We’ve all been there — coming home after a ski trip, tossing gear into a corner with a “I’ll deal with that later.” Fast-forward to next season, and suddenly your snowboard base is dry, your helmet smells weird, and your gear feels older than it should.
This guide is here to help you avoid all that. Whether you ski, climb, cycle or dive — proper maintenance and storage is key to preserving your sports equipment (and your investment!).
Step 1: Clean your gear before storage
No matter the sport, cleaning your gear properly after use is the foundation of long-term durability.
- Remove dirt, sweat, salt and grime
- Use special detergents for technical fabrics (no fabric softeners!)
- Machine wash at low temperatures (30–40°C) and avoid spin cycles
- For shoes: take out the insoles and clean separately
- For metal parts: wipe with a damp cloth and dry immediately to avoid rust
Step 2: Let it dry completely
Moisture = mold.
Always let your gear air-dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area before packing it away.
💡 Pro tip: Stuff wet shoes with newspaper — it absorbs moisture and helps keep shape.
Step 3: Smart packing = safer gear
- Use breathable storage bags or plastic crates
- Add silica gel packets to reduce humidity inside the box
- Label your boxes by season or sport so you’re not digging next time
Step 4: Choose the right storage space
Temperature and humidity matter.
The best environment for your sports gear is:
- Cool, dry, and dark
- Around 15–20°C and 40–60% humidity
- Stable climate — no attics, no humid cellars
Use a hygrometer to monitor the space if you’re unsure.
Sport-specific storage tips
🚲 Bicycles
- Clean & lube the chain every 200–300 km
- Pump tires to max pressure for long-term storage
- Avoid frame damage: don’t use clamp stands on carbon bikes
- Keep a maintenance journal for mileage and parts replaced
🎿 Skis & Snowboards
- Clean bases and wipe edges dry
- Apply a thick wax coat without ironing before off-season
- Store upright or flat — avoid pressure on tips/tails
🧗 Climbing gear
- Wash ropes every 40–50 uses
- Inspect stitching and buckles on harnesses
- Use mild soap and lukewarm water, then air-dry flat
- Replace ropes after 7 years or 200 uses, even if they still look good
🤿 Dive gear
- Soak regulators in fresh water for 2+ minutes
- Let wetsuits dry inside out in the shade
- Clean thoroughly with neoprene shampoo
- Dry and store BCDs and computers with care — check O-rings regularly
Not enough space at home?
Here’s where SaveSpace can help you out. 🧠📦
SaveSpace – The storage solution for your gear between seasons
You love your sports. You just don’t want ski boots under your desk or a bike in your hallway.
SaveSpace makes seasonal gear storage effortless:
- We pick up your sports equipment directly from your home
- Store it in dry, secure, climate-controlled storage boxes
- You get a digital photo inventory of all items
- Need your skis back for a trip? Just click and we deliver.
And the best part?
You only pay for the space you use.
No keys, no storage unit to visit, no sweat.
Why athletes choose SaveSpace:
✅ Convenient pickup & return delivery
✅ Perfect temperature & humidity control
✅ Flexible plans — weekly, monthly, seasonal
✅ Great for families or gear-heavy sports lovers
✅ No need to rent your own storage unit
Whether it’s ski season, cycling weather or time to hang up your gear for a few months — SaveSpace has your back.
👉 Book storage for your sports equipment now – with SaveSpace