When winter becomes too cold to camp or fish, you need a place to put your gear until it warms up. Storage units keep your outdoor equipment safe and organized during the offseason while providing extra space in your home. Knowing how to store these items properly will help them stay in great shape during the colder months and ensure they're ready for use come next season.

How to Store Your Outdoor Gear

1. Clean Everything

Items retaining grime can invite problems, like pests and debris. The leftover residues on tents and backpacks can also stain or damage the zippers, ultimately shortening their life span. Therefore, carefully clean your gear before bringing it to the storage unit. Wash and dry all the camp cookware and ensure that tents are free of dirt and debris. Watercraft, such as kayaks and canoes, should be rinsed and dried. Mud left behind on them can scratch and eat away at their finishes.

2. Label Boxes

It can be challenging to locate the items you need in a storage unit when the space is full of containers. By clearly labeling each box, you can quickly find what you're looking for next season. On the outside of the container, list each item packed using a marker. This way, you also know where to store the equipment again once you finish using it.

3. Protect Against Moisture

Not only does moisture cause unpleasant smells, but it can also lead to mold growth. Use plastic storage containers for smaller items, but remember, they only keep moisture out. Therefore, ensure the equipment is completely dry before packing.

You can place silica gel packs inside boxes to help keep everything dry. Avoid stacking boxes directly on the concrete floor and put them on wooden pallets instead to prevent condensation from reaching the containers.

4. Properly Store Kayaks and Canoes

When plastic and composite watercraft are stored outdoors, UV rays can damage them if left out for long periods. Instead, keep them indoors and remove hatch covers and float plugs so moisture can escape.

To protect the hulls and prevent contact with dirt, place the items off the ground, preferably upside down or on their side. You can store them across two sawhorses if you're using a storage unit. Racks and straps can also help hang them from the walls or ceiling, giving you more storage space.

If you're looking for a place to hold and protect your outdoor gear, visit Arctic Storage at Midtown in Anchorage, AK. They make the storage process easy for residential and commercial clients by providing free moving trucks and three convenient locations throughout the area, including Foothills and Park Lane. Each facility offers video surveillance, 24-hour security, and alarmed units to keep your valuables safe. Call (907) 563-3342 today or visit their website for information on their services.