Summer is officially in the rearview mirror. The kids are back in school, mornings are crisper, and the garage you could actually use back in May is now covered in the remnants of summer activities; camping gear, beach toys and more. 

Fall is the perfect time for a house and garage reset. Everything that lived outside all summer suddenly needs somewhere to go. On top of that, you may need to unbox halloween decorations or winter gear as you enter a new season. If you’re finding yourself surrounded by clutter, it’s time to consider finding a storage unit for your additional items. 

10 Things to Move Into Your Storage Unit This Fall

1. Summer Camping Gear

Tents, sleeping bags, camp chairs and coolers are bulky, and you won’t need most of them until spring. Before anything goes into storage, make sure it’s clean and completely dry. Even a little leftover moisture can turn into mold and mildew by the time camping season comes back around.

  • Set up your tent one last time, shake out dirt and pine needles, and let it air-dry fully.
  • Store tents and sleeping bags loosely in large, breathable bags (a mesh laundry bag or big pillowcase works) instead of their tight stuff sacks.
  • Wipe out coolers and cookware so no food residue attracts pests.
  • Pull batteries out of lanterns and headlamps.
  • Leave fuel canisters and propane at home, since flammable fuels don’t belong in a storage unit.

2. Pool & Beach Toys

Floaties, noodles, boogie boards, and sand buckets take up a surprising amount of space for something you’ll only use a few months a year.

  • Rinse off chlorine, salt, and sand, then let everything dry in the sun.
  • Fully deflate inflatables and fold or roll them loosely.
  • Towel-dry seams and valves, where water loves to hide.
  • Pack everything into a lidded, labeled bin so it’s ready to grab next summer.

3. Patio Furniture & Outdoor Entertaining Gear

If you have specific patio furniture that is best suited for summer weather, now is a good time to pick it up and place it in storage to avoid weathering damage. 

  • Wash cushions according to the care label and make sure they’re bone-dry before packing.
  • Use breathable furniture covers or old sheets rather than sealing cushions in plastic, which can trap moisture.
  • Fold tables, stack chairs and keep small hardware in labeled bags.
  • Storing a grill? Clean the grates and disconnect the propane tank, which stays at home.

4. Bikes & Scooters

With shorter days and wetter weather, many bikes and scooters get parked until spring. A few minutes of maintenance now saves you a trip to the bike shop later.

  • Wash off dirt and grime, dry everything and lube the chain to keep rust away.
  • Inflate tires to the recommended PSI (it’s printed on the sidewall) to help prevent flat spots.
  • Use a freestanding bike rack or stand to keep bikes upright and save floor space.
  • For e-bikes and electric scooters, follow the manufacturer’s battery storage guidance before packing them away.

5. Sports Gear from Last Season

Summer leagues are done and fall sports are kicking off. Clear out last season’s bats, cleats, and pads to make room.

  • Clean and air out pads, gloves and cleats completely before storing. Sealing damp gear in a bin is a recipe for odor.
  • Sort gear by sport into clear, labeled bins.
  • Think ahead: put summer gear toward the back of your unit and keep ski and snowboard gear near the front for winter.

6. Seasonal Clothing

Swimsuits, shorts, sandals and sundresses can take a break until next year, which frees up closet space for sweaters and rain jackets.

  • Vacuum-sealed bags are great for cotton, synthetics, and swimwear and can save a lot of space.
  • Skip vacuum-sealing for wool, down, and leather, which need room to breathe and can lose their shape when compressed.
  • Use clear bins with secure lids and label them by person or category.

7. Extra Toys

Back-to-school season is a great time to declutter the playroom. Rotating toys in and out of storage also makes “old” toys feel new again.

  • Sort toys into keep, store and donate piles.
  • Wipe everything down and make sure it’s dry before packing.
  • Remove batteries from electronic toys to prevent leaks and corrosion.
  • Store stuffed animals and small pieces in lidded, labeled bins so nothing gets lost or crushed.

8. Gardening Equipment

Once the last tomatoes are picked and the lawn slows down, garden tools and yard equipment are prime candidates for fall storage.

  • Knock dirt off shovels, rakes and pruners, dry them, and wipe them with a light coat of oil to prevent rust.
  • Drain hoses completely and coil them loosely.
  • Keep fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals at home.

9. Summer Holiday Decorations

Fourth of July bunting, flags, patio lanterns and backyard party décor can be packed up as you pull out pumpkins and fall wreaths.

  • Wrap fragile pieces in tissue paper or bubble wrap.
  • Remove batteries from lighted décor.
  • Organize clear, labeled bins by holiday so you can swap summer décor for fall and winter decorations in one trip.

10. Furniture You’re Not Using Every Day

With college students heading back to campus and summer guests gone, you may have extra furniture taking up valuable space: the guest bed, extra dining chairs, or that outdoor-to-indoor accent chair.

  • Clean each piece, then disassemble what you can. Tape bagged screws and hardware to the piece they belong to.
  • Cover furniture with moving blankets or breathable furniture covers. Avoid wrapping wood or upholstery directly in plastic.
  • Keep furniture off the floor when possible, and don’t stack heavy items on upholstered pieces.
  • Wood, leather and upholstered furniture are good candidates for a climate-controlled unit.

Fall Storage Tips for Packing Your Unit

Now that you know what to store, here’s how to make your unit easy to use all season long:

  • Plan your layout. Put items you won’t need until next summer in the back and keep holiday and winter gear up front.
  • Leave an aisle. A small walkway means you won’t have to unpack half the unit to find one box.
  • Label everything. Clear bins and detailed labels like “Pool Toys” or “Camping – Kitchen” save time later.
  • Stack smart. Heavy items go on the bottom and lighter boxes on top.
  • Pick the right size. A 5×5 unit, about the size of a walk-in closet, works well for seasonal décor, garden tools, and camping gear. If you’re adding patio furniture and bikes, a 10×10 may be a better fit. Check out our storage unit size guide to compare options.
  • Know what not to store. Flammable liquids and fuels, perishables and toxic materials should never go into a storage unit.

Do You Need Climate-Controlled Storage This Fall?

It depends on what you’re storing. Standard units work well for hardy items like garden tools, metal patio furniture and outdoor gear. Wood furniture, clothing, electronics and delicate décor benefit from a more stable environment, especially through a damp Pacific Northwest winter, a desert summer or Hawaii’s humidity.

As our guide “What Is Climate-Controlled Self Storage?” explains, climate-controlled storage units “remain within a set temperature range, usually between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.” Many Urban Storage facilities offer climate-controlled or heated units, such as DuPont Heated Self Storage in Washington and South Waterfront Heated Storage in Portland, Oregon, but features vary by location, so check your local facility’s amenities before you reserve.

Find a Storage Unit Near You

Fall storage doesn’t have to be a big project. Clean and dry everything, pack it smart and  plan a morning to move your items into your storage unit. 

Urban Storage operates 85+ facilities across Washington, Oregon, New Mexico, Arizona, and Hawaii. All of our locations are locally-owned and run, which means that you will be working with people that care about your storage experience.Take a peek at what cities our locations reside in. We’d love to help you find the right fit. Use our location finder to find a storage unit near you and get a head start on your seasonal storage this fall.