As summer fun turns into school days, you won't need a
backyard filled with outdoor activity equipment. What should you do with your
child's outside toys? Take a look at where and how to store summertime
playthings.
Do you need to store every backyard play item? The answer to
this question depends on several factors. These include:
- The climate.
If you live in a temperate area, you may not need to store everything.
Consider whether your child will go outside to play in the fall, winter,
or spring. If they will enjoy outdoor activities in the non-summer months,
leave some of the toys in your yard.
- The permanent factor.
A swing set, climber, or other permanent item needs to stay put. But
plastic playhouses, small paddling pools, and other similar toys can go
into storage.
- Your child's choice.
If your child isn't ready to part with all their summer toys, let them
pick a few to keep. Guide their choices and help them to pick toys you can
easily keep in your yard.
How much storage space you have available will be the
ultimate measure of what you can and cannot store.
Now that you know what you need to store, it's time to
choose a place to store it. Your choice of space depends on how many toys or
how much equipment your child has, the size of the items, and available storage
areas. Common storage options include:
- A basement.
Your basement provides an out of the way option for outdoor play item
storage. That is, unless you have a finished basement or don't have much
space left.
- A garage.
A garage that's near your yard is an easy option that requires less move
time (or effort). But if you don't have a garage, and your basement won't
work, you may need to find an off-site alternative.
- A self-storage
facility. A self-storage unit provides plenty of space away from your
home. This option helps you to declutter and store your child's summer
playthings safely.
A self-storage option requires plenty of prep. If this is
the best option for you and your family, you'll need to organize, strategize,
and move your child's toys/equipment to the off-site rental.
How should you prepare your child's outdoor activity
equipment for storage? Start with a few simple steps. Before you store:
- Wash everything.
Dirty toys and play equipment are messy to move and can invite pests into
your storage unit. Wash hard surfaces with warm, soapy water. Dry
everything completely. Failure to dry the toys may result in mold or
mildew growth.
- Create an inventory.
If you have multiple items to store, organize everything into categories
(such as riding toys or climbing equipment). List the items in each
category to create an inventory. You can write out the inventory, make a
spreadsheet, or use an app.
- Disassemble larger items. If you can take apart larger equipment, disassemble
it. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Pack the items in the boxes they came in. Save the boxes the toys came in. These provide the
best and easiest option for storage.
- Cover awkward items in plastic. If the equipment doesn't fit neatly into a box, wrap
it in plastic sheeting or a tarp.
- Label everything.
Make it easier to find the items next summer with labels. Write the name
of the item and the category it fits under.
When you get to the storage facility, organize the unit.
Store items you'll need first in the front. Leave room in between boxes, bins,
or equipment for easy access.
Do you need to rent a self-storage unit for your child's
summer outdoor toys and equipment? Contact All American Storage for
more information.
