Whether it’s skiing, snowboarding or ice skating, winter brings out adventurers who can’t resist the crisp air and snowy landscapes. With all of the outdoor action comes the need for lots of winter sports gear including snowboarding and skis meaning you’ll almost certainly need winter storage.
In this blog, we’ll be taking you through our top 10 winter storage equipment tips and tricks. One of which (spoiler alert!) is to make use of our safe and secure self storage solutions. We thought we’d get that one out of the way early on.
Why Proper Winter Storage Matters
Before we get into the “how”, it’s important to discuss the “why”.
Improper storage of winter equipment can lead to a number of issues that you don’t want to be dealing with at any other time of year. Without taking the proper precautions, you could be looking at issues such as rust, mould or warping — all of which will likely carry high associated cost.
Belongings that are stored in the proper conditions with the correct care tend both to last longer, and to perform better in the following season. No one wants their skis giving up on them halfway down the slope, nor monthly repair or replacement costs.
Storing larger items that require specialised care in your home isn’t always an option. Gear like skis and snowboards take up considerable space and so many enthusiasts turn to self storage.
Secure, accessible, affordable — need we say more?
Preparing Winter Equipment for Storage
There are a couple of things you can do before putting your winter gear into storage to ensure that they stay in tip-top shape.
Short on Space and Time?
Don’t quite have time to read the whole blog? No problem! Scroll to the bottom of the page to see our cheeky checklist for winter gear storage.
Gear and Equipment
Cleaning and Maintenance
It’s best to start out by removing all dirt, moisture and salt from your gear. Using a water and vinegar solution and a damp cloth, wipe down skis and snowboards thoroughly — make sure to clean the edges and bindings! Skates should be bone-dry before being placed into storage to keep them from rusting.
Repairs
Once you’ve removed the layers of dirt and grime that have built up after months of adventuring, you’ll be able to see if any repairs are needed. Inspect your gear for damage like cracks, loose bindings or worn-out straps and make the necessary repairs before placing them safely into storage.
Protective Measures
A final layer of love can make all the difference for the longevity of your gear. Apply a protective wax coating to skis and snowboards to prevent drying or cracking and treat and metal with rust inhibitors. For a winter gear storage cherry on top, we suggest using padded bags for extra protection during transport and storage.
Winter Clothing
From giraffe costumes to Borat look-alikes, the internet has seen some pretty creative skiing outfits over the years. Correctly storing items like these is just as important as storing jackets, snow pants, gloves and winter hats.
Getting the Basics Right
Wash and dry all clothing to remove any sweat, dirt or stains that run the risk of becoming permanent over time. Like skates, your clothing should be drier than our jokes to avoid mould and mildew forming.
Use vacuum-sealed bags to storage bulkier items like puffer jackets and snow pants — this will also protect them from dust and pests.
Our final suggestion is to ensure boots are clean and dry before stuffing them with boot trees or rolled–up newspaper to help maintain their shape during storage.
Maximising Space for Home Storage
If you prefer to keep some of your gear at home, optimising your space to prevent clutter and protect your equipment is essential.
The Right Space
In order to avoid any damage, choose a storage space that’s cool, dry and away from direct sunlight (and curious kiddos who might take your skis out for a joyride). Naturally then, basements and garages make the ideal choice if they’re not prone to damp.
Wall-Mounted Racks & Ceiling Storage
They say one should look upwards for a source of infinite inspiration. We’re no life coach, but as storage people, we agree whole-heartedly with this sentiment. Wall-mounted racks and ceiling storage solutions can keep skis, snowboards and snowboards off of the floor and out of the way.
If you settle on a wall-mounted rack or unit then smaller items like gloves and goggles can also be safely tucked away in labelled bins on a shelf.
Seasonal Rotation
If you’re short on space, consider rotating out-of-season items and equipment like garden tools or summer sports gear. Say goodbye to the tennis rackets and strawberries and cream until Wimbledon rolls around again!
Why Self Storage Might Be Your Best Option
Winter sports tend to require more gear than other seasonal activities, which means that it generally takes up a lot more space. For this reason, self storage can be a game-changer for winter sports enthusiasts.
Let’s consider how:
- Free Up Home Space: Moving items like skis and snowboards into a self storage unit can declutter your home while keeping gear safe.
- Security: With features like 24/7 surveillance and access control, your valuable gear is in safe hands.
- Flexibility: With a variety of unit sizes to choose from, Wigwam can accommodate everything from snowboards to full ski collections. Use our handy space calculator to work out exactly how much space you need. Plus, our flexible rental options mean you can store your gear for as long (or short) as you need.
Winter Gear With Wigwam
Proper winter storage might feel like a bit of a mission in the beginning, but it’s crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring your gear performs at its best next season. From cleaning and maintenance to secure self storage, these storage tips will help you extend the life of your equipment and keep it ready for action at a moment’s notice.
If you’re ready to declutter your home and store your gear safely, Wigwam Self Storage has you covered. With affordable, secure and flexible storage solutions, we’ll ensure your equipment is stored in perfect condition all year round.
Get in touch with our team today to find the perfect unit for your winter gear or get a free quote here. See you on the slopes!
Cheeky Winter Gear Checklist
- Clean all gear thoroughly before storing
- Inspect and repair any damage
- Apply protective coatings (e.g., wax for skis)
- Choose a dry, cool storage location
- Use labeled bins and racks for organisation
- Opt for self-storage for larger collections or secure environments
With these tips in hand, your winter gear will stay in top shape, ready to tackle the snow again next season!
