What You Should Keep and Toss from Storage

When summer rolls around, it is time to swap snow boots for flip flops, snowblowers for lawnmowers, and bulky jackets for breezy tees. The problem is not the transition. It is everything you are left holding once winter is over. Garages fill up fast, closets overflow, and basements become a maze of bins and gear you will not touch for months. Seasonal storage solves that problem cleanly. Storing winter items during the summer frees up usable space at home and helps protect gear you spent good money on. Below is a practical breakdown of why it works, what to store, and how to do it without creating a mess for future you. Why Store Winter Items During the Summer Most winter gear is bulky, awkwardly shaped, and completely unused for half the year. Leaving it out creates clutter and increases the chance of damage. Storing winter items in a storage unit during summer helps you: Free up garage and closet space for bikes, lawn equipment, and patio furniture Protect expensive gear from heat, moisture, and pests commonly found in garages and sheds Stay organized year round by rotating seasonal items instead of stacking them endlessly If you are unsure which items are still worth keeping long term, this guide on what you should keep and toss from storage can help you decide before moving everything into a unit. Winter Items That Are Ideal for Summer Storage Not everything belongs in a storage unit, but winter gear is usually a great fit. Here are the most common items people store once the weather warms up. Snow Equipment and Tools Snowblowers Snow shovels and ice scrapers Salt spreaders Before storing, clean everything thoroughly and drain fuel from powered equipment. Winter Sports Gear Skis and snowboards Sleds and snow tubes Snowshoes and helmets Keep sharp edges covered and store items off the floor when possible. Cold Weather Clothing Heavy coats and parkas Snow pants Boots, hats, scarves, and gloves Use labeled plastic bins or wardrobe boxes to keep items clean and easy to find later. Holiday Decorations String lights Inflatable decorations Seasonal signage and décor Pack decorations carefully to avoid tangled wires and crushed pieces. Tires and Vehicle Accessories Snow tires Tire chains Winter emergency kits Store tires properly to avoid warping and keep them out of direct sunlight. Heating Items and Miscellaneous Gear Space heaters Electric blankets Insulated pet shelters Firewood racks If it only comes out when temperatures drop, it probably belongs in storage during summer. If you are unsure whether something is allowed in a unit, this breakdown of what should and should not go in a storage unit is worth checking before packing. Tips for Storing Winter Items Safely Good storage is not about stuffing everything into a unit and closing the door. A little prep goes a long way. Clean and dry all items before storing to prevent rust, mildew, and odors Use plastic bins with lids instead of cardboard for better protection Label containers clearly so items are easy to find later Use wardrobe boxes for bulky coats and specialty clothing Store tires flat or on racks to preserve their shape If space is tight, it can help to reassess what you truly need to keep. This guide on what to keep and toss from storage is useful for avoiding long term clutter. Make Summer Storage Work for You Storing winter gear off site keeps your home usable and your belongings protected during the hottest months of the year. A local facility like All American Self Storage in Fontana gives you a secure place to rotate seasonal items without overloading your garage or closets. Summer feels a lot lighter when your space is not packed with gear you will not touch for months. Store smart now, and when winter comes back around, everything will be clean, organized, and ready to go.