Although summer might sometimes feel like it will last forever, the season ends sometime around September in most parts of the United States. If you’ve got many big summer toys like boats, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, Jet skis, Sunfish sailboats, and more, storing those big, expensive toys is critical. The last thing you want is to get to the following summer and realize your favorite toy is damaged or unusable because you stored it poorly. To help you avoid that situation, Northwest Self Storage put together the valuable information below. Keep reading if you’d like to find out how to store your summer toys safely, securely, and using the best methods possible. That way, you can take advantage of every delightful day the following summer brings.
Types of Storage for Your Summer Toys
You can use a few different methods to store your summer toys and do it well. For example, if you have an oversized garage, you can store your boat, Jet ski, canoe, or kayak inside. If you don’t have a garage (or it’s filled already), storing your boat or other summer toys in your driveway might be possible. (Check with your HOA first.) Some apartment complexes will also allow you to store your summer toys in one of their extra parking spaces (but, unfortunately, some won’t).
If none of those options are available, there’s always another, and it’s storing with Northwest Self Storage. Northwest has several different options for storing boats, kayaks, and the rest.
Storage Inside a Storage Unit
Any summer toys that can fit inside a storage unit can be stored there with a few caveats. (See below.) Inside a storage unit is the best place to store your toys as they will be completely protected from weather, debris, the sun’s UV rays, etc. Boat storage is possible inside a storage unit, as well as jet ski storage. Of course, kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, surfboards, and more can also be stored inside a storage unit. (Even some smaller RVs!)
Covered Parking Storage
Covered parking storage outside is made possible using a parking space with some awning, roof, etc. This protects from most weather as well as falling debris. Covered storage spaces are great for RV storage, especially if you have a huge RV. You can also store any other summertime toys under covered storage space, including sailboats, jet skis, campers, motorcycles, and anything that will fit in a parking space.
Uncovered Parking Storage
Boat storage, RV storage, jet ski storage, and more are possible with uncovered parking storage, which is a parking spot inside the fence of your local Northwest storage facility. This storage is another great affordable option for all summer toys. We highly recommend to cover your toy(s) with a high-quality cover to avoid any damage.
Important Rules When Storing a Vehicle in a Self Storage Facility
All vehicles stored in a self storage facility must adhere to several rules and regulations. They include the following:
- The vehicle must be in operating condition
- All vehicles must be insured and registered
- If stored in a storage unit, the unit’s door must be able to close and be locked.
- Any gear not permanently attached to the vehicle should be removed and stored inside it or in a storage unit.
How to Prepare a Summer Vehicle for Storage
Preparing a summertime vehicle for storage isn’t extremely difficult, but a few tips and tricks will ensure your toy stays in pristine shape while stored. Below are some essential tasks to properly prepare a summer vehicle for storage. Many are critical of you’re planning for long-term storage or short-term storage.
- Clean the vehicle (boat, jet ski, etc) thoroughly with fresh water. This is especially critical if you use the vehicle in salt water.
- Put a gasoline conditioner or a fuel stabilizer in your tank to prevent your gas from going bad.
- If you plan to store the vehicle in an outdoor storage parking space, cover it with a high-quality cover you can firmly attach to the vehicle.
- Remove the battery(s) from your vehicle and, if possible, place them on a trickle charger in your home.
- Chock the wheels of any vehicle you store so it can’t suddenly move and possibly injure someone.
- Top off any fluids, especially oil.
- Close any holes where vermin can enter and make a nest—exhaust ports, rod holders, etc.
- If it has an interior, clean and vacuum it well.
Storing Summer Gear
Storing summertime gear is no different from storing almost anything else. Although there are a few things you must keep in mind when you do. The first is to make sure whatever you’re storing is completely dry. If there’s any moisture, it could ruin your gear after a few months in storage, especially its metal parts.
Remember that you can use any storage rack in your storage unit as long as it fits inside. For example, there are racks to hang life jackets that keep them in good shape and let them dry 100% out if needed. Racks for kayaks and canoes and large storage bins can also be used. As long as it fits in your unit and doesn’t need to be attached to the unit’s walls, you’re good to go!
Keep Summer Going Strong Next Year by Storing with Northwest Self Storage
When you need to be sure your favorite summer toys and vehicles will be safe and secure, count on Northwest Self Storage. Northwest is the leader in storing summer toys and vehicles, with various storage options that make it easy, convenient, and secure. That includes vehicle storage for boats, RVs, campers, jet skis, and many more. See our storage unit size guide for visual help on what can fit in our storage units! Then find storage near you with Northwest Self Storage and make sure that, come next year, your toys will be ready for another season of summer fun!