Having organized sports equipment and gear is key to enjoying your favorite sports and activities. Proper storage and organization allows you to easily find what you need, when you need it. It also helps protect your gear and extend its lifespan. Here are some tips for organizing all your sports stuff.
Page Contents
- 1 Organize by Sport
- 2 Utilize Storage Bins
- 3 Hang Gear When Possible
- 4 Protective Gear
- 5 Footwear
- 6 Textiles
- 7 Balls, Bats, Sticks
- 8 Camping/Hiking Gear
- 9 Bicycles
- 10 Ski/Snowboard Gear
- 11 Foul Weather Gear
- 12 Avoid Moisture, Heat, Sunlight
- 13 Maintenance and Inspection
- 14 Maximize Vertical Space
- 15 Enlist Help from Kids
- 16 Edit and Remove Unused Items
- 17 Utilize Vacant Areas
- 18 Label Everything
- 19 Maintain Inventory
- 20 Conclusion
Organize by Sport
The first step is to separate your sports equipment and apparel by sport or activity. This could include categories like:
- Soccer
- Baseball/softball
- Basketball
- Football
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Tennis
- Golf
- Swimming
- Running
- Hiking/camping
- Yoga
- Skiing/snowboarding
- Cycling
This allows you to keep like items together. For example, keep all your baseball gear – bat, gloves, helmets, cleats, uniforms, etc. – in one area. This makes it easy to grab everything you need for that sport.
Utilize Storage Bins
Plastic storage bins are ideal for corralling all your sports equipment in an organized way. Look for stackable bins you can label with the name of each sport. For example:
- Soccer bin
- Lacrosse bin
- Football bin
In each bin, store the protective gear, uniforms, balls, water bottles, or other accessories used for that sport. Stack the bins neatly on shelves in a closet, garage, basement, or shed. This contains each sport’s gear in its own designated space.
Hang Gear When Possible
For gear like pads, helmets, gloves, bats, tennis rackets, and more – look for ways to hang these items when not in use. Mount pegboard on a wall or use a garment rack. Hooks, clamps, and bins that mount to pegboard and racks help maximize vertical storage space. This gets gear up off the floor and neatly displays it for quick access.
Protective Gear
Protective gear like pads and helmets require special care to prevent damage:
- Remove padding/liners and air dry after use
- Disinfect helmet liners to prevent odor/bacteria
- Store pads flat instead of compressed
- Never stack gear or hang helmets by the facemask – this can bend the shape
If you have the space, store protective gear on shelves rather than crammed in bins. This allows ample airflow to dry and prevents crushing.
Footwear
Cleats, skates, and other sports footwear can be a tripping hazard if left out. Use shoe organizers to neatly store shoes on a closet floor or shelving unit. Position shoes with the tongues facing up to help retain their shape. Removing laces can also relieve pressure and prevent creasing. Allow footwear to fully dry between uses to prevent foul odors.
Textiles
Carefully store textile gear like uniforms, towels, gloves, pads, etc. Fold and stack these on shelves or in breathable containers like mesh laundry bags. This prevents mildew or stench from trapped moisture. Consider cedar blocks or sachets for a pleasant, fresh scent.
Balls, Bats, Sticks
Sports balls can go in mesh bags or protective ball bags to prevent damage. Store bats, hockey sticks, rackets, and other gear vertically in racks or corner mounts. This saves space while keeping them accessible and secure.
Camping/Hiking Gear
Backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, navigation tools, and other camping/hiking essentials have their own storage considerations:
- Fully unpack and dry tents after use
- Store sleeping bags loose, not compressed
- Clean mud off boots and hiking poles
- Refill fuel canisters
- Replace water purification tablets
- Check flashlight batteries
This gear is often bulky, so look for roomy wall-mounted organizers or shelving to neatly store it when home.
Bicycles
Bikes require careful storage to avoid damage. Avoid hanging bikes vertically for long periods, as this can bend wheels. Instead, use bike hooks or racks to store horizontally. Make sure tires are fully inflated when storing. Cover the bike to protect from dust or rogue balls/gear knocking into it. Keep the chain lubricated and empty water from bottle cages to prevent corrosion and moisture damage.
Ski/Snowboard Gear
The off-season care for skiing and snowboarding gear includes:
- Thoroughly dry equipment before storage
- Spray down with furniture polish and wipe clean to prevent goggle fog
- Store goggles in hard cases
- Completely detach bindings to relieve tension
- Wax skis and boards before storing
- Store vertically in a rack, not laid flat
Storing in a cool, dry area prevents warping. Always sharpen and tune edges before the next season.
Foul Weather Gear
Sailing jackets, rain gear, winter clothing, and other foul weather apparel require some extra TLC:
- Air dry thoroughly unzipped with hangers
- Use water repellent spray to refresh water resistance
- Treat with antimicrobial spray to prevent odors
- Repair rips, holes, or damaged zippers
- Wash and re-waterproof as needed
This gear is prone to mildew, so go the extra mile to dry completely before packing away in storage.
Avoid Moisture, Heat, Sunlight
Where you store your sports equipment is just as important as how you organize it. Avoid areas with excess moisture, heat, or sunlight such as:
- Attics
- Basements
- Garages
- Sheds
These can damage gear or cause odor/mold issues. Strive for a cool, dry, dark space if possible.
Maintenance and Inspection
When unpacking gear for a new season, inspect each item carefully. Look for any signs of wear, tear, or damage. Perform necessary maintenance like sharpening skates, removing rust, patching holes, etc. Replace any gear that’s too worn to safely use before the next season. This ensures your equipment is always in optimal shape.
Maximize Vertical Space
Going vertical with your storage space provides more room for sports gear. Use wall-mounted shelves, overhead racks, hanging systems, and stacking bins. You can double or triple your capacity without claiming more floor footage.
Enlist Help from Kids
Children are more invested in keeping gear organized if they help create the systems. Give each child a bin or area for their personal gear. Set up labeling, shelving, or hooks at their level. Develop routines for unpacking and maintaining equipment. This teaches organization habits and responsibility.
Edit and Remove Unused Items
Clutter is the enemy of organization. As kids outgrow gear or you stop doing certain activities, remove those items from your sports storage areas. Donate, sell, or recycle what’s no longer in use. Editing down to essential, active gear makes organization far simpler.
Utilize Vacant Areas
Look for unused spaces that could become sports gear storage. Under bed areas, beneath staircases, back of closet floors, and garage rafters offer hidden real estate. Install bins, hooks, racks, or shelves to transform these spots into organized gear zones.
Label Everything
Use labels on bins, shelves, and individual items to instantly see where gear belongs. Masking tape, permanent marker, vinyl labels, or shelving signage help identify contents. This prevents frustrated searching and keeps areas tidy.
Maintain Inventory
A gear inventory helps you track what you have and where it’s stored. Update this list as you acquire new items or remove unused gear. Quickly look up which bin or location has the item you need. Apps like Sortly, Grocy, or Google Sheets help manage inventories.
Conclusion
Organizing sports gear, equipment, and apparel requires strategic storage, maintenance, and labels. Separate items by sport, maximize vertical storage, enlist the kids’ help, and maintain an inventory. Protect items from heat, moisture, and sunlight. Inspect and repair annually. Remove unused gear and clutter. Utilizing these tips will help you keep their gear organized for whatever sport is in season!