Posted on Wednesday, 8th October 2025
After being at one with nature, there’s no better feeling than coming home and unpacking your camping supplies, ready for the next adventure. But storing your kit properly matters: done right, it keeps everything protected – and out of the way!
To save you from rummaging around before your next trip, our storage experts share their best tips on how to store camping gear so you can organise your outdoor essentials like a pro.
No space at home? Check out our flexible, short- and long-term storage options. WWe guarantee to keep your camping equipment safe in carefully controlled conditions until you head back out there.
Before you even think about packing up your tent, chairs and other bits of kit, it’s important to remove any dirt or grime. Cleaning each item not only keeps it in top nick – and prevents any unwanted ‘outdoorsy’ smells from settling in your home – it also saves you a job when it’s ready to be used again.
Now that your gear’s all sparkly and clean, it’s time to get organised. Start by separating it into two categories: core equipment and outdoor activity accessories. This will help you to locate your all your gear easily in future.
Sleeping bags, tents, cookware and other living essentials all come under core equipment. Outdoor activity accessories cover everything non-essential used for fun – think skis, oars, helmets, and climbing tools.
Once your kit is clean and organised, it’s easier to see what you no longer need. Is it old, broken or just not useful anymore? If so, consider recycling, donating, or selling it – you could even brighten up someone else’s holiday in the process!
Everyday life can make our homes feel cluttered, so it’s important to find a space that you’re happy to dedicate to housing your hobby. Under-stairs cupboards are fantastic for storage and often underused, while under-bed space, wardrobes, and garages are also great options if you have the room. Make sure to tidy and clean the space before moving in your supplies.
It’s tempting to bung away your camping equipment and run to collapse on the sofa, but use these hacks and you’ll thank yourself later. Clear plastic containers, laundry baskets, and storage bags can be useful tools. Even better if you already have some lying around, but if not, they’re definitely worth investing in.
Laundry baskets are perfect for housing tall items like skis, hiking poles and tripods, to prevent them from tipping over and causing damage. Tuck the laundry basket in a corner of your storage space, preferably against a wall, to keep everything upright and tidy. For extra protection, line the basket with a soft towel or bubble wrap, or separate items with cardboard dividers to avoid scratches and dents.
If you’re planning to store sleeping bags, blankets or even woolly clothing for an extended period, consider using a zip-lock or airtight storage bag. This helps keep moths, silverfish, and other crawlies away, while also protecting your gear from dust and moisture. Lightweight fabrics, insulated layers, and delicate camping accessories all benefit from this kind of protection, ensuring they stay in top condition for your next adventure.
Clear storage boxes are ideal for housing camping equipment because you can see what’s inside at a glance. They’re also stackable, so they’re a brilliant option if you’re a little tight on space. If you’re planning to store your equipment under a bed or in a wardrobe, opt for smaller, lidded containers that fit easily while keeping your stuff protected.
If you’re making do with opaque storage containers, labels will remind you what’s inside, without you having to root through each box. This easy step makes it much quicker to locate specific items whenever you need them.
To feel like an organisation pro, choose waterproof labels or Post-it notes covered with tape to protect them from dust and moisture. You can also colour-code your containers by category – like cooking supplies or sleeping essentials – so you can identify what you’re looking for in a cinch.
If there’s room in your wardrobe, hanging up your camping clothes will save a ton of space, as well as keeping everything crease-free. Hang your base layers on the left and work your way right towards your puffy jackets. You can also hang up your backpack to keep more floor space for tubs.
If you have the space, consider storing your camping gear by season. What you take on a summer trip won’t always be needed in autumn or winter, so bear that in mind while you’re organising. If you don’t have room to separate items by season, rotate your bags and boxes instead: pack cold-weather kit at the bottom and place the next season’s essentials on top for easy access.
Once your footwear is clean, sprinkle a little bicarbonate of soda over the inside soles, then tip it out after one to two days. This will help to remove any unwanted odours from your footwear. It’s important that you let your footwear breathe, so keep them on the floor of your space. If you need to store multiple pairs for the whole family, use a shoe rack to keep them in one tidy location.
Moisture can scream bad news for your camping gear, so you want to make sure that wherever you’re storing it, it’s protected against any moisture, mould and mildew. Otherwise, damage to fabrics and electrical items can be a costly mistake.
Tents can be one of the biggest moisture-harbourers, so let them dry out fully before you pack them away.
Once you’ve followed our camping storage steps, your space should look neat, tidy and Instagram-worthy. But what if you want an added layer of security? Our personal storage facilities are watertight and temperature-controlled to keep your items safe and dry. But most importantly, we often offer 24/7 access, so you’ll be able to grab your equipment at a moment’s notice, before heading off into the great outdoors.
If you need help with other pesky storage conundrums, our content hub is packed with advice, from how to store bikes or organise your shed, to storing priceless comic books and treasured photographs.
