Tips for Storing Outdoor Gear

Don’t let your outdoor gear take up your space at home, save the space and keep it safe in a storage unit.

Not many people have an unlimited amount of space for storing outdoor gear and as we all know, once you get in the outdoor spirit it is hard to stop at just buying the basics. Before you know it, you have accumulated aisles 10-14 at the local sporting goods store. Have no fear, with the easy access of a storage unit close to home, you can have it all!

Have an upcoming hunting trip that will require access to your gear in the early hours of the morning? Remember to plan ahead and ask about access hours! Most facilities can offer you 24 hour access for a small fee, making your gear accessible at any time. Ask about the possibility of 24 hour access if this does not already apply at your facility.

Kayak/Canoe
Be sure to check inside your kayak or canoe for small animals using it as shelter before storing them indoors.

Always cover your kayak or canoe even if it is stored inside to prevent bugs from getting inside and damaging any foam or rubber materials.

Low temperatures can potentially damage inflatable kayaks because of the material that they are made of.

If you don’t have access to a rack for your personal boat you should store it against a wall on its side.

Depending on how much gear you plan to store, your kayak or canoe will fit nicely in a 5×10 or 10×15 unit.

Camping Gear
Before storing camping gear, lay out all of your gear and organize it.

Take inventory of everything.

When storing outdoor gear, be sure to clean your items before storing-especially cooking gear.

Make sure tents, sleeping bags etc. are dry to avoid mold and mildew.

Label your boxes according to the contents so that they are easy to find later.

When packing make sure you don’t over pack an item making it too heavy to lift.

Avoid storing propane tanks, lighter fluid and any other flammable materials in your unit.

Remove batteries from flashlights, GPS and headlamps to avoid any leakage or corrosion. Store the batteries separately.

Follow these tips for storing outdoor gear and you will not only have more space in your home, but your gear will also be safe and secure!

Katie Mest

About the Author: Katie Mest is an SEO Specialist at Storage Asset Management in York, PA. She specializes in writing about the self storage industry, including storage tips and helpful resources. Outside of work, Katie enjoys camping, hiking, and exploring the outdoors with her newly adopted Greyhound rescue, Titan.