How do you store sports equipment at home?

Having the proper storage solutions for sports equipment at home is key to keeping your gear organized, protected, and accessible when you need it. With some planning and strategic purchasing or DIY projects, you can create functional and aesthetically pleasing storage for all your sports gear.

Why is proper storage for sports equipment important?

There are several key reasons why having a good storage system for sports gear is crucial:

• Protects equipment from damage – Many types of sports gear are investments that need to be protected and cared for. Storing items properly shields them from excess moisture, sunlight, dust, or other elements that could degrade quality over time.
• Prevents clutter – Sporting goods like balls, bats, sticks, pads, shoes, etc. can quickly turn into clutter without smart storage solutions. Proper storage keeps things neatly put away.
• Saves space – Sports equipment takes up a lot of room. Thoughtful storage ideas help maximize your existing space so gear takes up less square footage.
• Allows quick access when needed – Storing items conveniently so they can be accessed when it’s time to play helps you grab gear and go without hassle.
• Keeps household organized – Adding storage to neatly corral sports gear helps keep a home tidy and functional.

Storing sports balls

Balls for sports like soccer, basketball, football, volleyball, etc. can be stored a few different ways. Here are some smart ideas for sports ball storage:

• Ball racks or shelves – Racks or shelving units designed for storing balls allow you to neatly organize multiple balls in one place. The balls sit securely in individual slots or cradles.
• Mesh bags – Mesh laundry bags or sacks keep balls together in one large contained unit, ideal for tossing in a closet or taking to games.
• Hanging nets – Specialty nets or hanging bags allow you to hang balls from the wall, ceiling or stands to save floor space.
• Ball carts – Rolling carts with multiple shelves or tub compartments stack balls for easy transport.
• Storage bins – Plastic bins or crates neatly corral balls of similar sizes. Great for garage or shed storage.
• Deflated – For sports like soccer or basketball, balls can be kept deflated when not in use to flatten their shape for easier storage.

Tips for sports ball storage

• Store out of direct sunlight to prevent fading or damage to the ball exterior
• Keep away from lawn chemicals, gasoline or other caustic chemicals that could degrade materials
• Inflate balls to proper psi before storage to maintain shape
• Wipe dirt and grit off before storage to avoid abrasions
• Place balls of similar sizes together for neat organization

Storing bats, golf clubs, hockey sticks

Long sports gear like bats, clubs and sticks can be stored a few ways. Here are smart storage ideas for elongated sports equipment:

• Wall-mounted racks or holders – Wall-mounted bat racks or club racks anchor the gear vertically for efficient floorspace storage.
• Freestanding racks – Similar to wall racks, freestanding racks stand on the floor and hold gear vertically.
• Garage wall grid panels – Modular grid panel systems for the garage allow you to customize storage slots for long gear.
• Storage tubes or bags – Tubes and long duffle-style bags protect gear and contain everything together for easy access.
• Shelving – Horizontal shelving wide enough to lay gear flat helps organize multiple items.

Tips for bat, club, stick storage

• Store gear in a climate-controlled area to prevent humidity damage
• Keep padding on when stacking horizontally to avoid nicks and scratches
• Tighten any loose parts and fasten adjustment handles before storage
• Clean off any dirt, grass, or grime before long-term storage
• Hang or store vertically when possible to maximize floorspace

Storing pads and protective gear

Protective sports gear like pads, helmets, masks, guards, and other hard gear require different storage strategies than balls or clubs. Here are smart ideas for storing bulky protective equipment:

• Shelving – Open shelving allows you to neatly organize and see all your protective gear.
• Storage containers – Plastic bins or storage containers neatly organize gear and contain smell.
• Drying racks – Specialized drying racks allow you to easily air out damp gear after use.
• Lockers – Storage lockers like you’d see in a locker room securely store and organize equipment.
• Wall hooks or racks – Hooks or wall-mounted racks allow you to hang pads, masks and helmets.
• Equipment bags – Duffel bags with separate compartments organize a full set of gear in one carrier.

Tips for storing protective gear

• Allow gear to fully dry before storing long-term to prevent mold or mildew
• Sanitize regularly to keep bacteria and odors at bay
• Store in a cool, dry place to prevent moisture damage
• Keep loose straps, buckles, laces etc. fastened properly before storage
• Consider mothballs or cedar blocks to keep pests away

Storing cleats, roller skates, ice skates

Specialty sports footwear like cleats, roller blades and ice skates need storage solutions that keep them upright, supported and separate from other gear. Smart storage ideas include:

• Wall-mounted racks – Vertical racks neatly store skates and cleats off the ground.
• Over-the-door holders – Hanging shoe organizers on the back of doors hold multiple pairs.
• Cubby shelving – Cubby hole shelving with separate compartments for each pair.
• Utility cabinets – Cabinetry with built-in shelving creates lots of vertical storage.
• Shoe boxes – Clear stacked storage boxes allow you to see gear inside.
• Garage wall panels – Modular wall panels with slots customize storage.

