The nights are getting darker. Mornings are getting colder. It’s official…
Summer has come to a close.
Whether you love or loathe the ‘ber months, we can all agree that it’s not the most ideal time to pitch our tents.
To keep your gear in the best possible condition come warmer, dryer weather, it’s important you store it properly – but how do you do it?
In this post, our experts at The Storage Team share our top tips for storing your camping gear after summer until you’re ready to get back to it!
Why storing your camping gear properly matters
After a summer full of adventures, your camping gear has likely been exposed to dirt, dampness, and wear.
If it’s packed away carelessly, you risk mould, mildew, or even pests damaging your equipment, making it unusable next season. Proper storage protects your investment, helping your kit last for many more trips and saving you money on replacements.
Not only this, but it also makes life easier when spring makes an appearance. Instead of sorting through a pile of damp and disorganised gear, you’ll be able to grab what you need and head out on your next adventure in no time.
So, taking a little extra care now means less hassle and fewer unpleasant surprises later.
So, how can I store my camping gear properly?
Make sure everything is clean and dry
When you’re back from your final camping trip of the year, make sure to wash all sleeping bags, tents, and cookware to clear them of dirt, grime, and food residue, as this can attract pests and degrade materials.
Once all your gear is nice and clean, ensure everything is completely dry, especially your tent and sleeping bags, before packing it away to prevent mould, mildew, and rust.
Organise and pack everything neatly
Once all your equipment is nice and fresh, you can go ahead and begin packing everything.
There’s more to it than just shoving everything in a box and forgetting about it, though, and you need to be smart with how you organise everything. Especially if you’re eager to keep it in the best possible condition.
When storing tents and sleeping bags, for example, avoid rolling everything too tightly and stuffing it into plastic bags, as this can trap moisture and cause mould. Instead, fold loosely and put your gear into breathable bags to steer clear of damp. If you have any electronic items, make sure to remove the batteries to prevent corrosion from damaging the devices.
Then, you can group similar gear together, such as all cooking equipment, all tents, and all sleeping gear, and store these categorised items in clear, labelled containers for easy access next camping season.
Store in the right environment
Finally, you need to choose an appropriate space to keep all your camping gear.
You’ll need a clean, dry space that’s out of reach from pests, like a garage, garden shed, or indoor storage cupboard to keep your gear away from direct sunlight and excessive moisture. You should also, if possible, elevate your items off the floor to further prevent damage.
Not all of us are blessed with endless storage space in our homes, though, and if you’re looking for the perfect solution, self-storage may be the next best thing. Keeping all your camping gear in a storage unit during the off-season is an excellent option for protecting everything while freeing up space at home.
When choosing a storage facility, look for features like security (CCTV, alarms, pin-coded access, etc) and climate control to help keep your items in the best possible condition.
Why choose The Storage Team?
At The Storage Team, we know how important it is to keep your camping gear safe, secure, and ready for your next adventure, which is why our storage units are designed to give you complete peace of mind.
Each of our units is well ventilated to prevent damp and damage, and we’ve implemented a range of security measures – from 24-hour CCTV, PIN-coded site access, and individual unit alarms – to ensure your peace of mind.
With a range of domestic storage unit sizes up and down the country, there’s a solution for everyone… Happy campers all round!
To find out more about our storage solutions, or for a personalised quote, get in touch with our friendly team today, or get your price online today.