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Doesn’t it feel like summer just ended? Sadly (or maybe excitedly!), we’re already in the midst of fall and only have so many more crisp autumnal days to take advantage of before the colder weather comes. Now is the time to declutter your overflowing closets, garages still filled with grills and pool toys, and sheds stocked with sports equipment. Transitioning your gear from summer mode into fall preparedness doesn’t just reduce clutter, but makes your life easier year-round! Our seasonal storage guide will help you stay organized, protect your fall and summer items, and make way for winter gear and holiday decorations.
Why Seasonal Storage Matters Before Winter
It’s true. Everyone has storage needs! Why do you need a specific seasonal storage solution, though?
It will free up living space before the holidays come.
It will protect your gear from damage. Bikes, kayaks, and grills need to be kept away from snow, ice, and moisture.
It makes next season easier. When winter comes, you’ll already have the right gear ready. Your fall and summer gear will be stowed away where they’re safe.
What Fall Gear to Store Away for Winter
Performing a seasonal gear swap will help you make room for winter. But what fall and summer items should you consider packing away?
Outdoor & Yard Equipment
We recommend putting these items in fall storage so you can make room for snowblowers, shovels, skis, and sleds:
Rakes & Leaf Blowers: Clean off leaves and dirt before storing to prevent rust. Hang them or place them upright in a labeled bin.
Gardening Tools: Wash off soil, dry completely, and oil any metal parts before storage. Store smaller tools in a bucket or toolbox.
Patio Furniture: Wipe down cushions and frames. Store cushions in plastic bins to keep them dry, and stack furniture to save space. During the fall months, scout your local dry cleaners/cleaning services to find patio furniture cover cleaning promotions!
Fall Sports Equipment
Sports like football, soccer, and lacrosse typically wrap up in the fall. Instead of letting gear clutter the garage until next year, pack it up properly.
Football Gear & Pads: Clean and dry everything before storing to avoid mildew. Place in breathable storage bags.
Soccer Balls & Lacrosse Sticks: Deflate balls slightly to prevent cracking in cold weather, and hang sticks vertically to keep their shape.
Bikes: Wipe down frames, inflate tires, and consider a bike rack or wall hook in your storage unit to keep them off the ground. Learn more tips in our Bike Storage Guide.
Seasonal Clothing
Rotating clothing seasonally keeps closets from overflowing and makes it easier to grab what you actually need.
Light Jackets & Rain Coats: Wash or dry-clean before storing so stains don’t set. Use garment bags for delicate fabrics.
Rain Boots & Hiking Boots: Clean off mud and moisture. Stuff with paper or boot shapers to hold their form.
Ponchos & Light Layers: Fold neatly and pack in clear bins with cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter pests.
Check out our guide on how to store clothes in a storage unit for more insider tips.
Autumn Decor and Holiday Prep
Get ready for the next holiday (or two…or three!) by boxing up anything you won’t need to help celebrate. You’ll want to store your decorations from Halloween and Thanksgiving, as well as any other harvest decor.
If you swap china or tablescapes for the holidays, make sure to take extra care when packing (check out our pro tip below!).
What to Bring Out for Winter
Just as you’re putting away fall gear, it’s the perfect time to bring out the items that will get you through the winter season. Having these ready to go means you won’t be scrambling once the temperatures drop:
Winter Wardrobe: Heavy coats, snow pants, gloves, scarves, and boots.
Winter Sports Gear: Skis, snowboards, sleds, and snowshoes.
Holiday Decorations: Christmas trees, ornaments, wreaths, lights, and inflatable yard displays.
Home Essentials: Space heaters, weighted blankets, humidifiers, and thick comforters & quilts.
Emergency Prep Items: Snow shovels, ice melt, and roadside emergency kits for your car.
Organizing this swap ahead of time makes your transition seamless — and saves you from digging through boxes at the first sign of snow.
Seasonal Storage Tips for Fall
A smooth fall-to-winter swap isn’t just about packing things away. It’s about organizing smartly so you can find everything again when you need it. Families can follow these seasonal storage tips to make the fall-to-winter swap stress-free:
General Storage Tips
Clean and dry items before storing to prevent mold, mildew, and odors.
Use clear bins and labels so you can quickly identify seasonal gear.
Stack smartly – place heavy bins at the bottom, fragile décor or clothing at the top.
Climate-controlled storage is best for sensitive items like clothing, holiday china, or electronics.
Seasonal Storage Tips for Holiday Decor
Holiday decorations often require extra care to keep them safe and ready for next season. Try these simple strategies:
Test lights before storing – Plug in string lights and yard inflatables to make sure they still work. Toss or recycle broken strands to avoid wasting storage space on items you won’t use next year.
Protect fragile items like china – Wrap each piece individually in bubble wrap or acid-free paper, use divided dish boxes if possible, and store upright rather than stacked. Place them in sturdy bins labeled “Fragile – Holiday China” for easy identification when the next holiday rolls around.
Remove batteries from seasonal décor – For Halloween props, string lights, and other battery-powered decorations, take batteries out before storing to prevent leaks and corrosion that can ruin your items. (It happened to us - RIP, cute pumpkin man!)
Buy colored storage bins that match the season – For quick identification, use orange-and-black bins for Halloween, red-and-green for Christmas, or pastel for spring décor. These are widely available at retailers like Target or Amazon.
