When summer rolls around in Manchester, your home can quickly fill up with everything from garden furniture to sports equipment and camping gear. While these items make the most of the warm months, they also take up space when the weather turns or when you need to switch back to your regular routine.
Proper storage keeps your summer essentials in good condition, saves space, and makes it easier to find everything next year. Whether you’re storing garden furniture, bicycles, or beach gear, these simple summer storage tips will help you stay organised.
Step 1: Clean Everything Before Storing
Before you put away any summer gear, give it a thorough clean. Dirt, grass, and sand can damage fabrics, rust metal, or attract mould if left for months at a time.
Clean before storing:
- Wipe down garden furniture with warm soapy water
- Shake sand out of tents and beach gear
- Clean and dry barbecues completely
- Wash swimwear and towels before boxing up
This small step helps prevent unpleasant surprises when you unpack next year.
If you don’t have space to store it all at home, consider self storage to keep items clean, dry, and out of the way.
Step 2: Use the Right Storage Containers
Choosing the right containers is key to protecting your summer gear.
Good storage options include:
- Plastic bins with clip-on lids for toys and garden tools
- Clear boxes so you can see what’s inside
- Fabric storage bags for cushions or parasols
- Heavy-duty hooks for hanging bikes or sports gear
Avoid cardboard boxes — they can collapse or absorb moisture. For extra protection, you can pick up Free Packing Boxes from us to use for your next seasonal clear-out.
Step 3: Protect Garden Furniture
Garden furniture is one of the biggest investments of the summer, so it deserves proper care when not in use.
Storage tips for furniture:
- Wipe down thoroughly before storage
- Apply a light coat of oil to wooden surfaces
- Stack chairs and remove cushions
- Use covers to protect against dust and moisture
If you don’t have a shed or garage, our Home Storage units are perfect for bulky outdoor furniture. They’re dry, secure, and easy to access when the sun returns.
Step 4: Store Sports and Camping Equipment Safely
Whether you’re an avid cyclist, camper, or football fan, summer activities come with a lot of gear. Keeping it stored properly helps it last longer and saves you from replacing expensive items each year.
What to store and how:
- Bikes: Keep tyres inflated, clean the chain, and cover to protect from dust
- Camping gear: Fold tents loosely to prevent creases and store in breathable bags
- Sports gear: Clean balls, bats, and pads before boxing them up
Our Sports Equipment Storage page covers even more tips for keeping gear ready for next season.
Step 5: Organise by Category
Keep similar items together so you can easily find what you need next year. Grouping your belongings saves time and prevents unnecessary unpacking.
You can separate by:
- Type (e.g., sports, garden, leisure)
- Frequency of use
- Size or weight
Use clear labelling to make retrieval simple. You’ll thank yourself when it’s time to bring summer back.
Step 6: Store Clothes and Accessories Properly
Your summer wardrobe deserves protection too. Lightweight fabrics like linen and cotton can easily wrinkle or attract moths if not stored correctly.
Tips for summer clothes storage:
- Wash everything before storing
- Fold items neatly and store in sealed containers
- Add silica gel or cedar blocks to prevent moisture and pests
- Keep boxes off the floor and away from direct light
If wardrobe space is limited, a small storage unit is a simple way to rotate your clothes seasonally.
Step 7: Avoid Clutter in the Garage or Shed
It’s easy to pile everything into the garage after summer ends, but this can make it hard to access what you actually need.
Instead, store only the essentials at home and move bulkier or less-used items into self storage. This keeps your home functional and safe from tripping hazards.
Our Free Collection Service makes it simple to move seasonal items without hassle.
Step 8: Check Your Stored Items Regularly
If you’re storing your summer items long-term, check them occasionally throughout the year. This helps you catch any signs of damp or wear early.
Simple checks include:
- Inspecting plastic bins for cracks or leaks
- Making sure fabric items remain dry
- Airing out tents and sleeping bags every few months
Our Open 7 Days a Week access means you can check your belongings whenever it suits you.
Step 9: Rotate Items Seasonally
Once you’ve stored away your summer gear, you can swap it for your winter essentials. Rotating your storage seasonally keeps your home organised and ensures your belongings stay in great condition year-round.
Using Cheap Storage Manchester for seasonal rotation means you’ll always have easy access to what you need, no matter the season.
Final Thoughts
Summer storage doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little cleaning, organising, and smart packing, you can keep your seasonal gear protected and ready for next year’s adventures.
At Cheap Storage Manchester, we make it simple to manage your space all year long with affordable, flexible storage solutions for homes and families across Greater Manchester.
Check our Prices page or Contact us today to find the right storage unit for your summer gear.
