The Ultimate Guide to Storing Camping Gear in Your Shed
For many Australians, camping is a beloved pastime. It’s a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature. A shed can provide a convenient and secure storage solution for all your camping equipment, from tents and sleeping bags to cookware and camping chairs. However, proper storage is key to protecting your equipment from damage and ensuring it’s ready for your next adventure. That’s why it’s important to invest in high-quality storage solutions like the Humi Pak.
Stop pests from destroying your camping gear
One of the biggest concerns when storing camping gear in your shed is keeping it safe from pests. In Australia, common shed invaders include rats, mice, possums, snakes and insects. To prevent pests from accessing your shed, it’s important to take some vermin-proofing measures. Start by sealing the gaps in your wall sheeting where the wall meets the slab, as these can provide easy access for pests.Products like Retroseal Superseal or Retroseal Steel Rural are great options for an easy retrospective install to prevent pests coming through these gaps. Don’t forget to seal around your roller doors as these are favourite entry points for pests and vermin. Products like Cleverseal can easily prevent this and even comes in a fire rated version so you can maintain your BAL rating.
Next, consider installing mesh screens on windows or vents to prevent insects from entering the shed. It’s also important to be mindful of the items you store in your shed. Avoid storing food or anything with a strong odour, as this can attract pests. Instead, store food and cooking supplies in airtight containers. By taking these vermin-proofing measures, you can ensure that your camping gear remains safe and free from damage caused by pests.
Storage solutions for camping gear inside your shed
Once you’ve taken steps to prevent pests inside your shed or steel building, it’s time to organize your camping gear. Shelving is a great way to keep your gear organized and easily accessible. Consider the types of items you have and choose shelving that will accommodate them. Air tight storage tubs and deep shelving can be extremely helpful to organise all the bits and pieces that accumulate over the years of trips. Don’t forget to label the tubs to make your gear easier to find!
Mezzanine Floors can be a fantastic option to add some extra storage space to your shed. Larger camping items such as camper trailers, can be stored underneath the mezzanine floor and your smaller items such as tents, swags, chairs etrc can be stored above on the extra space you’ve created.Take a look at this blog post to get the low down on mezzanine floors and how practical they can be.
Stopping mould growth on your camping gear
Another concern when storing camping gear in a shed is preventing mould growth. Mould will thrive in damp environments, so it’s important to take steps to keep your shed dry. Start by ensuring that the shed is well-ventilated. Installing shed windows can be a great way to add some ventilation to your shed while giving natural light and saving some cash on your electric bill.ShedBlog has a massive range of high-quality shed windows available, take a look at them here, and keep them cracked open to promote airflow. Another brilliant way to increase the airflow inside your shed is to install some wall vents.ShedBlog’s range of Colorbond wall vents are matched to the colour and profile of your shed and come in a range of sizes and wall profiles, Check them out here! If you have a larger size shed or need a higher rate of airflow, we also stock a range of larger Colorbond steel wall vents.
Checking the relevant resources for your next camping spot will also give you a good idea of what the weather, site conditions etc are likely to be, giving you advance notice of the level of cleaning you will need to do when you return home.
Check out some of the government resources below before taking your next trip into one of the amazing state forests and national parks we have here in Australia!
- Queensland – https://parks.des.qld.gov.au/camping
- New South Wales – https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/camping-and-accommodation
- South Australia – https://www.parks.sa.gov.au/find-a-park
- Western Australia – https://exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/camping
- Victoria – https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/where-to-stay/camping
- Tasmania – https://parks.tas.gov.au/where-to-stay
- Northern Territory – https://nt.gov.au/parks/camping
If you’re storing wet gear such as tents or tarps, be sure to dry them thoroughly before storing them in the shed. You can use a towel or cloth to wipe down any damp or wet items before storing them. It’s also important to regularly inspect your shed for signs of mould growth. Look for black or green spots on surfaces, musty odours, or a feeling of dampness in the air. If you notice any signs of mould growth, it’s important to address it immediately. Use a solution of water and bleach to clean affected surfaces. By taking these steps to prevent mould growth in your shed, you can ensure that your camping gear remains clean and dry and ready for your next adventure.
Proper maintenance is key to ensuring that your camping gear lasts for years to come. When storing your gear in a shed, it’s important to take some extra steps to maintain it. Start by cleaning your gear thoroughly before storing it. This includes removing any dirt or debris, washing fabrics, and thoroughly drying everything. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and care. You may also want to apply a protective coating to canvas products such as camper trailers and swags. Additionally, it’s important to inspect your gear periodically for signs of wear and tear. Look for tears or holes in fabric, rust or corrosion on metal parts, or cracks in plastic items. Address any issues immediately to prevent further damage. Finally, be mindful of the temperature in your shed. If you live in an area with extreme temperature fluctuations, consider investing in insulation such as ShedBlogs range of Tradeselect or Kingspan insulation products. By taking these maintenance steps, you can ensure that your camping gear remains in good condition and ready for your next adventure.
