How to Prep Your Summer Gear for Winter Storage

Ah, the winter wardrobe shuffle! It's time to bid adieu to those summer clothes and gear that were once your go-to's.

However, simply chucking them into storage won't cut it! It's like expecting your pet goldfish to survive in a bowl of frozen water. We've got to prep those garments for their long winter's nap. Think of it as tucking them in with a cozy blanket and a cup of hot cocoa.

And hey, let's not overlook the hidden perks of this winter-wear hibernation. Not only are you keeping your gear in tiptop shape for the next  season, but you're also engaging in a bit of closet Tetris to clear out the clutter. It's like playing a strategic game of Jenga but instead of toppling towers, you're unearthing your favorite winter jacket and long forgotten ski poles!

Webfoot's Custom Storage Solutions are like the Marie Kondo of storage—bringing order to the chaos, making everything fit like a glove (but for your stuff), and helping you find a cozy little nook for everything you own. It's like having a magician wave a wand over your clutter, and poof!—everything finds its own magical spot.

With Webfoot's magic touch, you can embrace the art of winter storage and bid a fond farewell to summer, all while making space for the upcoming season's activities!

How to Have a Place for Everything with Webfoot Custom Storage Solutions

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You may have so many items with various storage needs, making it look like you can only possibly store some of them. That’s where Webfoot comes in. 

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With a wide range of storage options—custom cabinets, wall-mounted systems and workbenches to name a few— you not only have room to store everything, but you’ll also get rid of clutter and add a great level of aesthetically-pleasing appearance to your living space. 

Let have a look at some ideas for preparing your summer gear for winter storage and how some of our custom storage units can help.

Summer Clothes

Probably one of the first items you’ll think of storing away as winter draws near, right? But how do you prep them, so they don’t get damaged in storage? Here are some tips:

• Wash and repair: Never store dirty or torn clothes, as they may look worse at the end of the winter. Wash all stained clothes, and mend any torn pieces before storage. 
• Use proper storage units: Breathable storage units protect clothes from pests such as rodents, moths, and flies. In this case, you can use plastic containers, suitcases, fabric bags, or vacuum-sealed plastic bags. 
• Use pest repellant: Despite your best efforts, bugs and rodents may try to settle on your clothes. But don’t worry; you can ward them off by adding cedar and mothballs to your clothes. These repellents will also keep your clothes fresh throughout the storage period.
• Choose the right storage location: After packing them in storage containers, choose a location for your clothes. Keep your garments in cold, dry, dark places for optimal results. For instance, large Webfoot cabinets are perfect for accommodating plastic bins full of clothing.

We’ve put together 10 tips for storing your summer clothes in the winter. Check them out here.

Beach Gear

Items such as towels, chairs, toys, folding grills, sun hats, tents, and bags should be dry and free of sand before they are stored in garage cabinets, mesh baskets or plastic containers. This will prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and other harmful agents that could damage them. You can also use moisture protectants to keep the storage area dry. 

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Optimized storage units such as Webfoot custom cabinets ensure that all your beach gear will be in good condition next summer.

Water Vessels

Canoes and kayaks are expensive, so you must take every measure to ensure their safety during winter. Here’s what to do:

• Wash: Before storing your boat, canoe, or kayak, wash them to prevent the harmful effects of water minerals and the growth of mold, mildew, and microbes. Also, ensure your water vessel is completely dry before storing it.
• Conduct maintenance: Check and confirm that all pedals, cables, perimeter lines, and bungees are in good condition, and replace worn-out parts. Cover the water vessel with a cockpit cover to prevent animals from gaining access and causing damage.
• Use protective spray: If you decide to store your canoe or kayak outside, be sure to give it a UV-protective spray. You can also cover it with a tarp for added UV protection. 

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Outdoor Furniture

Cleaning  outdoor furniture is a must at the end of a busy summer season. Think of it as giving your beloved garden chairs and benches a well-deserved spa day before their winter vacation.

• Step one: It's a sudsy affair! Scrub away the grime and remnants of those epic summer BBQs. You don't want your chairs whispering tales of last season's burger mishaps.
• Step two: Let them air-dry, basking in the sun like they've just returned from a tropical retreat. Airing out those cushions is like giving them a chance to breathe and soak up the final rays of summer.
• Step three: The secret agent in this operation—baking soda! Sprinkle it like fairy dust, especially if your furniture is made of canvas. Baking soda is the superhero that fights off moisture buildup, ensuring your furniture emerges from winter unscathed and fresh as a daisy.
• And now, the grand finale: The tarp ceremony! Picture it as your furniture's red-carpet moment. Cover them up, shield them from dust, and let them slumber in peace. It's like tucking them in with a warm blanket and wishing them sweet dreams.

So, there you have it—winterizing your outdoor furniture, ensuring they're pristine and ready to make a splash next summer. Think of it as preparing them for their grand comeback when the weather warms up next year.

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Camping Gear

Equipment such as sleeping bags, tents, tarps, camping chairs and tables, lamps, and other items, must be clean and dry before storage, just like beach equipment. This will prevent them from rusting and protect their structural integrity from the cold.

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Choosing an optimal garage storage solution like Webfoot cabinets will ensure the safety of your camping equipment throughout the winter, as they are designed to secure your contents over extended periods and in adverse weather conditions.

Gardening Tools

Since most gardening tools are made of metal, you should protect them from rusting in storage during winter. Clean them and coat the metal parts with oil or spray them with lubricants. You can also apply linseed oil to the handles to prevent insect damage. 

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Also, check your gardening tools for loose bolts and nuts, cracked parts, and other structural deficiencies, and fix them. It’s also good pre-storage practice to sharpen all worn metal parts and smoothen all rough wooden parts. After prepping them for winter storage, you can keep your gardening tools on Webfoot slat walls or stored in custom cabinets for maximum safety.

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Motorized Equipment

You cannot afford to store large motorized machinery, like lawnmowers, without first winterizing them. Specific maintenance procedures are required to guarantee equipment safety during winter storage and complete efficiency in the fall or summer. Some of these procedures are highlighted below:

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• Empty the fuel tanks, so they don’t freeze. Crank the engine several times to ensure you get all the fuel out. 
• Perform regular maintenance checks to ensure the machinery is in good working order. Any simple problems you don’t spot and fix may get complex during winter.
• Sharpen all blades before storage 
• Check if the equipment has tires, and ensure they’re well-gauged. 
• Lubricate the moving parts as instructed in the equipment’s manufacturer’s instruction manual 

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Fishing Gear

For fishing gear, take apart their rods and clean them with water and mild soap. Next, use an air compressor to clean reels and lubricate moving parts with oil. Before storing, look for broken or worn-out pieces and replace them.  Finally, ensure that your fishing accessories are dry before storing them away.

Enjoy a Peaceful Winter with Proper Storage

It can feel like a Herculean task to get your belongings through the winter in good condition, but it doesn't have to be. By following the tips above and combining them with Webfoot's custom storage solutions, you can relax, enjoy a peaceful winter and look forward to a damage-free summer.

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