Seasonal Storage Guide
From Christmas decorations to winter coats to camping gear, seasonal items take up valuable space 9+ months of the year. Learn how to store them properly and reclaim your home.
Quick Answer
The key to seasonal storage is clean, label, protect, and store high. Always clean items before storing, use clear containers with labels, protect delicate items with tissue or bubble wrap, and store in high places (attic, top shelves, overhead garage storage) since you won't need frequent access.
In This Guide
1. Holiday Decoration Storage
Christmas & Winter Holidays
Christmas decorations are the biggest seasonal storage challenge for most families:
🎄 Artificial Trees
Original box or tree storage bag. Store upright if possible. Consider a rolling tree stand.
💡 Lights
Wrap around cardboard, use cord reels, or store in plastic bags. Test before storing.
🎅 Ornaments
Ornament storage boxes with dividers. Wrap fragile items in tissue. Egg cartons work for small ornaments.
🎁 Wrapping Supplies
Vertical wrapping paper organizer or under-bed container. Keep ribbon and bows separate.
Other Holidays
- Halloween: Stackable bins, keep costumes in garment bags
- Easter: Small bin for baskets, eggs, and decor
- July 4th/Patriotic: Combine with outdoor party supplies
- Thanksgiving: Often stored with fall decor
Pro tip: Take a photo of your decorated tree/house each year before taking down decorations. It helps you remember what you have and how you arranged it.
2. Seasonal Clothing Storage
Rotating your wardrobe seasonally frees up 30-50% of closet space:
Before You Store
- Wash or dry clean everything — stains set over time, body oils attract pests
- Repair any damage — easier now than in 6 months
- Declutter — if you didn't wear it this season, donate it
Best Storage Methods
- Vacuum bags: Great for bulky items like coats and sweaters. Saves 75% space.
- Plastic bins with lids: Protects from dust, pests, moisture
- Canvas garment bags: For suits, dresses, formal wear (not plastic—it traps moisture)
- Cedar blocks or lavender sachets: Natural moth deterrent
What to Rotate
❄️ Winter → Storage (Spring)
- • Heavy coats and jackets
- • Sweaters and fleece
- • Boots and heavy shoes
- • Scarves, hats, gloves
- • Thermal underwear
☀️ Summer → Storage (Fall)
- • Shorts and tank tops
- • Swimsuits and coverups
- • Sandals and flip-flops
- • Sundresses
- • Linen clothing
3. Sports & Outdoor Gear
Winter Sports (Store in Spring)
- Skis/Snowboards: Clean, dry, wax edges, store flat or hanging. Climate-controlled ideal.
- Ice skates: Dry blades, use guards, store in bag
- Snow gear: Wash, fully dry, store in breathable bags
Summer Sports (Store in Fall)
- Bikes: Clean, lube chain, hang on wall hooks or ceiling hoist
- Kayaks/Paddleboards: Rinse, dry, store on padded rack or suspended
- Camping gear: Clean tent, dry fully, store loosely (not compressed)
- Golf clubs: Clean heads, store upright in bag
- Pool toys: Deflate, dry completely, store in bin
4. Lawn & Garden Equipment
End of Season Prep
- Lawn mower: Drain fuel or add stabilizer, clean deck, sharpen blade
- String trimmer: Remove fuel, clean, replace line if needed
- Hoses: Drain completely, coil loosely, store indoors to prevent cracking
- Patio furniture: Clean, cover, or store in garage/shed
- Grill: Deep clean, cover, disconnect propane
- Planters: Empty, clean, stack, store indoors if ceramic
Snow Equipment (Store in Spring)
- Snow blower: Drain fuel, clean, check belts
- Shovels: Clean, hang on wall
- Ice melt: Seal tightly, store off concrete
5. The Seasonal Rotation System
Create a system that makes rotation easy:
The Swap Calendar
🌸 Spring (March/April)
- • Store winter clothes
- • Pull out spring/summer clothes
- • Store snow equipment
- • Pull out lawn/garden tools
🍂 Fall (September/October)
- • Store summer clothes
- • Pull out fall/winter clothes
- • Winterize lawn equipment
- • Pull out snow equipment
Labeling System
- Color code: Blue bins = winter, Yellow = summer, Green = spring/fall
- Detailed labels: "Winter Coats - Mom & Dad" not just "Winter"
- Inventory list: Tape contents list to outside of bin
6. Where to Store Seasonal Items
✅ Good Options
- • Climate-controlled closet
- • Finished basement (with dehumidifier)
- • Overhead garage storage
- • Climate-controlled storage unit
- • Under-bed storage
❌ Avoid
- • Hot attics (extreme temps)
- • Damp basements (mold)
- • Outdoor sheds (pests, weather)
- • Garage floor (flooding risk)
Running Out of Room?
A climate-controlled storage unit is perfect for seasonal items you don't have space for at home.
Find Storage Units Near You