How to Make Use of Self Storage in the Summer

Not everything you need in the summer needs to live at home full-time. Large, bulky items that only come out on weekends or trips — like camping equipment, paddleboards and extra folding chairs — can take up a lot of real estate in your garage or entryway. The key is to store them somewhere accessible but out of the way.

Use your storage unit to rotate gear in and out based on your calendar. Keep the items you’re using that week within reach, and pack the rest neatly in labeled bins or secured upright on wall hooks or racks (if your unit allows). Group items by activity — e.g., beach days, camping trips, sports practice — so you’re not digging through a pile just to find your tent stakes.

One tip that makes a big difference is leaving a little room to move inside the unit. That way, loading and unloading becomes a five-minute task, not a full-day affair. When your storage works for you rather than against you, you’ll spend less time searching and more time actually enjoying the season.

Summer is the perfect time to press pause and rotate out the items that belong to colder months or earlier holidays. It’s easy to forget how much space these things take up until you’re wrestling with a box of Christmas lights while trying to find your picnic blanket.

Utilize your storage unit to neatly organize clutter and create space for a seamless summer living experience. Here are a few things worth packing away in case you haven’t done so already:

• Spring or winter holiday decorations
• Cold-weather linens like flannel sheets, heavy comforters and extra throws
• Space heaters, humidifiers and other seasonal appliances
• Off-season clothes and shoes you won’t touch until fall

Make the swap efficient by using clear bins with labels and grouping by category. It also helps to keep a quick inventory list so you don’t accidentally buy duplicates or forget what’s packed away. Think of it as setting up a seasonal rhythm —when something comes in for the summer, something else goes out.

Outdoor spaces tend to become catch-alls in the summer, especially if you’re entertaining, gardening or chasing kids and pets around. Suddenly, there’s a fire pit you’re not using, extra patio chairs stacked in a corner and an oversized cooler you only bring out once a month. It adds up quickly.

Instead of cramming it all into a shed or garage, move anything you’re not using regularly into storage. This frees up space for relaxing, gives your setup room to breathe and keeps less-used items in better condition by protecting them from the elements. Storage is also a lifesaver if you’re mid-way through a patio upgrade or backyard project and need to keep things temporarily out of the way.

Think of your unit as a flexible extension of your home, not a dumping ground. With the right setup, you can rotate things in and out based on your weekend plans without losing your rhythm.

Summer is one of the busiest times for home projects and life transitions. Whether you’re finally tackling that kitchen renovation or preparing for a move, having a flexible storage option can make the process smoother, cleaner and far less stressful. Here’s how storage can help:

• Free up space during renovations. Move furniture, rugs and breakables into a storage unit so your contractors have room to work and your belongings stay safe from dust and damage.
• Stage your home for sale. Clear visual clutter to make rooms look bigger and more inviting to potential buyers. Store family photos, excess furniture and anything too personal that you don’t want strangers to see.
• Ease moving day logistics. If there’s a gap between move-out and move-in dates, a storage unit can buy you time and keep your belongings secure and accessible.
• Downsize or reorganize. Summer moves often coincide with big life changes, such as kids leaving for college, blended households or retirement. Storage gives you breathing room while you make longer-term decisions.

When the school year ends, dorm rooms have to be cleared out fast. Trying to fit a mini fridge, desk lamp, laundry basket and six tote bags of clothes into a shared family garage doesn’t always work out. Summer storage offers a smart solution for college students no matter what year they’re in.

Instead of hauling everything home, students can keep their apartment or dorm room essentials close to campus or wherever they’ll need them next. It makes the back-to-school move much easier and cuts down on duplicate purchases. The key is to pack everything clean, dry and well-labeled so nothing gets forgotten or damaged during the break. Whether it's a full room’s worth of furniture or just a few boxes, storing over the summer means less stress and a smoother transition come fall.

