With
summer coming to an end and fall just around the corner, you
may be starting to think about where and how
all of your summer toys and equipment should be
stored. In order to keep your belongings in the best possible condition, it’s
important to know how to properly take care of and store them. Continue reading to
learn more!
Summer Toys
When
it comes to children’s summer toys and gear, it’s important to thoroughly clean
and dry them out before placing them in long-term storage. Many summertime toys
such as high-powered water guns, bubble-making machines, and motorized pool toys require batteries. Be
sure to remove all batteries prior to cleaning these
items and leaving them out to dry. Neglecting to do so can allow bacteria to
grow, resulting in mold and mildew. Once dry, you can store
these items in clearly labeled plastic containers to keep out insects and pests, while also staying organized.
Outdoor Furniture
Regardless
of what material your patio and other outdoor furniture is made of,
properly storing them for the upcoming season can save you a lot of time
and money in the long run. Leaving out tables and chairs can quickly lead to
rust and water damage. Additionally, when winter comes, the weight of snow can
warp and damage pieces of furniture beyond repair. Storing your items in a climate controlled storage unit or in a garage with
protective coverings can eliminate these issues, leaving your furniture ready
to go come springtime.
Cookout Equipment
Properly
storing your cookout equipment can save you a lot of hassle come next season.
Follow these tips to be sure you're prepared for the next BBQ season.
Grills
When preparing your grill for long-term storage, it’s important to clean out
any leftover food residue, dust, or ash to prevent pest damage and mold growth. Be sure to
include a thorough cleaning of any grates, grease traps, or other components.
Gas grills should have their propane tanks removed and stored
separately. Don’t forget to turn off any valves. Once completed, you can place
your protective cover over the grill and store inside a shed or garage.
Meat
Smokers
If
your smoker isn't located inside your home or in a sheltered area, it may be
time to start thinking about storing it for the season. Just like with your grill,
you’ll want to give your equipment a thorough cleaning. Be sure to remove any
racks or cooking surfaces, and to wipe out
the interior with a rag. Don’t forget the charcoal basket, ash pan, or any
accessories that go along with it. Following that, you can place your
protective cover and move your smoker into a garage or shed for safe keeping.
Fire
Pits
After
an extended period of being wet from rain or snow, it can be difficult
to light your fire pit again. To avoid this, be sure to properly winterize your
fit pit this coming fall. First, you’ll want to remove any debris so that it doesn't rust or
clog up over the winter. If there is a gas or electric component to your fire
pit, you’ll want to turn those off. Then, simply cover your fire pit with a
fitted, weather-resistant cover.
Lawn Care Equipment
After
a long summer of lawn care and
maintenance, it’s almost time to pack up your tools for the year. In order to
maintain the quality of your equipment, you’ll want to make sure they are
stored properly.
Lawnmowers
and Weedeaters
First,
you’ll want to review the manufacturer’s instructions for information on
long-term storage. It’s important to know that
many lawn mowers will recommend that you drain the engine until it’s empty,
while others might require you to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank. Once
completed, you’ll want to rinse off any dirt or grass left on the equipment.
Leftover grass may invite pests to assemble their winter home inside your
machines. Lastly, you’ll want to place plastic, weather-proof covers over your
tools for an added layer of protection and store in either a garage
or shed.
Sprinklers
If
you have a sprinkler system, winterizing will be key to protecting the pipes
and valves from the oncoming cold. First, turn off the water and the timer.
Then, you can drain out any leftover water. Some systems have a manual draining process while others have an
automatic draining process. Refer to your instruction manual for more
information on your specific system. Finally, insulate the above ground
components by wrapping them in foam covers or insulation tape. Pro-tip: When cleaning the
backflow preventers, be sure to avoid blocking any air vents or drain outlets.
Hoses
Before
freezing temperatures arrive, it is important to winterize your outside garden
hoses. Neglecting to do so can result in broken or burst pipes feeding water
into your basement and crawl space. In order to
winterize your hose system, complete
the following tasks. First, remove and drain all hoses. Next, locate all the
hose bib shut off valves in your home and turn them to the off position. Finally,
open the outdoor hose bib to allow any trapped water to flow out. If a little
bit of water comes out and then stops,
you have completed winterizing your hoses.
Recreational Vehicles
ATVS
and UTVS
In
order to properly store your ATV or UTV, you’ll want to start with a
thorough cleaning. Once your recreational vehicle is clean, it’s time to make
sure all components that can rust or corrode are protected. Be sure to
lubricate items like the chain, drive shaft, u-joins, CV joints, suspension, throttle
cable, brake cable, and clutch cable with a waterproof grease. Next, you’ll want to
service your coolant. Neglecting to replace your
coolant can lead to chemical build-up and corrosion. Then you can service the
oil, air filters, fuel system, cylinders, carburetor, battery, and finally your
tires. Once completed, it’s important to store your vehicle where it will be
safe from freezing temperatures, rain, and snow. If you don’t have garage or
shed space available, you may consider renting a storage unit for the season.
Bicycles
To
keep your bike in tip-top shape for the next season, start by thoroughly
cleaning and drying the entire frame of the bike and all its components. Don’t
forget to clean and lubricate the chain as well. Next, in order to prevent
water or humidity from degrading the material, you can wipe the frame and the
chain with a layer of silicon oil. You’ll want to make sure
that your bike isn’t sitting on its tires for a long time as they can start to
become flat which can damage the rims if left long enough. Be sure to hang your
bike inside your shed or garage in order to avoid this type of damage.
Properly
storing your summer related toys and equipment
will not only prolong the lifespan of your items, but it will save you time and
money come next season. For more storage related tips, check out the link below!
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