In the UK, camping storage ideas can be a challenge. Many homes struggle for storage space, let alone suitable storage for tents and other equipment. Storing your camping equipment correctly is extremely important if you want to make sure your gear remains in good condition.
Failure to do so can result in equipment that is damp, smelly, sun damaged, or even moth-eaten, which will not provide adequate protection from the elements. Replacements can be costly, particularly if camping is a regular activity for your family. Here are our camping equipment storage ideas that will ensure your kit is safely packed away and ready for your next trip.
Before you even think about storing your equipment, you need to prepare by making any necessary repairs to your kit and ensuring everything is clean and dry. Take particular care of cooking equipment that may hold crumbs and attract pests. If you have any items that contain batteries or gas canisters, then these should also be removed to avoid any dangerous leaks
Storage ideas for camping equipment
Once your equipment is clean and dry, you will be ready to get everything packed away.
Make lists and label
It can be easy to forget what you have when you don’t use it for a while. Making a list of everything and correctly labelling boxes mean that you won’t make any unnecessary purchases and that you will be able to find everything with ease.
Separate storage for anything you may need before your next trip
If you are likely to need your camping bed or sleeping bags when you have a friend or family stay over, make sure these items are kept separately and are easy to access. Rolled sleeping bags, for example, can be popped into a pillowcase and stored under your bed if you have the space.
Use airtight containers to store food
Any unopened food such as tinned goods or rice pouches that have a date long enough to last beyond your next trip can be stored with your equipment in airtight containers.
Cool, dark and dry conditions
All camping equipment should always be stored in cool, dark and dry conditions to prevent dampness or bleaching from sunlight. Lidded plastic boxes are a great option to keep the sunlight and water out.
Storage ideas for camping clothes
If you have a selection of clothing and footwear such as thermals, waterproofs, and hiking boots that you use exclusively on your camping trips, you’ll want to make sure these are stored correctly too.
Organise before storing
As with all your other camping gear, you should ensure your clothing is clean and dry before storing it away. Check pockets are empty and throw away anything that is no longer suitable for wearing.
Store clothing in plastic, not cardboard boxes
It can be tempting to fold everything up and place it into cardboard boxes for easy storage, but cardboard is not waterproof and can attract insects. Plastic boxes are far more suitable and can be reused
Use vacuum bags
Vacuum bags are a great way to save on space, they are also easy to stack.
Although organisation of equipment may not be what you want to do after a tiring trip, you will thank yourself for it in the future! Storing your camping equipment correctly will mean that when you are ready for your next adventure, your kit will be too! You won’t be looking for that missing sleeping bag or wondering where the tent poles have been hiding.
If you do not have the room to store your camping gear in a shed, loft, or spare room then a storage facility could be the answer to ensure your valuable equipment is kept safe and out of your way. If you are based in East London, Essex or West Sussex, then why not get in touch to find out more about our storage solutions.