Summer heat can damage your belongings if they’re not protected properly or if you live in a climate with high temperatures and humidity levels. 

If you’re facing heat waves in your area this summer, consider climate control. Climate-controlled storage units maintain a stable temperature and humidity level, which is critical for protecting sensitive items from warping, mold, fading or cracking. This is different from air-cooled units, which may offer ventilation or a fan system but don’t regulate humidity or ensure consistent temperature ranges. If your items would suffer in a hot attic or damp basement, they’re probably not safe in a standard or air-cooled unit either.

Here’s a list of items that benefit from true climate control:

• Electronics (TVs, computers, gaming consoles)
• Vinyl records and audio equipment
• Photos, photo albums and film negatives
• Musical instruments (especially woodwind and string)
• Leather goods (furniture, bags, shoes)
• Books, comics and paper archives
• Antiques and family heirlooms
• Wood furniture and cabinetry
• Artwork, paintings and canvas prints
• Collectibles (cards, dolls, figurines, memorabilia)
• Fabrics (wedding dresses, vintage clothing, linens)
• Household appliances with sensitive components

If you’re storing any of the above, upgrading your unit is a smart investment. At SmartStop, switching to a climate-controlled unit is quick and hassle-free, so you can make the change before the next heat wave hits.

Summer is the peak season for using boats, motorcycles, RVs and extra cars. However, not every vehicle is on the road (or water) every day. When they’re not in use, proper storage is key to protecting them from harsh sunlight, UV damage and summer storms.

Boats and Jet Skis

When watercraft sit exposed for too long, sun and saltwater can wear down finishes, fade upholstery and corrode engine parts. Covered or enclosed boat storage helps extend their lifespan, especially if you only take them out on weekends or during vacation weeks.

Motorcycles and ATVs

Two- and four-wheel recreational vehicles are especially vulnerable to heat and moisture. UV rays can crack seats and degrade rubber, while humidity invites rust. A shaded or indoor vehicle storage unit keeps them protected and ready to ride.

RVs and Trailers

When your RV isn’t on the move, it needs protection from more than just rain. Constant sun exposure can damage seals, dry out tires, and cause interior warping. Depending on the size and budget, consider either covered RV parking or an enclosed unit with enough clearance.

Extra Cars or Classic Vehicles

Do you have a seasonal vehicle or collector car? Don’t leave it baking in the driveway. A secure storage space — especially climate-controlled, if available — keeps the paint pristine, the interior protected and the battery in better condition for your next drive.

Whether you’re storing gear for the season or managing a more long-term setup, a few simple strategies can help you make the most of your storage unit during the summer months.

Prepare Your Items for Storage

• Clean and dry items before storing — especially textiles, tools and anything that was used outdoors.
• Disassemble furniture when possible to save space and prevent warping.
• Reserve your unit early. Summer is a busy season for storage, and the best units fill up fast.
• Cover larger items with breathable fabric sheets to protect them from dust without trapping moisture.

Store Your Items Properly

• Elevate items off the floor using pallets or shelves to protect against potential flooding or condensation buildup.
• Use moisture absorbers (like DampRid or silica gel packets) to control humidity and reduce mold or mildew risk.
• Choose plastic bins with airtight lids instead of cardboard, which can warp, attract pests and break down in humidity.
• Store heavier items on the bottom and lighter ones on top to prevent crushing.

Keep Everything Organized

• Label everything clearly so you don’t waste time digging through boxes.
• Group items by activity or season (e.g., “camping gear,” “party supplies,” “winter decor”) for easy access.
• Leave a center aisle or walking path so you can reach things in the back without unloading the whole unit.
• Visit your unit regularly to check for moisture, pests or shifting stacks.
• Keep an inventory list, either on paper or using a storage app (SmartStop’s app can help with this).

Ready to find a storage unit for your belongings this summer? Use our Storage Locator to find a facility near you. For more tips on staying organized, head to the SmartStop blog.