Tips for storing footwear

• Store out of sunlight to avoid fading or warping
• Loosen laces and buckles to relieve pressure when not in use
• Keep leather clean and conditioned to prevent cracking
• Allow gear to fully dry before storage to avoid mold and mildew
• Stuff toes with newspaper or shoe trees to retain shape

Storing small accessories and gear

The little gear like hand grips, gloves, goggles, water bottles and other accessories can really clutter up without smart storage. Ideas for these small items include:

• Shelving – Open shelving creates space to neatly organize accessories.
• Wall grids – Square grid panel systems hold hooks and baskets for gear.
• Hanging storage – Wall hooks, over-the-door racks and nets hold items.
• Divided bins – Bin cubbies with multiple compartments neatly sort gear.
• Storage cabinets – Wall cabinets or utility storage cabinets create useful vertical storage.
• Mesh bags – Mesh pop-up hampers corral lots of small items.

Tips for storing sports accessories

• Group similar items together for organization (ie. goggles with goggles)
• Use clear storage bins so you can easily see contents
• Have separate bins for clean vs. dirty gear
• Consider locking cabinets for expensive electronics or accessories
• Label bins and shelves so everyone knows where to find and return gear

Choosing storage locations

To make your sports gear storage work for your home, consider which of these locations will provide ample, convenient space:

• Garage – The garage provides lots of floorspace for shelving units, wall systems, storage cabinets or locker-style storage.
• Mudroom – For homes without a garage, the often-cavernous mudroom is ideal for gear storage.
• Hallway – For apartment dwellers or those short on space, hallway storage like over-door racks or wall-mounted shelving works.
• Closet – Bedroom or hall closets can be optimized with shelves, hanging racks and other DIY upgrades.
• Under beds – The empty space under beds can be utilized with underbed storage bins or roll-out drawer systems.
• Attic -unfinished attics provide room for floor shelving units or wall-mounted storage systems.

Key considerations by location

Location	Key Considerations
Garage	Allow for car clearance, insulate storage from temperature extremes, elevate bins off concrete floor, secure expensive items
Mudroom	Use waterproof storage for damp/dirty gear, make reachable for kids, have seating for changing shoes
Hallway	Only use if space allows adequate clearance, maximize vertical storage
Closet	Install lighting, use stacking bins for floorspace, have good ventilation
Under bed	Make easily accessible, allow air circulation, limit width to bed legs
Attic	Insulate from temperature extremes, elevate off floor, protect from critters

Ready-to-assemble (RTA) storage

Investing in ready-to-assemble shelving units, cabinets and storage racks is an easy and affordable way to create custom sports gear storage. Some top options include:

• Industrial shelving – Open metal shelving comes in a range of sizes perfect for balls, gear bags, bins, etc.
• Utility storage cabinets – Locking metal cabinets neatly stow gear and hang on the wall.
• Garage wall systems – Modular wall panels have hooks, racks and bins to hold everything.
• Plastic storage bins – Durable bins stack vertically to maximize space.
• Shoe storage cubes – Soft fabric cube shelving neatly stores cleats and skates.

When shopping for ready-to-assemble storage, look for powder-coated steel, moisture-resistant finishes, and modular components for custom configurations.

Pro tips for RTA storage

• Look for scratch-resistant surfaces that will endure wear and tear
• Include drawer units for concealed storage
• Choose open racks when you want visibility
• Include cabinets or trunks for locking away expensive gear
• Select adjustable shelves to accommodate odd-shaped gear

DIY storage solutions

If you’re handy and on a tight budget, plenty of great DIY storage solutions can be made for the cost of materials. Ideas include:

• PVC pipe racks – Join cut lengths with connectors to make custom racks
• Ladder shelves – Secure an old wooden ladder horizontally to a wall as shelving
• Pegboard panels – Cover walls in perforated pegboard to hang hooks, bins, etc.
• Repurposed furniture – Convert old dressers or cabinets to gear lockers
• Basketball hoops – Make wall-mounted gear drying racks from old hoops

Pro tips for DIY storage

• Use corrosion-resistant metals and untreated wood
• Round any sharp edges on repurposed items
• Use strong mounting anchors suited for the wall type
• Add shelf liners, dividers and labels for organization
• Seal any wood surfaces with polyurethane for protection

Maintaining sports gear storage

Proper maintenance and cleaning will keep your sports equipment storage working efficiently for years. Follow these tips:

• Dust shelves and wipe down surfaces regularly
• Occasionally rearrange and edit contents for better organization
• Lubricate drawer slides and hinges as needed
• Tighten any loose screws, anchors, or hardware
• Clean out cobwebs around wall storage frequently
• Replace any cracked storage containers
• Repaint metal shelving with rust-resistant enamel paint as needed

Conclusion

Creating an organized, protected home for all your sports equipment takes some planning and work, but is worth the effort. By implementing some of these smart storage ideas, you can corral all your gear in a way that saves space, prevents clutter, and extends the life of your equipment. Just be sure to choose storage solutions suited to your particular assortment of gear, the available room in your home, and your budget.