4 Summer Items You Should Store Professionally This Fall

Norm Kotoch
September 1st, 2025

As the crisp autumn air settles over Northeast Ohio, the season of backyard barbecues, lake days, and weekend road trips comes to a close. Now comes the annual task of packing away summer. While it’s tempting to stuff everything back into the garage or basement, these spaces often lack the security and stable environment needed to protect your valuable equipment.

Overcrowded garages lead to clutter, accidental damage, and leave your primary vehicles out in the cold. This year, reclaim your space and give your summer gear the protection it deserves. Here are four key summer items that benefit from professional self-storage.

1. Boats, RVs, and Classic Cars

Your recreational vehicles are significant investments. Leaving them exposed to the harsh Ohio winter—with its snow, ice, and salt—can lead to rust, cracked tires, and engine damage. Even a simple garage doesn't always offer enough space or protection.

The Solution: Secure vehicle storage is essential. At Security Self-Storage VII in Solon, we offer indoor and covered parking designed specifically for boats, RVs, and classic cars. Our facility shields your vehicles from the elements, and with features like 24/7 DVR surveillance and a secure perimeter, you can rest easy knowing your prized possession is safe all winter long.

2. Patio Furniture and High-End Grills

Outdoor living sets and sophisticated grills can be expensive. Constant exposure to moisture, freezing temperatures, and thawing cycles will warp wooden furniture, rust metal frames, crack plastic, and damage the delicate components of your grill. Simply throwing a tarp over them isn't enough to prevent damage from moisture and pests.

The Solution: A clean, dry self-storage unit is the perfect home for your outdoor gear. A 5x10 or 10x10 unit provides ample space to store your patio set, cushions, umbrellas, and grill. This not only protects them but also frees up significant space on your patio or in your garage for the fall and winter months.

3. Lawn and Garden Equipment

Lawnmowers, trimmers, and other garden tools contain fuel and oil that can degrade over the winter. They also take up a surprising amount of floor space in a garage, creating tripping hazards. Storing them properly ensures they’ll be in top condition and ready to go next spring.

The Solution: Before storing, be sure to drain the fuel and clean the equipment to prevent corrosion. A ground-floor unit at our facility makes it easy to wheel equipment in and out. By moving these bulky items off-site, you’ll have more room for your car and everyday tools.

4. Summer Sports and Camping Gear

Kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles, tents, and sleeping bags are often relegated to a damp corner of the basement or a cluttered shed. This can lead to mold and mildew on fabrics, rust on bike chains, and general deterioration of your gear.

The Solution: A climate-controlled storage unit is the ideal choice for protecting these items. It prevents the extreme temperature swings and humidity that can damage sensitive materials. By keeping your gear organized and protected in a dedicated space, you ensure it’s ready for your first adventure next summer.

Prepare for Fall with a Clutter-Free Space

Don't let your summer investments become winter casualties. Storing them properly not only extends their lifespan but also gives you back valuable space in your home and garage.

Ready to make room for fall? Contact Security Self-Storage at (440) 636-1655 to learn more about our storage options, from climate-controlled units to secure indoor vehicle parking.

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