Seasonal Storage Guide: How Melbourne Locals Can Declutter for Summer or Winter

Decluttering your living space is sometimes a necessity. Junk and items you’re no longer using can build up, preventing you from using your interior spaces how you’d like, especially as Melbourne’s seasons change. 

When this happens, self-storage can be a godsend. With this extra room, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: a clutter-free home and plenty of room for all your items.

While some parts of Australia are hot all year, Melbourne is far enough south for the seasons to vary quite a bit. As such, the items you need to keep on hand change significantly throughout the year. 

During summer, for example, you need to store bulky winter gear like snow tyres and coats. These take up a lot of room by themselves, which is a problem if you have limited space. 

During winter, you need to store all your summer stuff. For Australians, this might include things like jet skis, patio furniture, and kayaks. 

Christmas items also need a special type of storage of their own. Since decorations only come out for a few weeks of the year, it’s handy to have somewhere away from the home to keep them the rest of the time. 

People store all sorts of items in self-storage. Here are some ideas: 

• Wardrobes and large pieces of furniture
• Mattresses
• Dining tables and chairs
• Clothes you’re not wearing right now (off-season)
• Refrigerators, freezers, and other appliances
• Miscellaneous family items, like ornaments and photo albums
• Skiing equipment
• Pool accessories
• Small vehicles and outdoor sports equipment
• Artificial Christmas trees
• RVs and trailers
• Business inventory and event displays
• Bicycles and tricycles
• Decorations for weddings or cultural events
• Home removal supplies (i.e. boxes)

If you are planning to store your belongings in the summer or winter, it’s critical to prepare them properly. Here’s what to do for valuable items in various categories:

Storing jackets

If you’re planning on storing jackets, wash and thoroughly dry them first. Make sure you remove any body smells too, as these can attract pests. 

Always put jackets in a breathable garment bag. Don’t put them in plastic dry cleaning bags as these can attract unwanted moisture. 

If keeping leather or suede, make sure you condition the material first. This maintenance reduces risk of damage during storage. 

Protecting sports gear

Protecting sports gear also requires you to be quite diligent and pay attention to detail. If you don’t get it right, you could damage your equipment. 

For example, wash and clean items like bikes and kayaks. Don’t store them with any mud or salt on them as this can lead to rust or damage. 

For winter sports gear, clean all the bases and then apply storage wax. Leave it on until you’re ready to start the next season. 

Packing Christmas decorations safely

As for packing Christmas decorations, pay particular attention to the most delicate items. For example, if you have string lights, wrap them around a proper cord reel. Don’t just dump them in a box. 

For ornaments, case in proper boxes with styrofoam pieces. These will prevent them from slipping or becoming damaged when you move them. 

Wreaths are perhaps the most challenging to get right. Put them in a large plastic bag first and then look for an opportunity to hang them in your storage facility. 

Organising camping equipment

Lastly, you need to think about camping equipment. Again, ensure it is thoroughly dry before putting it away. 

For tents, always loosely roll them so they don’t crease along the same lines. For sleeping bags, wash them thoroughly and then add to large storage sacks. Don’t forget to empty all containers, especially those containing fuel for safety. 

Seasonal storage benefits the following type of people the most: 

• Families
• Students
• Downsizers
• FIFO workers

If you’re storing items, remember to rotate and check them as the seasons change. Also, use smart packing methods, such as: 

• Adding desiccants to control moisture during the winter
• Using heat-safe packing that won’t melt in the summer
• Storing in air-tight containers to prevent outgassing or loss of quality

All In Self Storage is a top option if you’re looking for seasonal storage in Melbourne. We offer flexible unit sizes, convenient access for and exceptional security for Pascoe Vale and North Melbourne residents.

Stop compromising. Explore our seasonal storage in Melbourne options today and make your life more flexible.