When the UK summer holidays arrive, so do the questions: where will guests sleep, how do I keep the house tidy, and what do I do with all this stuff? That’s where summer storage comes in. Whether you’re travelling, making space for family, or subletting your home, a temporary storage unit is a smart way to clear the clutter and keep your valuables safe. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to store, when it makes sense, and how to get it right.
Why Use Summer Storage Over the Holidays?
The summer months can bring chaos if you’re not prepared. Children are home from school, relatives drop by for extended stays, and some families head off for long trips or let their homes on Airbnb. In all of these cases, summer storage helps in ways you might not have considered:
- Create more living space for guests, events, or a more breathable home.
- Protect belongings during renovations or temporary lets.
- Safely store items that won’t be needed again until autumn.
- Stay organised and reduce stress by managing clutter effectively.
According to The Guardian, over half of UK parents report summer holidays as a stressful period, particularly when the home feels overcrowded or disorganised. Creating space with a self storage unit can help bring order to the madness.
What Belongs in Summer Storage?
Choosing what to store is all about seasonality and usage. If you won’t need it for the next few months, summer storage is the perfect solution. Here are some of the most common and practical things to store:
- Garden furniture and tools
- Seasonal sports gear
- Student belongings
- Extra bedding and furniture
- Winter clothing and boots
See more ideas: 25 Everyday Items You Can Put in Self Storage
When Summer Storage Is a Game-Changer
Some situations call for more than a quick tidy-up. That’s when summer storage becomes a real asset:
- Travelling or working abroad – keep your valuables secure while you’re away.
- Letting your home on Airbnb – remove personal items for a clean, guest-ready space.
- Undergoing home renovations – store furniture and breakables safely off-site.
- Subletting a flat – clear your belongings without selling or donating them.
Recommended: 5 Surprising Ways to Use a Storage Unit
Did you know?
A recent report by the Self Storage Association UK found that over 80% of storage users are households, and seasonal use—particularly during summer—is steadily rising year on year (SSA UK Data Report).
How to Prepare and Protect Your Items for Summer Storage
Whether you’re packing up your patio set or putting winter boots away, here’s how to store your belongings so they’re protected, well-organised, and easy to access later.
1. Garden Furniture & Tools
What to Store: Patio sets, loungers, BBQs, parasols, lawnmowers, garden toys.
How to Protect:
- Clean thoroughly to prevent mildew and rust—remove soil, food residue, or dampness.
- Disassemble furniture where possible to save space and reduce risk of damage.
- Cover sharp or metal edges to avoid accidental scratches or dents.
- Use furniture covers or blankets for added protection in transit and storage.
Pro Tip: Drain fuel from petrol-powered garden tools before storing to avoid leaks.
2. Bedding, Mattresses & Extra Furniture
What to Store: Guest beds, spare mattresses, folding chairs, duvets, pillows, blankets.
How to Protect:
- Vacuum-seal soft items like bedding to keep them clean, dry, and compact.
- Use mattress covers or thick sheets to shield against dust and moisture.
- Wrap wood furniture in breathable material like cotton sheets to prevent condensation damage.
Pro Tip: Avoid plastic wraps on furniture for long-term storage—they trap moisture.
3. Sports & Holiday Gear
What to Store: Camping gear, bikes, surfboards, kayaks, fishing rods, golf clubs.
How to Protect:
- Clean and dry everything before storage—especially water gear or anything used outdoors.
- Lubricate moving parts on bikes or tools to avoid rust while in storage.
- Use padded bags or cases for delicate equipment like fishing rods or surfboards.
Pro Tip: Store larger items vertically to maximise space and avoid pressure damage.
4. Seasonal Clothing & Footwear
What to Store: Coats, jumpers, boots, scarves, gloves—anything you won’t wear until autumn.
How to Protect:
- Wash and dry all items first—moths and mildew love damp or dirty clothes.
- Use fabric storage bags with cedar balls or lavender sachets to repel pests.
- Stack in clear, labelled boxes to make it easier to retrieve specific items later.
Pro Tip: Avoid using bin bags—they tear easily and can trap dampness.
Packing Tips for Summer Storage Success
A few clever choices can make your summer storage experience stress-free:
- Label everything clearly and stack heavier boxes at the bottom.
- Leave walkways inside your unit so you can reach things easily if needed.
- Store frequently used items near the front of the unit.
- Stick to the rules: never store perishable, hazardous, or illegal items.
Related: Check our full Self Storage Rules Guide
Final Thoughts
Summer storage isn’t just about freeing up space—it’s about creating flexibility in your life. Whether you’re hosting family, heading abroad, or just want a tidier home while the kids are around, a self storage unit gives you room to breathe. And when the holidays are over, you can bring everything back exactly as you left it.
Ready to make more space this summer? Contact your local Space Centre Self Storage team to find the right unit at the right price.