12 Summer Items You Can Safely Store Away for the Season

As the summer season comes to an end, it’s time to pack away seasonal items to keep them in great condition for next year. Proper storage helps protect your belongings from dust, moisture, and wear, ensuring they’re ready when you need them again. From outdoor furniture to beach gear, following a few simple steps can extend the life of your summer essentials.

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Seasonal Clothing

When summer ends, it’s the perfect time to pack away your seasonal clothing, such as swimsuits, tank tops, shorts, and summer dresses. Before storing these clothes, make sure they are thoroughly cleaned to remove any saltwater, sunscreen, or sweat residue. This ensures that stains do not set over time and that your clothes stay fresh for the next season. If they’re still damp, be sure to dry them fully to prevent mold and mildew from forming while in storage.

Once your clothes are clean and dry, fold them neatly and place them in airtight, labeled plastic bins. These bins are ideal for protecting your clothing from dust, moisture, and pests like moths. Adding a few sachets of cedar or lavender will help keep your clothes smelling fresh and add an extra layer of protection. By taking the time to store your summer wardrobe properly, you ensure that your clothes will remain in great condition and be ready for use when the warmer weather returns.

Patio Furniture

Patio furniture can take a beating from the summer elements, so it’s important to clean it thoroughly before storing it away for the season. Begin by washing off any dirt, leaves, or debris from chairs, tables, and cushions. If your furniture is made of fabric, make sure to wash the cushions or covers as well, and allow them to dry completely. For metal and wood furniture, wipe them down with a damp cloth and apply a protective finish if needed to prevent rust or fading during storage.

Once everything is clean and dry, store your patio furniture in a dry place, such as a shed, garage, or basement. If possible, use furniture covers for extra protection. For smaller items or delicate pieces, plastic bins can be helpful to keep them protected from moisture and pests. Taking the time to clean and store your furniture correctly will extend its lifespan and ensure that it’s ready for use when the next summer comes around.

Beach Gear

Beach gear like towels, umbrellas, and beach chairs can get sandy, salty, and even damp after a day at the shore. Before storing them, it’s important to clean them thoroughly. Wash towels and blankets, and dry them completely to avoid any musty smells. Shake out beach chairs and umbrellas to remove sand, and wipe them down to remove any saltwater residue that could cause damage over time.

For larger items like umbrellas or coolers, make sure they are completely dry before storing them. Once clean, place your beach gear in airtight, labeled bins to protect them from dust and moisture. You can also add silica gel packs or mothballs to the containers to prevent moisture build-up and to keep pests away. Properly storing your beach gear not only protects it but also ensures it’s ready for a fun-filled beach day when summer returns.

Camping Gear

Camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and cooking utensils, needs to be properly maintained during the off-season to avoid mold, mildew, or rust. Start by washing all your camping gear according to the manufacturer’s instructions, paying special attention to tents to ensure they’re free of dirt, sap, and other residues. Allow everything to dry thoroughly before folding or packing it away, especially for tents and sleeping bags, as moisture left behind can cause irreversible damage.

Once dry, pack your camping items into breathable storage bags for tents and sleeping bags to prevent compression, which can damage insulation. Smaller gear, such as lanterns, cooking tools, and cookware, should be wiped clean and stored in airtight bins to protect them from dust and moisture. Label each container so you can easily identify your camping gear when it’s time to go outdoors again. By storing your camping equipment correctly, you’ll extend its lifespan and be ready for your next adventure.

Garden Supplies

As summer winds down, it’s a great time to store away gardening tools, hoses, and other outdoor supplies. Clean your gardening tools like trowels, pruners, and shears to remove soil, sap, and plant residue. Sharpen the blades and oil any metal parts to prevent rust. Store them in a dry location such as a garage or shed to keep them in good condition for the following season. If you have outdoor pots or containers, clean them out and let them dry completely to avoid mold and mildew growth.

For hoses and irrigation equipment, make sure to drain them completely to avoid water freezing inside during colder months, which can cause cracks. Coil the hoses neatly and store them in a dry, sheltered area to protect them from harsh weather. Using airtight plastic bins for smaller garden supplies, such as seeds, gloves, and fertilizers, will keep them safe from moisture and pests. Properly storing your garden tools and supplies ensures they will remain in top shape, ready for use when the gardening season comes around again.

