Sports equipment storage: how to keep your items safe

It’s no secret that sport not only keeps us fit and healthy, but also offers the ideal way to socialise, relax and get out and about. In fact, Sport England actually found that those who exercise and are regularly active tend to be happier, more satisfied and less anxious overall.

However, buying good quality sports equipment doesn’t come cheap. Whether you’re always the first one on the slopes in the winter, or can usually be found chasing a wave or two when the sun comes out, when the seasons change and it’s time to put away your equipment for another year, where exactly should we put it? After all, there’s nothing more annoying than tripping over large and awkwardly shaped equipment for the remaining 9 months of the year…

A self storage unit provides the perfect place for sports equipment storage, keeping your equipment safe and secure. And, if properly cared for, most sports equipment will last for years to come and may even be passed down to the next generation. That’s why we’ve put together some advice on how to get the most out of your sports equipment storage along with some handy ideas to help you keep it safe and secure, even when it’s not in use.

1. How to store sports equipment
2. Storing your bicycle
3. Gym equipment storage
4. Ski and snowboard storage
5. Storing your golf equipment

How to store sports equipment

How you store items your will depend largely on what it is exactly that you’re storing, however there are a number of general tips to be aware of when using self storage to keep your sports equipment protected while it’s not in use:

• Utilise all the space on offer: making the most of the space inside your self storage unit can not only save you money but also help to protect your belongings. Invest in shelves and racking and buy some stacking bins or sturdy boxes to make the most of your vertical space. 

• Ensure all equipment is clean and not damaged: before you put any of your equipment in storage, take the time to properly clean the equipment, uniform or any other extras like shoes or sports bags, along with making any necessary repairs. Not only does this help to prevent any further damage or wear and tear, but also helps keep your equipment at it’s best, so it’s ready for use exactly when you need it.

• Keep all equipment for each sport in one place: when it comes to sports equipment storage, there’s nothing more annoying than rifling through box after box to try and find what you’re looking for. Instead, make sure to store all the equipment you need for each sport all together.

• Label everything: similarly, no matter what sports equipment you’re storing, remember to stay organised by labelling everything. You should also keep an inventory of what you’ve stored. You can draw a map to highlight exactly where everything in your storage unit is  – this is especially important and helpful if you’re storing lots at once or are working around what else you have already in storage.

• Use sheets to cover larger equipment: for those larger pieces that can’t be put into boxes, tubs or bags, we suggest covering them with cotton sheets or blankets to protect them from dust and damage while in storage.

Bicycle storage

If you’re wondering how to store a bicycle, we have some handy tips to avoid damage, and keep it in pristine condition:

1. Before you put your bicycle into storage, you’ll first need to remove any lights, water bottles or other electronic devices from the frame.
2. Next, thoroughly clean the bike, pump up the tyres and lubricate any chains or cables.
3. Finally, you’ll need to store your bike in a safe place within your storage unit. We’d recommend popping it on the wall, using a wall hook or mount to keep it safe from any knocks or scrapes.

Gym equipment storage

The main thing to consider when storing your gym equipment is the heaviness of your weights. That’s why it’s important to invest in a weight rack which is specially designed to hold extremely heavy weights so you don’t need to worry about flimsy boxes collapsing or being too much for you to lift.

To prepare your gym equipment for storage:

1. You’ll need to get rid of any dust first, as this can collect in any mechanisms of equipment such as treadmills or cross-trainers, causing damage. Use a duster or small hoover attachment to get rid of it all.
2. Use warm soapy water or mild disinfectant on all surfaces to get rid of any dirt or sweat, making sure to wipe them down with a clean, dry cloth to remove any residue.
3. Dismantle the equipment as much as you can for easier storage and to avoid any accidents or straining when moving and be sure to secure any loose or moving parts with cables or strong tape. Box and label where any spare parts, bolts or weights belong – taking photos of your equipment when breaking it down for storage can help you remember how it works. 
4. Use racks and hooks inside your unit for keeping your gym equipment together and to prevent any accidents.

Ski and snowboard storage

If you’re looking for winter sports equipment storage for things like skis or snowboards during the summer months, it’s important that you keep them protected and safe when they’re not in use.

1. First, you’ll need to put a thick layer of wax on your skis or snowboard – this is to protect the base of the equipment, and stop rust from building-up while it’s in storage. 
2. Similarly, make any repairs to the base, top sheet or sidewall to stop water from rotting the wood core of your equipment..
3. You’ll want to use a thick rubber band or specialised straps to bind your skis together, making sure they’re not too tight. 
4. Ideally, you should store your skis laying flat to protect them from any strain or warping, but you can lean them up against the wall or other items in your storage, too.

Surfboard storage

As a surfboard is a large and bulky item, when it comes to storage, it’s always a good idea to keep it in a storage unit while it’s not in use to make sure it doesn’t get damaged or scratched in your home. 

To store a surfboard:

1. First, you’ll need to strip your board of any remaining wax before it goes into storage, making sure to thoroughly clean and dry your board to reduce the risk of rust 
2. Ideally, investing in a surfboard bag or case is a good idea, as this can prevent your board from any knocks or scratches while in storage as well as keeping it away from any dust or dirt.
3. Store your board on a freestanding surfboard rack to keep it upright – not only will this help you save space in your unit, but will also help to keep it secure while in storage.

Got a surfboard you’re looking to store? We have self storage facilities in Bournemouth, Worthing,  Shoreham-by-Sea and many other locations across the UK. Find your local self storage store now.

Golf equipment storage

If you’re an avid golfer, you’ll likely be aware that golf equipment doesn’t come cheap, which is why you’ll want to take great care of your clubs and accessories in order to keep them in pristine condition:

1. After every game, and before they go into storage, take the time to properly clean your golf clubs so they’re free of any mud or dirt. You’ll need warm soapy water, a thick towel and a stiff brush to get rid of any dirt, dust or grime and to prevent rust from forming.
2. You’ll also need to wipe down your golf bag, and wash any towels or gloves.
3. Store your golf clubs upright in the bag for maximum protection. You can even cover it with a sheet for extra cover from dust or bugs.

If you’re not sure how much space you need to store your sports equipment, use our handy size estimator now to help figure out how much storage you’ll need. 

Do you need a storage unit for your sports equipment?

At Ready Steady Store, not only do we offer our customers locations across the UK but we also provide a range of sports equipment storage solutions and various unit sizes so, no matter whether you’re looking for long-term storage or simply need sports equipment storage for a few months of the year, we can help.

Why choose Ready Steady Store?

• Competitive pricing: with a range of unit sizes from 9ft to 300 sq ft, we have a unit size that’s perfect for you, while we also offer affordable and competitive prices for all of our customers.
• Contactless move-ins: to keep our customers safe, we now offer contactless sign up and move-ins across all of our stores.
• Flexible storage solutions: we understand that your needs may change, which is why we allow all of our customers to scale up or down your unit size when it suits you. Just get in touch with your local store now. 
• Safety and peace of mind: we offer 24-hour CCTV  and access via the Ready Steady Store App and most of our stores have high perimeter fencing for added safety and security.
• Access when you need it: most of our stores offer access 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

Find your local self storage store today or get in touch with our team now.