Store as much as you like for as long as you like
Store as much as you like for as long as you like
Even though we’ve had a bit of a false flag of a summer, many people have used the opportunity to go on a much needed holiday, soak up some sunshine and do some of the outdoor activities wet weather prevents. But sadly it didn’t last, and now we are well and truly in autumn and the colder weather is coming in fast, which means it’s time to pack away all the fun summer gear and get ready for winter. And if you want your summer gear to be in the best possible condition when you come back to it next year, here are a few storage tips for you.
A lot of summer clothing tends to be thin and delicate, which makes it more vulnerable to damage, mould and pests. Once you’ve cleared out the summer clothes from your wardrobe, we recommend you wash them all and dry them thoroughly. They need to be completely dry before storage, or you risk mould growth. If you’re storing your clothes somewhere like a loft, garage, under the stairs or a storage unit, you need to make sure they are protected. Solutions like plastic clothing bags, vacuum storage bags or even plastic boxes are all ideal for this – but the key part is plastic. If you store clothes inside a fabric case, they are at risk of damage from dirt, dust, insects or other pests.
With the best of the barbeque weather behind us, now is the time to give it a good clean and get it tucked away for winter. Most people will just throw a plastic cover over their barbeque and call it a day – but this is honestly a pretty bad idea. It’s all too easy for moisture to get in and cause rust, not to mention it acts as a free buffet for all sorts of rodents and pests who will be attracted to any residual grease or food. So, before you store your barbeque make sure it’s been thoroughly cleaned and degreased, and any gas canisters are securely disconnected. We recommend storing it in a self-storage facility or similar rather than outside in the garden all winter. But remember – gas canisters or any fuel cannot be put into self-storage, so you will need to store those safely.
If you’ve enjoyed the great outdoors over the summer, you likely have some camping gear lying around that won’t be used for a while. Some of it may have gotten wet, or just be a bit musty from being packed away while coated with morning dew. But when the season ends, take a minute to re-pack those camping supplies so that you can keep using them for years to come. Wipe down any durable fabrics and make sure they are completely dry before folding and packing them away. Try to fold them as flat as possible to prevent air pockets and creases, where condensation can set in and cause damage. Use waterproof plastic packaging when you can to keep everything dry during storage, and store in a cool, dry and rodent-secure place.
Again, trampolines are one of those things that tend to be left outside during the winter, mainly because they are big and bulky, and not many people know how to take care of them. But being left outside in the wet and the cold is a recipe for rust, which means your trampoline springs could perish a lot faster than they need to, and potentially cause harm to children using it in the future. So when summer has definitely died, it’s time to pack the trampoline away. This involved removing and folding up the safety netting, cleaning the mat and springs with soapy water and a brush, and letting it dry out. Once it’s try, detach and remove the springs and fold the mat, avoiding any air pockets. Store all of it in a plastic box in a cool dry place, ideally a storage facility.
If you’re a good motorist then you’ll know cars perform best with appropriate tyres – and now is the time to take off the summer tyres and get the winter ones on. Once removed they need to be prepared and stored properly to avoid damage and make sure they’re ready to go back on next year. This means cleaning the tyres with warm soapy water and giving them a thorough rinse and dry off. Check for any damage or small stones lodged in the treads while you’re doing this and remove them. Once they’re completely dry, pack them into individual plastic bags and store them upright in a cool, dry place. Storing your tyres upright means you can avoid any damage caused by the pressure and weight during stacking.
Overall, the key message here is to make sure everything you store away this winter is thoroughly cleaned and dried, and stored in a safe location. The way you prepare and pack your summer gear for storage can have a huge impact on the condition long term, and can avoid damage in many cases. If you would like more tips on packing and storage, or just want to know more, please just get in touch with the team today.