Here comes that time again; as the seasons turn and the leaves change from vibrant greens to the warm golds and reds of autumn, we begin reorienting our lives and homes to match. It’s perhaps one of the least anticipated chores of seasonal transition – the daunting task of storing seasonal items effectively. Flurries of tinsel from last year’s Christmas decorations, dreaded ghostly Halloween costumes that resurfaces unexpectedly in May – the list is endless, and it all needs to be stored somewhere.
With that in mind, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to store your seasonal items effectively all year round.
Declutter Before Everything
Before diving headfirst into packing items away, whatever the weather, it’s essential that you sort through your belongings and segregate items no longer needed. In our beloved British tradition of charity and goodwill, consider donating lightly used seasonal items to a meaningful cause, sharing them with friends, or recycling responsibly. This can help clear out your living space, serving as an enabler to a more organised life. Potentially…
Spring Storage
As we bid a fond farewell to the frosty winters, it’s time to pack away your winter clothing, snow boots and winter sports gear. Here’s how you can store them safely and effectively:
- Wash Before Storing: Clean all the winter gear before you pack them away. Detergents eliminate bacteria, remove stains and get rid of body oils that could damage materials over time.
- Use Suitable Storage for Different Fabrics: Wool is best stored in cotton storage bags that allow the fibres to breathe whereas fur and down could be stored professionally to retain their quality.
- Select Controlled Condition for Storage: To store winter fabrics like wool or down, a cool and dark corner of your wardrobe or an under-bed storage box would work perfectly.
- Going the Extra Mile: Utilise LED moth repellents or natural alternatives (like cedar balls or lavender sacks) to keep unwelcome guests away from your precious winter clothing.
- Sports Equipment: Deodorise winter boots and empty sports equipment of any snow or leftover moisture to prevent mould’s growth.
Read: The IDEAL shoe care guide for travellers
Summer Smarts
The end of the predictably short-lived British summertime calls for your lightweight clothing, BBQ sets, and kids’ summer-specific toys to take a backseat.
- Clean, Dry, and Pack: Consider storing your washed summer clothes in vacuum storage bags, ensuring they’re entirely dry to prevent any melding of mildew.
- Pet Projects And Outdoor Gear: Aquatic leisure gear like inflatable pool or beach toys should be thoroughly cleaned (including brushing all that pesky sand off!), dried, and deflated before being tucked away.
- Bulwark Your BBQ: A heavy-duty cover can protect your BBQ grill from the harsh elements of the weather. A layer of cooking oil over the grill helps prevent rust.
- Seasonal Spaces: Adapting your garden space for cooler months can be done by storing larger items, like tables and chairs, in your garage or shed.
- Treat Outside Furniture Well: If storing furniture indoors isn’t an option, grasp tight-fitting, waterproof covers to protect against rain and snow.
Celebrating Autumn
Autumn calls for copper-coloured leaves, cosy throws, and candles decorating our homes. Let’s make storing summer items a breeze.
- Summer Duvet Storage: These should be clean, dry, then packed appropriately using breathable bags or boxes. Remember, avoid using plastic for long-term storage.
- Reallocation of Household Linen: Rotate the lighter, cooling linens to the farther parts of the wardrobe and the heavier, warming ones more accessible for colder nights.
- Label Boxes: To sidestep the confusing which-box-contains-what situation, meticulously label boxes and crates storing summer items.
- Scarf-and-Glove Station: A designated autumn corner near your entrance way holding scarves, gloves and other essentials can smoothen transitioning to colder months.
Wistful Winters
Winter brings the soft glow of fairy lights, putting up and decorating Christmas trees, and warming our hearts with the spirit of the festive season. Here’s how you manage the annual shuffle:
- Store cohesively: Make a point of grouping like-items together during packing – this works wonders for finding items quickly later.
- Artificial Trees Best Kept Intact: Rather than taking your Christmas tree apart every year, consider alternatively purchasing a specially designed tree bag that allows you to store the tree erected.
- Minecraft for Holiday Decor: For keeping fragile decorations safe, individually wrap them in bubble wrap or newsprint and gently place them in sturdy yet cushioned containers.
- Safe Storage of Heaters: Remember to clean heaters and store away when spring is on the horizon in a dry and dust-free environment.
- Friends of Feathers: Check feather items for bugs or mites. Freezing feathered items for a few days can kill parasites that ruin them in storage.
Considering Self-Storage Facilities
Should your seasonal items be overflowing in boxes, peeking out of cupboards, and generally messing with your sense of peace and tranquility at home, then consider a self storage facility.
As the guys at lovespace recommend sagely, you should ideally seek out a facility that offers climate-controlled units to protect your items from extreme temperatures and humidity. Security is another important factor; ensure the facility has 24/7 surveillance and secure access systems.
Size matters too. Choose a unit that fits your needs – not too big to waste money, not too small to cram everything in. Most facilities offer a range of sizes, so you can upgrade or downsize as needed.
The Bottom Line
Managing your seasonal items doesn’t have to be a daunting task. From the crisp linens of summer to the cherished decorations of winter, efficient storage practices can assure their safety while simplifying your life.
Whether you’re decluttering every corner of your house, foolproofing your precious winter weapons against moths, or considering a self-storage facility for a burgeoning collection, remember that appropriate storage is a complement to the charm and comfort your seasonal belongings bring into your life. After all, organising well is about making room not just for things, but for experiences and memories too.