Summer Storage Tips for Families to Stay Organized
Summer Storage Tips for Families: Simple Ways to Stay Organized All Season
Summer is often one of the busiest and most fun times for families, but it can also create a serious clutter problem at home. With all the bikes, sports, equipment, outdoor furniture, beach gear, camping supplies, and kids’ toys, it doesn’t take long for garages, closets, and spare rooms to quickly fill up.
That’s why having a summer storage plan is essential, and Stop & Stor is here to help. Here are our best summer storage tips for organizing your gear, protecting items from heat and humidity, and making the most of your storage unit rental.
Why Summer Is the Busiest Storage Season
In the summer, many families find themselves doing more activities and managing more belongings. We frequently see people looking to rent summer storage to hold kids' sports and hobby gear and to rotate seasonal items out of the house.
Other common reasons for summer storage include home renovation projects, moving to a new house, and decluttering before guests visit. If your college student is returning home for the summer, you might need to clear out extra space to accommodate them during the school break.
Since summer is peak moving season, storage units tend to fill up quickly. Reserve your unit early to secure the right size with the features you need before availability becomes limited.
How to Choose the Right Storage Unit for Summer
Before we dive into our summer storage tips, it’s important to recognize that not all storage units are the same. Choosing the right features will protect your belongings and make them easily accessible when you need them.
Climate-Controlled Unit Options
Climate-controlled storage is especially relevant during hot, humid New York summers. Consider renting a climate-controlled unit if you are storing electronics, photos, documents, leather items, wood furniture, antiques, or collectibles.
Accessibility Considerations
Easy access to your belongings matters during the busy summer months. At Stop & Stor, our facility features include drive-up units that make loading and unloading bulky items like bikes, sports equipment, folding tables and chairs, and coolers easier.
Picking the Right Size of Unit
Overpacking a storage unit can damage your belongings and make them challenging to find. Yet, overpaying for a unit larger than you need may be a waste of money. Start by reviewing our size guide, or contact us for recommendations on the right option based on what you plan to store.
How to Prepare Your Items Before Storing Them
It may be tempting to quickly toss everything into a storage unit to save time and clear clutter. However, proper preparation will keep your belongings safe and protected all season.
Thoroughly Clean Everything
First, clean the items you plan to store to eliminate dirt, sand, and moisture. Wiping down outdoor furniture, sports equipment, appliances, clothing, and camping supplies will prevent mold, odors, and damage over time.
Ensure All Items Are Dry
After cleaning, ensure that nothing is still damp. Moisture trapped inside boxes and bins can lead to mildew and mold in your summer storage unit.
Choose Plastic Bins Over Cardboard Boxes
Plastic bins generally offer better protection from summer heat and humidity than cardboard boxes. But if you do use cardboard, choose high-quality boxes and don’t place them directly on the floor.
Summer Storage Tips for Families
Here are some flexible organization solutions for when your summer routines change, and activities pick up.
Rotate Clothing Seasonally
Summer is an ideal time to stash away winter items like heavy coats, boots, sweaters, and blankets. Doing so will free up closet space and keep your home organized.
Store Away Bulky Outdoor Gear
Move bulky gear out of garages and entryways and into a storage unit. Our units offer easy access to your bikes, coolers, beach toys, kayaks, tents, and camping chairs.
Keep Frequently Used Items Accessible
Make sure to put the items you use most often at the front of your storage unit so they're easy to grab when the weekend hits or on your way out of town.
Make the Most of Vertical Space
Another of our seasonal storage tips is to maximize the vertical space in your unit. Consider stackable bins and shelving units, and store furniture upright to use every inch of the space you're paying for.
Organizing a Storage Unit for Summer
How you organize your summer storage unit will make a big difference in saving frustration when you make last-minute plans and want to head out on an adventure.
Create Aisles Inside the Unit
Leave narrow walkways within your unit so you can move around inside and find what you need without opening every box.
Clearly Label Everything
For summer storage, you can likely label everything by broad categories rather than with detailed descriptions. Example categories include camping supplies, patio decorations, and beach gear.
Maintain an Updated Inventory
Keep a simple list on your phone or in a spreadsheet that itemizes everything stored in your unit. This list will be helpful when you’ve misplaced a summer item and can’t remember whether it’s at home or in off-site storage.
Place the Heaviest Items on the Bottom
For safety and stability, place heavy boxes and furniture on the bottom level of your unit. Then stack light items on top to maximize space.
Summer Storage for Heat and Humidity
Hot summer weather creates challenges for some stored items, especially when the season turns humid or rainy. Try using moisture absorbers for clothing, bedding, paper items, and upholstered furniture.
Take extra precautions with items vulnerable to heat damage, such as vinyl records, artwork, photos, and electronics. Climate-controlled storage is usually the safest choice for these types of things. It’s also important to properly cover furniture and mattresses with breathable covers, rather than airtight plastic wraps, to encourage airflow and reduce moisture buildup.
Summer Storage Mistakes to Avoid
- Packing items away when they’re still damp
- Overstuffing your unit
- Not labeling boxes and bins
- Using weak cardboard boxes for storage
- Storing sensitive items without climate control
- Waiting too long to reserve a unit during the peak summer season
FAQ About Summer Storage Tips
What items should not be stored in extreme summer heat?
Choose climate-controlled storage to protect heat-sensitive items, such as electronics, artwork, important paperwork, and vinyl records.
Is climate-controlled storage worth it during summer?
Yes, climate-controlled storage protects vulnerable items from heat and humidity beyond what a standard unit provides.
How do I prevent moisture damage in a storage unit?
Add moisture absorbers, avoid storing damp items, allow airflow around pieces, and consider climate-controlled units for extra protection.
What’s the best way to organize a storage unit?
Label all boxes and bins clearly, store heavy items on the bottom, create aisles within your unit, and keep frequently used items at the front.
Can I store outdoor furniture and sports equipment during the summer?
Yes, many of our customers store these items during the summer to free up space in their homes and declutter their yards.
How early should I reserve a storage unit during the summer moving season?
Established in 1980, Stop & Stor is a family-owned and operated business that has become New York’s Self Storage Leader by offering cutting-edge facilities in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.
TO FIND ONE OF OUR LOCATIONS NEAR YOU, SELECT YOUR BOROUGH:
Storage prices our competitors can’t beat. Act fast, these storage deals last for a limited time only. Reserve now and lock in the best storage price for a FULL YEAR – GUARANTEED. Contact Stop & Stor today to learn more about our storage options.
We recommend reserving your summer storage unit now, as demand peaks and availability declines in June, July, and August.