Label clearly – Mark bins by holiday (“Halloween Décor,” “Thanksgiving Tableware,” “Christmas Lights”) so you never have to dig.
Store upright and stack carefully – Place heavy décor bins on the bottom, fragile items at the top.
Seasonal Storage Tips for Different Lifestyles
Everyone’s seasonal storage needs look a little different. A family juggling kids’ sports equipment will have other priorities than a college student packing up dorm gear, or a small business managing seasonal displays. The good news? Regardless of your lifestyle, there are smart storage strategies to help you stay organized and make your seasonal transition seamless.
Families: Rotate children’s sports gear, toys, and clothing sizes. Keep a “quick grab” bin for items your kids might still use throughout the year.
College Students: Store summer and fall dorm gear like fans, lighter clothes, and bikes; bring out warm bedding and coats.
Outdoor Enthusiasts: Swap kayaks, camping gear, and hiking boots for skis, snowboards, and snowshoes.
Small Businesses: Rotate inventory, signage, and trade show displays. Many retailers use storage units to manage seasonal décor and stock overflow.
Best Self-Storage Unit Sizes for Seasonal Storage
Not sure what size unit you need for a seasonal swap? Here are some recommendations to guide you:
| Unit Size | Comparable To | Best For | Example of Seasonal Items |
| 5x5 | Small Closet | Clothing, decorations, and small sports gear | Holiday decor, bins of coats, lacrosse sticks, or fall decorations |
| 5x10 | Walk-in Closet | A mix of household and sports equipment | Patio bistro dining set, a bike, multiple storage bins of clothing, and holiday decorations |
| 10x10 | Half of a standard 1-car garage, a small bedroom | Families or outdoor enthusiasts with bulkier gear | Motorcycles, kayaks, a grill, ride-on lawnmowers, full sets of patio furniture, holiday displays |
| 10x15 | 1-car garage | Larger households or small businesses | Retail displays, bulk inventory, multiple pieces of lawn equipment, and large outdoor patio sets |
| 10x20 and larger | Depends on size | Seasonal vehicles and larger equipment | Cars, small boats, ATVs, RVs, multiple motorcycles |
Pro tip: If you’re mostly swapping clothing, sports gear, or holiday decorations, a 5x5 or 5x10 is usually plenty. If you have larger outdoor equipment, patio sets, or multiple family members’ sports items, you’ll want to consider a 10x10 or bigger.
Unsure of what size storage unit you’d need? Use our Storage Unit Size Guide to make the process easier.
Seasonal Storage Solutions: What to Look for in a Unit
Once you’ve sorted, packed, and labeled your fall gear, the final step is making sure it’s stored safely until you need it again. Choosing the proper storage unit can make all the difference:
Location Matters: Pick a facility close to home so it’s easy to swap gear between seasons.
Unit Size: A 5x5 or 5x10 is great for décor and bins, while a 10x10 can fit larger gear like motorcycles or patio furniture. If you’re storing a vehicle, consider a 10x20 or larger.
Climate-Controlled vs. Standard: Climate-controlled units are ideal for clothing, décor, and electronics. Standard units work for sturdy outdoor equipment and vehicles.
Security Features: Look for gated access, 24/7 cameras, and well-lit facilities for peace of mind.
Flexibility: Month-to-month leases make it easy to use storage just for seasonal swaps, without long-term commitments.
We also recommend checking pricing and promotions! Most storage facilities, including Storage Star, offer great first-month promotions, as well as military discounts and referral bonuses for current tenants.
Find the Right Storage Unit with Storage Star
Seasonal swaps don’t have to be stressful. With a little planning - from testing holiday lights and removing batteries to packing away fall gear and bringing out winter essentials - you’ll keep your home clutter-free and your belongings protected year-round.
If you’re running out of space at home, a self-storage unit can make seasonal transitions easier. At Storage Star, we offer a wide range of unit sizes, from small 5x5 spaces for holiday décor to 10x20+ units for vehicles and large equipment. With flexible month-to-month leases, climate-controlled options, and secure facilities, you’ll find the perfect solution for your seasonal storage needs.
Ready to simplify seasonal storage? We got you! Find a Storage Star location near you and reserve your unit today.
FAQs
Do I need climate-controlled storage for holiday decorations?
Yes, climate-controlled storage is highly recommended for delicate holiday items. Fabric decorations, candles, and electronics are sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. Climate control helps prevent warping, cracking, and mold, allowing your decorations to last longer.
What’s the best way to store fall sports gear?
- Clean gear before storage to remove dirt, sweat, and grass stains
- Use bins or sports bags to keep items organized by activity
- Consider shelving inside your storage unit for easy access
- For bulky equipment like bikes or lacrosse nets, store them upright to save space
How do I organize a storage unit for seasonal swaps?
The best method is to place items you won’t need for months toward the back and keep winter essentials toward the front. Use clear bins with labels for quick identification, and stack heavy containers on the bottom with lighter, fragile items on top. Adding shelving or racks can also help maximize vertical space.
What size storage unit is best for holiday décor?
A 5x5 unit (about the size of a small closet) is often perfect for storing holiday décor, seasonal clothing, and a few small bins. If you also need to store patio furniture, bikes, or multiple large decorations, a 5x10 unit offers more flexibility. For oversized displays or large families with lots of seasonal items, consider a 10x10 unit.
