As the weather turns cooler and the days get shorter, we all know summer draws close, prompting the need to prepare for the upcoming winter. But what should you do with all of your summer gear? This is where the concept of seasonal storage becomes essential.


By employing an effective storage strategy, you can efficiently declutter your garage and store away summer items that won't be needed during the winter and fall. If you're uncertain about the best approach, fear not—we're here to offer guidance and assistance.

Below are seven ways to easily transition from summer to winter/fall with seasonal storage.

7 Seasonal Storage Tips

A webfoot visual guide (7 Seasonal storage tips)

Tip 1: Store Summer Clothes

Winter clothing such as earmuffs, coats, jackets, and mittens tend to be bulky, and one of the best ways to create enough storage space for them is to put away your summer clothes. You probably will not need that swimsuit and a sun hat in the winter, so store them in boxes, hanging bags, suitcases, hangers, or other appropriate storage options to declutter and free up space. Webfoot Garage Cabinets can be sized to fit the storage bins you use every year, or a wardrobe section sized to fit your needs.

clothing storage

Tip 2: Store Large Summer Gear with Vertical Storage

Summer's warmth and landscape create the perfect conditions for all outdoor activities requiring some gear. But that's over for now, so you do not need all that gear. So, if you own a hiking backpack, camping gear, grill stands, trampolines, and other sizeable summer gear, it's time to pack them up. For instance,

Paddleboards: All you need to store your paddleboard for the upcoming winter season is a SUP shelf, preferably indoors - away from icy conditions. Along with our custom cabinets, Webfoot offers slat walls as part of your re-imagined garage space. Popular add-ons for slat walls let you store your paddleboard off the ground and free up floor space. 

Fishing poles: To protect your fishing rods from the elements and rot, storing them in vertical racks or rod holders off the ground is best. Try our Webfoot'sWebfoot's Gravity Grabbers as a vertical storage solution.

Suppose you own a kayak, canoe, or boat. Consider spacious storage options such as warehouses, sheds, basements, and water vessel storage facilities. Or, with a Webfoot concrete coating, your garage floor is strong enough to hold the weight of whatever large, out-of-water equipment you need to store for the winter - as long as you've got the garage space (our custom storage solutions can help with that, too). 

Tip 3: Store Gardening Gear

Everyone knows winter is not the best time for farming since gardens are usually covered in snow, and plants barely grow. That's why it makes sense to store away rakes, shovels, hand trowels, digging forks, wheelbarrows, garden shears, and other gardening tools you have lying around since you won't use them.

Depending on your preference and the garden tools you want to store, you can customize a slat wall for this purpose or store smaller gear in a built-in workbench section. Webfoot can help you design custom solutions.

Custom shelves for gardening gear.

Tip 4: Store Pool Toys & Accessories

Floating tubes: These are usually very susceptible to weather changes. It is best to store them in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags. If you don't want to look at bins and bags all winter, then Webfoot, you can design cabinets the exact size for the containers or bags you choose to maximize your storage space. 

Pool toys and accessories: Swimming, whether in pools or controlled waters, is a fun summer activity that many loves, and it is made even better and safer with toys and accessories. However, you may not need these items for a while. 

Rather than letting them clutter your space, store them with hanging storage hooks, laundry baskets, and wall-mounted racks on slat walls.

Tip 5: Store Summer Decorations & Get Out New Seasonal Decor

As the weather changes, so should your indoor and outdoor decor. Take down all your summer decorations and store them in appropriate storage units. Functional slat walls or large cabinets are great solutions for seasonal decor you don't need year-round. Then, bring out the winter/fall decorations. Emerald green, alabaster white, and teal blue are great colors for winter decor.

Tip 6: Make Your Gear For Fall & Winter Activities Easy To Access

Scouring your garage for a pair of mittens or beanies just before heading out into the cold is avoidable. You only need to set up a system to find your stored winter accessories quickly. 

You can attach corresponding tags to boxes, drawers, closets, shelves, and other storage units. This way, you can find items without much fuss. However, to work optimally, ensure that each storage unit has the appropriate label and that you return items to the proper storage units. 

You can always make your winter gear accessible by designing a custom storage solution with Webfoot. Working with a Webfoot Design Consultant, you can craft a system with a place for everything to find the items you're looking for easily. 

Custom organized garage with cabinets and shelving.

Tip 7: Prepare For Fall & Snow By Prepping Equipment

Configuring and preparing specific equipment for winter is crucial, as changing weather conditions can affect their functionality. 

For example, depending on the equipment, you may need to switch to winterized fuel/oil, install block heaters, use starting fluid, run the engine until it reaches operating temperature, perform tire and undercarriage maintenance, or keep the batteries warm. 

These simple measures will ensure that all your equipment works optimally and reduce the likelihood of breakdowns despite the icy conditions. 

Winter is Coming - Be Ready. 

Summer is ending, which can only mean winter is coming. Make sure to prepare for weather changes, especially regarding storage. But, contrary to public opinion, this is not a Herculean task. Follow the tips highlighted in this blog, and you'll be ready for winter and fall in the storage department.