STORAGE MATTERS

Improper storage can lead to damaged items or a misuse of your garage space. Storing your seasonal items properly not only helps protect your belongings, some of which are expensive, but it can also help keep your home and garage free from clutter.

HOW TO STORE HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

You only use your holiday decorations once a year, so you want to protect your Halloween decorations and Christmas ornaments during the months when they are packed in your garage.

The first step to keeping holiday decorations stored neatly is to use sturdy storage containers designed to handle the fluctuating temperatures that come with the changing seasons. It’s recommended to use plastic storage bins, rather than cardboard boxes, as excess humidity may weaken the cardboard and risk damaging the items it contains.

Next, fragile items need to be wrapped in bubble wrap and divided into separate containers to help prevent them from knocking into each other. Do not overload containers with delicate decorations, and use decorative pillows or blankets for extra cushioning.

Holiday decorations don’t need to be accessible year-round, so consider storing them in plastic containers on heavy-duty overhead shelving, like the Overhead Max Gearloft™ Storage Shelves from Gladiator brand. These durable shelves can hold up to 200 lbs.

GLADIATOR TIP: Label each storage bin to avoid confusion and having to open each container to find the decorations you need.

In Gladiator Overhead Storage, bins and items hang above the ground. There are two Gladiator Storage Units next to a wall where a broom, a rake, a shovel, and other items hang on Gladiator Wall Hooks. In Gladiator Overhead Storage, bins and items hang above the ground. There are two Gladiator Storage Units next to a wall where a broom, a rake, a shovel, and other items hang on Gladiator Wall Hooks.

HOW TO STORE OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT

Summertime involves bike riding, floating in canoes, and swimming. Before storing all your summer recreational equipment for the winter, clean and dry each item before packing it away. This could help prevent mold and mildew from forming. 

Store smaller items like baseballs, tennis balls, and footballs in baskets and wall-mounted cabinets to keep them off the garage floor when not in use. This will also make them easily accessible once the warm weather returns.

Use wall-mounted racks and hooks to keep larger items, like canoes, bikes, kayaks, and paddleboards, off the floor and out of the way. Gladiator® Wall System Shelving with the Vertical Bike Hook and Deep Hook has a vinyl coating to help prevent scratching while items are in storage.

A bike, a skateboard, helmets, a backpack, hats, and shoes hang on Gladiator Wall Hooks and a rack A bike, a skateboard, helmets, a backpack, hats, and shoes hang on Gladiator Wall Hooks and a rack

TIPS FOR STORING OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Similar to storing recreational equipment, it’s important to ensure your outdoor furniture is clean and dry before putting it away for the season. Add additional protection to your furniture, like rust-proof coatings or dust covers. When using a rust-proof coating, always follow the manufacturer's instructions. To reduce the bulk of storing furniture, stack chairs when possible and disassemble any larger items.

You can even further protect your outdoor cushions, pads, or disassembled furniture from debris or dust by keeping them in cabinets with shelves. One option is the Premier Cabinet System from Gladiator brand.

GLADIATOR TIP: When disassembling furniture before storing it, separate the screws, bolts, washers, and other fastenings in labeled storage bags or containers. Make sure to label each storage bag or container, so you know which furniture item it belongs to.

TIPS FOR SEASONAL MAINTENANCE BEFORE STORAGE

Before packing seasonal or holiday items for storage, use this handy checklist to help maintain your belongings and keep them sheltered for years to come.

  • Use dust covers for larger items that are too big for storage containers.
  • Inspect items for wear and tear and make any reasonable repairs before storing them.
  • For climate-sensitive items, apply a protective coating or lubricant. You can also consider waterproofing outdoor fabrics and oiling your bike chains.
  • Label storage containers so their contents are easily identifiable.

THE RIGHT STORAGE SOLUTIONS CAN HELP MAXIMIZE GARAGE SPACE 

By using proper storage solutions, your garage can be an effective storage unit and still remain a functional workspace, home gym, or parking spot. Gladiator brand offers storage options and shelving to help you maximize your garage and keep it tidy, organized, and useful.