Sports equipment has a habit of accumulating. One bike becomes two, skis sit in the hallway for months, garden football nets end up in a pile in the garage. If you're clearing space or heading into the off-season, self-storage is a practical option — provided you store things correctly.
Before you start, check whether your equipment came with any storage instructions. Some items — carbon-frame bikes, certain wet suits, expensive ski boots — have specific requirements worth knowing about.
Prepare equipment before it goes in
- Bikes: Remove lights and accessories. Clean the frame, oil the chain and cables, and check tyre pressure.
- Skis and snowboards: Wax skis before storing to prevent the bases drying out. Store bindings in the correct position.
- Balls: Deflate inflatable balls slightly — they expand in warm conditions. Keep balls in mesh bags rather than sealed plastic. Tennis balls can stay in their tubes.
- Shoes and boots: Clean thoroughly before storing. A shoe rack keeps things organised and takes up less space than a pile.
Storing safely and efficiently
- Hang bikes, skateboards, skis, and fishing rods from secure hooks on walls or the ceiling — saves floor space and keeps them safe
- Store heavy items on the floor so they can't fall on anyone
- Cover equipment with old towels or dust sheets — not plastic, which traps moisture
- Don't leave bags directly on the floor if there's any risk of water getting in
- Dismantle anything that can be taken apart — garden goal nets, large exercise equipment — to save space
The small stuff
Shin pads, helmets, cleats, knee pads, socks — use clearly labelled plastic storage bins for these. Group like with like, clean everything before it goes in, and you'll spend a lot less time hunting when you need something.
If you're using a self-storage unit
- Check all equipment for any repair needs before it goes in
- Draw up a simple inventory and a rough map of where things are in the unit
- Pack heavy equipment at the back, most-used items near the door
- Leave a clear path through the middle so you can reach the back without unloading everything
Sports equipment adds up in value quickly. cover4storage policies start from £15 a year — set your cover to the full replacement value of your gear. Get a quote →
Check that your gear's replacement value is covered on our What's Covered page.