Summer Sporting Equipment

From bikes to kayaks, summer sporting gear needs careful attention before it is put away for the season. Begin by cleaning off any sand, dirt, or saltwater from your equipment. For items like bikes, make sure to lubricate the chain and tires before storing them to keep them from rusting or deflating. For larger items like kayaks, thoroughly rinse them and dry them completely to avoid water damage or mold growth. Store these items in a dry, protected area to keep them safe during the off-season.

For smaller items like tennis rackets or golf clubs, wipe them down to remove any sweat or grime. Store them in protective cases or covers to shield them from scratches or impacts. When possible, use plastic bins for extra protection and label the contents to make it easier to find your gear when needed. By taking the time to clean and store your sporting equipment properly, you’ll ensure it stays in great condition for the next time you hit the court or water.

Outdoor Rugs

Outdoor rugs can get quite dirty over the summer, with dust, dirt, and moisture collecting on them. Before storing them, could you give them a good shake to remove debris? For smaller rugs, you can wash them according to their care instructions, ensuring they are fully dried before folding them up for storage. Larger rugs may need to be cleaned professionally or vacuumed thoroughly to remove any dirt.

Once clean and dry, roll the rug up tightly and store it in a cool, dry area. Wrapping it in a protective cover or using an airtight storage bin will keep it free from dust, moisture, and pests. Taking care of your outdoor rugs in the off-season will preserve their colors and texture, ensuring they look great when you bring them back out for the next summer.

Sunscreen and Bug Repellent

Sunscreen and bug repellent are essential for summer, but have a limited shelf life. Before storing them, check expiration dates and dispose of any products that have gone past their prime. Store your remaining sunscreen and repellent in a cool, dry place, such as a bathroom cabinet or drawer, away from direct sunlight. If you are storing these items for a few months, it’s best to keep them in airtight containers to preserve their effectiveness.

For next season, keep your sunscreen and bug repellent in an easily accessible spot so you can use them as soon as summer arrives. Proper storage helps maintain their quality and ensures that they remain effective in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and pesky insects. By taking a few moments to check your products and store them correctly, you’ll be ready for the next summer with safe and effective protection.

Seasonal Lighting

String lights and outdoor lanterns that light up your summer nights need to be stored properly to last. Before storing, ensure all lights are turned off and unplugged to prevent any electrical issues. Check the bulbs to make sure none are broken, and clean any dust or dirt off the light strings. Once cleaned and checked, neatly coil the lights and place them in a storage container that protects them from moisture.

For outdoor lanterns, remove any batteries and store them separately to avoid corrosion. Storing seasonal lighting in plastic bins or containers with lids will keep it safe from dust and moisture. By properly caring for and storing your lights, you’ll be able to enjoy them without any hassle when summer comes around again.

Pool Toys and Accessories

Inflatable pool toys and accessories are fun during the hot summer days, but need proper care before being stored away. After use, thoroughly clean each item to remove dirt, chlorine, and any oils that may have accumulated. Let them dry completely before deflating and folding them. Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, to prevent any fading or degradation.

For smaller pool accessories like floats, noodles, and beach balls, use airtight bins to keep them protected from moisture and pests. Label the bins so you can easily find your pool items when needed. Proper storage will prolong the life of your pool toys and ensure they are ready for a refreshing day in the pool when next summer arrives.

Outdoor Décor

During the summer, outdoor décor such as garden gnomes, wind chimes, and decorative planters are placed in the garden or yard. To store them properly, clean each item to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can build up. For delicate items, such as wind chimes, gently wipe them down to avoid any breakage. When storing, consider using soft materials like bubble wrap to protect fragile décor pieces.

Store these items in a dry, cool place such as a garage or shed. For smaller items, consider using plastic bins to keep them organized and protected from pests. Properly storing your outdoor décor ensures it remains in great condition for the next season and keeps your yard looking vibrant and welcoming.

Gardening Pots

After a busy summer of planting, gardening pots can collect dirt and plant residue. Clean each pot thoroughly with warm, soapy water to remove any soil, plant matter, or algae. Once clean, allow the pots to dry completely before storing them. Storing damp pots can lead to mold growth, which can affect the next batch of plants.

For storage, stack the pots inside one another to save space, and keep them in a dry area to prevent them from cracking during the winter months. Using plastic bins for smaller pots or storing larger pots in a protected area will keep them safe from damage. Taking the time to properly store your gardening pots ensures they will last for years to come.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.