How to Organize Sports Equipment

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Participating in sports often requires you to make a significant investment in gear. In order to get the most out of your sports equipment-- OK, just to be able to find your equipment when you want it--take advantage of these tricks of the trade and get organized.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step1

Use garbage cans or tall baskets to store hockey sticks, baseball bats, ski poles, oars, lacrosse sticks and other long items. Don't store anything more than twice the height of the container you use, or it might tip over.

Step2

Look into specialty racks if you have a significant amount of gear. Purchase special wall-mounted racks for multiple pairs of skis, snowboards, bikes, golf bags, fishing poles, hockey gear, baseball bats and more.

Step3

Keep balls off the ground, accessible and in good shape with mesh bags, wire baskets or duffel bags hung from walls or ceiling. Keep a pump near your equipment so a dead ball doesn't spoil the fun.

Step4

Put together a duffel bag for each sport--for example, a single bag with baseball gloves, balls, bats, helmet and anything else you need. Toss the entire bag in the car when you head for practice. See 47 Prepare Grab 'n' Go Activity Bags.

Step5

Hang a set of ropes and pulleys from your garage ceiling and hoist up canoes and kayaks (with paddles or oars inside). Make sure the boats are dry and the storage compartments open before lifting. Hang rowing shells upside down with the ports open. See 147 Store a Boat for the Winter.

Step6

Gather skateboards and scooters, along with helmets, wrist guards, elbow and knee pads and stash all in a large box in a closet or the garage.

Step7

Store space-stealing high tops, soccer cleats and in-line skates on a low shelf or lace together and hang on hooks near sports equipment. Insert deodorizing balls to keep the area from smelling like a locker room.

Step8

Get more specifics from 143 Store Ski Gear, 142 Store Bicycles and Gear and 144 Organize Camping Equipment.

Tips & Warnings

Make sure your equipment storage area is dry and well ventilated to prevent damage from mold.
See if your local school district sells its old lockers. They're ideal for storing most sporting goods.
Don't bother storing items that are worn out or need repairs. Repair or replace them--and remember you'll save money if you wait for off-season specials.
Remember, water is the enemy. Make sure your gear is clean and dry before you store it--especially for the off-season. Oil your baseball glove, and clean the mud off your cleats. Wash out tents and packs, and let them dry thoroughly.
If you're going to be running, biking or walking after dark, make sure your equipment and/or clothing has reflective tape attached.