The equipment needed for your favorite activities is often very bulky.
Skis, snowboards, bicycles, kayaks, windsurfing gear, scuba equipment, and home gym machines: all these items enrich your free time but can become a logistical problem when not in use.
Here are some tips on how to properly prepare your sports equipment for periods of non-use; you’ll also discover how Casaforte’s temporary storage service can be a practical and safe solution to free up space at home without giving up your hobbies.
Why it’s important to store sports equipment properly
Sports equipment, especially high-quality gear, represents a significant investment.
Poor storage can cause irreversible damage: rust on metal parts, mold on fabrics, warping caused by fluctuations in temperature or humidity, even putting your safety at risk.
Preparing your equipment correctly before storage and choosing a suitable location helps preserve performance and prolongs the life of the gear.
How to prepare sports equipment for storage
Thorough Cleaning
Before storing your equipment, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly. For skis and snowboards, remove any snow and moisture, dry them completely, and apply a layer of protective wax.
Bicycles should be cleaned of mud and dust, lubricating the chain and all metal components.
For kayaks and surfboards, it’s important to rinse with fresh water to remove salt and sand.
Inspection and maintenance
Take advantage of the downtime to carry out checks and minor repairs: replace worn parts, check tire pressure, make sure fasteners work properly. Equipment stored in perfect condition will be ready for use in no time and without surprises.
Disassembly and protection
Where possible, disassemble the bulkiest or most delicate parts and protect them with padded cases or blankets. For example, remove the fins from a surfboard or the wheels from a bicycle to reduce bulk and prevent damage.
Where to store sports equipment
At home
Storing equipment at home, in the garage, or in the basement seems like the easiest solution, but it’s often not practical: space is limited, humidity might be an issue, and everyday management of spaces can get complicated.
Self storage
The Self storage service offered by Casaforte is a tailor-made solution for those who play seasonal sports or have bulky equipment.
It offers units of various sizes, accessible independently, secure, and with optimal environmental conditions.
This way, you can free up space at home without giving up your gear.
Advantages of self storage for sports equipment
- Security: Casaforte units are equipped with video surveillance, controlled access, and alarm systems.
- Optimal Conditions: Dry and well-ventilated environments, ideal for protecting equipment from humidity and temperature swings.
- Flexibility: The ability to choose the space you need and adjust it based on seasonal requirements, or only use it during the off-season, paying just for the time you actually use the self storage unit.
- Accessibility: Extended access hours, so you can pick up or store your equipment at any time. With Casaforte units, you can access independently using your personal code 7 days a week, including holidays.
Tips for organizing your self storage unit
- Use vertical space: Make use of shelves and wall mounts to hang bikes, boards, or gym equipment.
- Organize by season: Separate summer gear from winter gear so you can find them easily.
- Label everything: Mark boxes and containers to quickly identify the contents.
- Protect delicate items: Use cases and covers to prevent bumps and scratches.
Check out all the useful tips to best organize your Casaforte unit
Do Like Marta and Stephen
Marta and Stephen live in Bellinzona and share a great passion for sports, which brought them together and made them fall in love during a windsurfing course on the shores of Lake Lugano more than 10 years ago.
In summer, they do windsurfing and scuba diving, while in winter they go snowboarding in the Swiss Alps, but they also love trail running and sky running, as well as mountain biking. In short, a real sporty couple—whenever they have a free moment, they are doing some sport!
Over time, their home filled up with gear: boards, sails, wetsuits, tanks, fins, snowboards, bikes, and boots. Managing space had become impossible and they were considering giving up some sports and selling part of their equipment.
One day they passed by the Casaforte storage in Bellinzona and had an idea: rent a unit close to home where they could store the equipment they weren’t using.
This way, they freed up precious space at home without giving up any of their favorite sports. They know their equipment is kept in a safe environment and, if needed, they can switch to a larger unit anytime (they’re already thinking about trying a new sport).
Store your sports equipment in a casaforte unit
For those who love practicing sports all year round, having a safe and organized place to store gear is essential.
Casaforte’s Self storage combines security, convenience, and flexibility, allowing you to keep your sports equipment in good condition and ready to use: a smart choice to free up space at home and fully enjoy your sports passions without giving anything up.