Five Tips for Storing Playsets

Playsets can provide hours of great memories for children. However, there are situations where you may need to take your playset down and put it in storage.

If your children are grown but you want to save the playset for possible grandchildren, storage may be necessary. Similarly, if you are moving but have a gap between the time you leave your current home and enter your new home, you may also need to put your playset in storage. Check out these tips first:

1. Dismantle the Playset

If you plan to store any large items, it helps to dismantle them first. That takes up less space and makes it easier to keep your storage unit organised. To ensure you can put the playset back together, you may want to store the instructions with it as well.

If you don't have the original instructions for building the playset, you may want to look online—some manufacturers publish instructions for their products on their websites—and print and save any instructions you find. Alternatively, take pictures as you take apart the playset. Then, print out the photos.

2. Put Hardware in Bags

To keep hardware organised, put it into small bags. Then, note the part where that hardware goes on the front of the bag. In lieu of that, you can tape hardware to the part of the playset where it belongs.

3. Take Care of Rust

Metal playsets can be susceptible to rust, and you don't want that spreading whilst the playset is in storage. Take care of rust by sanding it off the playset. Then, apply a rust resistant primer to the area and repaint that area if desired. If you have rust on accessories, such as swing chains, you may just want to get rid of those parts. It's relatively easy to buy replacement accessories for most playsets.

4. Seal Wood

With wooden playsets, the wood may be susceptible to moisture or humidity whilst in storage. To keep the wood safe, consider using a climate-controlled storage unit. You may also want to add a layer of sealant to the wood. That stabilizes moisture levels. It prevents splitting from dryness, while also protecting against moisture. Make sure you let the sealant dry before putting the playset into storage.    

5. Clean Everything

Finally, make sure you clean slides, swings, trapeze bars and any other parts before putting them into storage. Dirt and grime can wear down surfaces over time, potentially leading to damage. Also, if there are any food crumbs on the playset accessories, that may attract pests to your storage unit.

Don't forget to check out the self-storage rates before choosing a location near you.