Fall Storage Prep: What to Put Away and When

With August here and the back-to-school rush already in full swing, it's hard to ignore the signs that fall is right around the corner. The days are getting shorter, nights cooler, and stores are filling up with Halloween decorations and seasonal displays. For most people, this is the month when summer activities start winding down, and routines begin to shift. That makes it the ideal time to start thinking about what needs to be put away—and how to do it right.

Whether you’re a homeowner juggling seasonal yardwork, a busy parent managing kids’ sports gear, or a college student transitioning back to campus life, prepping now means less stress later. And while you may not need a formal “fall storage checklist,” there are definitely categories of items that deserve your attention before the weather changes.

Why Fall Storage Prep Matters

Each season has its own pace and demands, and fall is all about transition. Getting ahead of that transition—especially when it comes to your living space—has several key benefits. You’ll free up room in your garage, closets, and sheds. You’ll protect summer items that don’t handle cold, moisture, or pests well. And perhaps most importantly, you’ll avoid the scramble that always seems to hit when that first unexpected frost arrives.

Many people underestimate how much of their environment is seasonal. From outdoor furniture to clothing, summer is a gear-heavy season. Left unattended, those items can become damaged by fall rains, mold, rodents, or freezing temperatures. Prepping now doesn’t just help you declutter. It helps you preserve the value of what you already own.

Understanding the Seasonal Shift

August is the perfect month to begin transitioning your home and storage habits. Even if it still feels like summer outside, this is the time to start putting away infrequently used gear, rotating your wardrobe, and thinking about space for the upcoming months. Fall brings its own storage needs—think holiday decorations, winter sports gear, and seasonal clothing. To make room, summer gear needs to be moved out of the way in an organized fashion.

Outdoor living spaces tend to be the first area of the home affected by fall. Patio sets, cushions, string lights, pool toys, and garden décor often take a beating when left exposed to wet weather or dipping temperatures. Likewise, items like hoses, gardening tools, and lawnmowers are best stored after their final use for the season—typically sometime between late September and early October, depending on your region.

Inside the home, closets begin shifting from tank tops and sandals to sweaters and boots. By mid to late August, many families begin putting away beachwear, swimsuits, lightweight fabrics, and summer accessories. This rotation is a great opportunity to declutter and prep your items for clean, organized storage.

What Kind of Items Should You Store?

While everyone’s storage needs are different, some categories tend to come up again and again when fall rolls around:

• Outdoor furniture and patio gear often need to be protected from moisture and freezing conditions. Metal components can rust, fabrics can mold, and wood can warp if left outside too long.
• Yard equipment like weed trimmers, edgers, hoses, and even lawnmowers benefit from being cleaned and stored in a dry space once you’ve completed your final mow or landscape clean-up.
• Summer sports and recreation gear—bikes, kayaks, skateboards, surfboards, and fishing rods—are often used less as temperatures cool. Storing these items frees up valuable garage space and extends their lifespan.
• Recreational vehicles such as boats, RVs, jet skis, and ATVs require special care in the off-season. Winterizing and storing them properly can save thousands in repair costs and ensure they’re ready to go when warm weather returns.
• Clothing and accessories are often overlooked. But storing off-season apparel correctly can help prevent damage, free up closet space, and make your winter wardrobe more accessible.

If you're a college student or parent of one, fall may also be the time when summer belongings like dorm furniture, bins, and electronics come back into your home. If space is tight, renting a small storage unit to hold off-season items can help ease the transition.

Choosing the Right Time to Store

Timing is everything when it comes to seasonal storage. Store too early and you might find yourself digging things back out. Wait too long, and you risk exposing your items to the elements.

For outdoor equipment and furniture, it’s best to wait until you’re done using them regularly—often by late September or early October. For clothing and household gear, the shift can begin as early as August, especially if school has started or cooler weather is on the horizon.

RV and boat owners should plan to store vehicles after their final trip, usually in mid to late fall. Before storage, these vehicles should be cleaned, winterized, and properly covered. If you need help finding a space, Goodfellas Storage offers RV and boat parking at several locations.

Storage Best Practices for Fall

Once you’ve identified what you plan to store, taking a few extra steps can protect your belongings all season long.

Clean and Dry Everything

Always clean items before putting them into storage. Dirt, food residue, or moisture can lead to mold, mildew, and pest infestations. Wipe down tools, wash clothing, and let everything dry completely before packing it away.

Use the Right Containers

Sturdy plastic bins with secure lids offer better protection than cardboard boxes. For items that need ventilation, like fabric or leather, choose breathable bags or bins. Store soft items off the floor if possible, especially in non-climate-controlled units.

Label and Organize

If you’re storing multiple categories of items, label each container clearly. Group like items together—garden tools in one bin, pool toys in another. This will save time and frustration when you need to retrieve something months later.

Consider Pest Prevention

Avoid storing anything with a scent (like candles or food), and use moisture absorbers or cedar blocks to deter insects. Keep boxes sealed, and don’t leave items sitting directly on the floor if you're concerned about rodents or ground moisture.

How Self Storage Can Help

Self storage is a smart and convenient solution for fall transitions. Rather than cramming gear into every corner of your garage, basement, or attic, you can free up space at home and keep your belongings protected until you need them again.

At Goodfellas Storage, we offer a wide range of unit sizes across multiple states. Whether you need a compact 5x5 unit for seasonal clothing or a spacious 10x20 for patio sets, sports equipment, and lawn tools, we’ve got the space for you. Use our storage unit size guide to find the perfect fit.

For RV and boat owners, dedicated outdoor parking spaces are available at select properties. These spaces are gated, fenced, and accessible year-round.

Questions You May Be Asking

Q: Do I need climate-controlled storage for fall?

A: Climate control is helpful if you’re storing sensitive items like electronics, leather goods, or high-end clothing. For tools, patio furniture, and most gear, non-climate units are perfectly suitable.

Q: What if I don’t have much to store?

A: Even a small 5x5 or 5x10 unit can make a big difference. Think of it as an extension of your home. It's especially useful if you live in a smaller apartment, condo, or townhome where storage space is limited.

Q: How long should I keep items in storage?

A: That depends on your needs. Some customers rent short-term for a few months, while others keep units year-round to help manage seasonal transitions more smoothly.

Q: What happens if I need more space later?

A: It’s easy to upgrade your storage unit. Our team can help you transfer to a larger size if your needs change. Just contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

Make Fall Simple with Goodfellas Storage

Preparing for fall doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning and the right storage solution, you can protect your belongings, reclaim your space, and start the season fresh. Whether you’re storing summer gear, recreational equipment, or seasonal clothes, a storage unit can help keep your home organized and your items in top condition.

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