As the final whistle blows, the last lap is run, and the final match is played, athletes big and small face a familiar challenge — what to do with their sports equipment in the off-season. Whether you’re an avid golfer, a snow bunny carving through fresh powder, or a parent managing a household of budding athletes, learning how to store sports gear is essential to maintaining its lifespan.
From muddy football boots to bulky kayaks, sports gear can take up valuable space and deteriorate if not stored properly. Without the right storage for sports equipment, merchandise and apparel, moisture, dust, and improper handling can lead to rust, mould, or damage, meaning a costly replacement when the new season rolls around. Not to mention that without using a dedicated sports storage unit, they can quickly start monopolising your garage and shed.
In this guide, we’ll share expert sports equipment storage ideas to help you keep your equipment safe, organised, and ready to go when it’s time to get back in the game.
Step 1: Clean and Inspect All Equipment Before Storage
Wipe Down and Sanitise Gear
Before putting away your bats, rackets, and clubs, use a soft-bristled brush and other appropriate cleaners to wick away dirt and debris. You might also want to use a conditioning product for leather items to prevent them from drying out and cracking. Consider the different care requirements of each material in your sports goods storage and treat them accordingly to prevent deterioration.
Wash and Dry Uniforms and Soft Gear
To prevent mildew and odours, uniforms, gloves, shoes, and fabric-based protective padding must be washed and thoroughly dried before being added to your sports storage. Even if they appear and smell clean, bacteria from sweat, dirt, or minor spills from drinks can leave white fabrics with yellow marks and allow mould to grow, stain, and embed odours. Store them in a dry area to avoid dampness that could lead to fabric damage.
Check for Damage and Repairs
Inspect all your gear for cracks, loose screws, or worn-out padding. Repair or replace damaged items before storing them to avoid unexpected issues when you need them again.
Step 2: Choose the Right Sports Storage Solutions for Different Sports Gear
Hard Equipment — Bats, Rackets, Helmets and Skates
Bats and rackets are specialised equipment that can require a costly investment — consider how you’ll maintain them in your sports equipment storage space. While tubs can be an easy and convenient option for ‘everyday storage’, padded cases and racket bags can protect higher-value equipment, ensuring the mains and crosses of a tennis racket remain taut. Hanging racks or dedicated sports storage shelves can keep items organised, accessible and out of the way from being knocked, scratched and dented.
Soft Equipment — Uniforms, Pads, Gloves
When the excitement of the last game fades, your off-season sports storage needs should become a priority — you don’t want uniforms, pads, and gloves you won’t wear for another 6 to 12 months, taking up room in wardrobes and adding clutter. After washing and drying, keep them in your self-storage facility, hanging on rails in breathable fabric bags or folded in clear (and labelled) plastic containers with moisture absorbers to protect them from dust and pests.
Balls — Soccer Balls, Basketballs and Footballs
Keep balls inflated to maintain their shape and elasticity, or store them with an air pump nearby to avoid deflation issues. As most balls are made with rubber, avoid exposing them to UV light, which can degrade them over time. For large collections, oversized tubs or storage cages can be a great option. For premium balls, ball holders can easily store them without allowing them to roll around and create clutter.
Shoes and Cleats
Exposure to UV can degrade and warp rubber and foam soles — it’s best to store shoes and cleats away from direct sunlight in shoe bags or shoe cubbies. If you opt for stackable containers, select one with ventilation to prevent odour buildup and maintain their structure.
Seasonal Gear — Skis, Snowboards, Surfboards and Bikes
Nailing down your off-season sports storage doesn’t just protect your investment in costly, often bulky sports gear — like skis, snowboards, and surfboards — it helps ensure they’re safe to use the next time you’re slaloming down hillsides. From padded bags to racks, wall mounts, individual stands and vertical slotted mounts, these sports storage solutions help maintain their build, keeping them free from warping and cracking from knocks and bumps. They also enable you to use your storage unit productively, allowing you to organise your gear without sacrificing space that you could save for other items from your home.
Step 3: Select the Best Storage Location
Avoid Humid or Extreme Temperatures
Basements and attics are often left empty and under-utilised, but they may not be ideal due to fluctuating temperatures and potential moisture buildup. Instead, opt for dry, temperature-stable environments.
Garage vs. Indoor Storage vs. Professional Storage Units
- Garage Storage: A convenient option to easily access your most actively used sports gear, but for off-season sports storage, it can monopolise your space that can otherwise be used for your car and other belongings. You’ll also need to pay better attention, ensuring your gear isn’t affected by dust, humidity and temperature fluctuations.
- Indoor Storage: While you have more control over the climate, without dedicated racks, mounts, and shelving to keep your gear organised and spare rooms to store it, your sports equipment can quickly take over your space — especially if you have a lot of accessories.
- Professional Storage Units: Replacing damaged equipment can be costly regardless of whether you own a large collection or just a few high-value pieces. Climate-controlled self-storage units from National Storage provide the best protection against heat, cold, and humidity, ensuring your gear remains in top condition. With strict security measures in place, you know your equipment is safe, even when it’s out of sight during the off-season.
Step 4: Organise Gear for Easy Access
1. Use Shelving, Hooks, and Racks
Wall-mounted storage is excellent for bats, rackets, and helmets. If using a storage unit where wall mounting isn’t possible, consider using a freestanding pegboard or shelving system to keep gear organised.
2. Label Boxes and Create a Storage System
Separate gear by sport or season to simplify retrieval. Label storage containers or boxes clearly to avoid rummaging through unorganised equipment.
3. Invest in Clear Containers and Storage Bags
Transparent containers help identify gear quickly while keeping it protected from dust and pests. For additional protective storage solutions, explore the National Storage Online Shop for storage accessories.
Step 5: Regular Maintenance and Off-Season Checkups
Schedule Periodic Equipment Checks
Ensure stored items remain in good condition. Check periodically for mould, rust, or other damage before they worsen over time.
Rotate Gear Based on Seasonal Use
Make seasonal equipment more accessible as needed. When transitioning to a new sports season, move the required gear to a more convenient location.
Prepare for the Next Season in Advance
Before game day, bring your gear out of storage, inspect and clean it to ensure it’s ready for use to prevent last-minute issues and surprises.
Experience Convenient Short and Long-Term Sports Storage with National Storage
Proper sports equipment storage is crucial for keeping gear in optimal condition, ensuring it lasts season after season. How can you do it? Sports storage units help you manage your ever-growing collection — balls retain their bounce, and bulky or delicate equipment like skis and golf clubs stay in tip-top shape, free from warping, tarnishes or rust. By improving how you handle your trusty bats, balls, and bikes, you can maintain their peak performance and ensure they are safe to use.
With affordable rates and a nationwide network for easy access, National Storage self-storage facilities make it easy to organise, store, and preserve your equipment for easy access whenever you need it
Book flexible storage for sports, homes, cars, caravans and more today.
