How to Store Hockey Sticks
Sep 3, 2026 / Public Storage
To store hockey sticks, clean and dry them completely, inspect the shafts and blades, and place them in a rack or padded stick bag. Store sticks vertically with suitable support or lay them flat on a surface that supports the full length. Avoid leaning them loosely against a wall or placing heavy equipment on top.
Whether you are taking a break from the rink or decluttering the garage, a storage unit can provide a place for hockey sticks and other clean, dry equipment between seasons.
Hockey Stick Storage at a Glance
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Clean | Remove ice residue, dirt and debris |
| Dry | Allow the shaft, blade and tape to dry completely |
| Inspect | Check for cracks, chips or loose material |
| Prepare | Remove damp or damaged tape |
| Position | Use a rack or fully supported flat surface |
| Separate | Keep blades from pressing against one another |
| Organize | Label bags, racks or gear containers |
Follow the stick manufacturer’s care and storage instructions when available.
How Should You Clean Hockey Sticks?
Use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe the shaft and blade. Remove dirt, rink residue and anything left on the surface after use.
Avoid soaking the stick or applying household chemicals unless the manufacturer specifically recommends them. After cleaning, wipe the stick with a dry cloth and allow it to air-dry completely.
Pay close attention to:
- The blade
- The heel and toe
- The lower shaft
- Grip areas
- Tape
- Seams or connection points
Hockey sticks should not enter storage while wet or covered with ice residue.
Should You Remove Hockey-Stick Tape?
Inspect the tape before storage. Remove it if it is wet, dirty, torn or beginning to separate from the stick.
Damp tape can hold moisture and residue against the blade. For extended storage, removing used blade tape can make it easier to clean, dry and inspect the entire surface.
If the tape is clean and dry, consult the manufacturer’s care guidance and consider how long the stick will remain in storage. You can always apply fresh tape before returning to the rink.
Should Hockey Sticks Be Stored Vertically or Horizontally?
Hockey sticks can be stored vertically or horizontally when properly supported. The best method depends on the available space and the design of your rack or container.
| Position | Recommended setup | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical | A freestanding stick rack or container that holds the sticks upright | Loosely leaning sticks against a wall |
| Horizontal | A flat shelf or rack supporting the length of each stick | Allowing the shaft or blade to hang over an edge |
| In a stick bag | A clean, dry and appropriately sized padded bag | Packing the bag tightly or placing weight on top |
Do not bend a stick to make it fit into a container.
How Do You Store Hockey Sticks Vertically?
Place sticks in a freestanding hockey-stick rack or another stable organizer designed to hold long sporting equipment. Make sure the container does not press tightly against the blades.
Keep the rack:
- On a level surface
- Away from the unit door
- Out of walkways
- Separate from unstable box stacks
- Clear of furniture that could shift
Avoid standing sticks loosely in a corner. They can slide, fall or be pressed against the wall by nearby belongings.
How Do You Store Hockey Sticks Horizontally?
If vertical storage is not practical, place the sticks flat on a shelf or rack that supports their full length.
When storing several sticks:
- Place a clean, soft layer between them if needed.
- Align the shafts without forcing them together.
- Make sure the blades are not pressed against hard edges.
- Avoid tightening straps around the shafts.
- Do not stack boxes, skates or other equipment on top.
A padded hockey-stick bag may also be used if it is clean, dry and not overpacked.
What Type of Container Should You Use?
A hockey-stick rack, padded stick bag or stable tall organizer can keep sticks together without allowing them to roll or fall.
Choose an organizer that:
- Fits the complete stick and blade
- Does not bend the shaft
- Does not place pressure on the blade
- Stands securely
- Allows sticks to be removed without pulling against other items
Avoid forcing sticks into narrow PVC pipes or cardboard tubes. Blade curves and shaft dimensions vary, and a tight container could create pressure points or trap existing moisture.
Label the rack or bag with the player’s name, stick length or other useful details when storing equipment for multiple people.
Can You Bundle Hockey Sticks Together?
Yes, but keep the bundle loose. Use a soft reusable strap around the shafts rather than the blades.
Do not use tight elastic bands or fasteners that place constant pressure on the sticks. Add a clean layer of padding between blades when necessary.
A bundled set should still be laid on a fully supported surface or placed in a suitable rack. Bundling does not make it appropriate to lean the sticks in a corner.
Should You Store Hockey Sticks With Other Gear?
Hockey sticks can be grouped with clean, dry equipment, including:
- Helmets
- Gloves
- Pads
- Skates
- Pucks
- Jerseys
- Equipment bags
Wash or clean every item according to its manufacturer’s instructions. Allow padding, gloves, jerseys and equipment bags to dry completely before packing.
Do not seal damp hockey gear inside a plastic bin or bag. Moisture and odors can remain trapped inside the container.
Keep skates and other heavy equipment separate from the sticks so blades and shafts are not pressed or scratched.
Can You Use Moisture Absorbers?
Dry silica packets may be placed inside compatible gear containers according to the product manufacturer’s instructions.
Avoid products that can leak or collect standing liquid. Public Storage prohibits liquids, and a leaking product could affect other belongings.
A moisture absorber does not replace cleaning, drying or occasional inspection.
Is Climate-Controlled Storage Worth Considering?
Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering when storing hockey sticks alongside eligible sporting equipment made from wood, fabric, composite materials or electronic components.
These units are designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than standard storage. They do not guarantee a particular temperature, humidity level or outcome.
Availability and features vary by location. Learn more about climate-controlled storage before choosing a unit.
What Size Storage Unit Fits Hockey Sticks?
Measure the longest stick, including the blade, before selecting a unit. Also consider the unit’s doorway, ceiling height, shelving and the amount of additional equipment you plan to store.
| Storage load | What to consider |
|---|---|
| A few hockey sticks | Space in an existing rack or padded stick bag |
| Sticks and several gear bins | A small unit if all measurements fit |
| Hockey gear and household overflow | A small or medium unit based on the complete inventory |
| Equipment for multiple players | Additional floor space, shelving and an access aisle |
A hockey stick’s length and curved blade may affect whether it can be stored vertically, horizontally or diagonally in a particular unit. Do not assume a unit will fit the equipment based on its advertised floor dimensions alone.
Actual unit sizes and layouts may vary. Review the Public Storage Size Guide and inspect the space before renting when possible.
Where Should You Place the Sticks in the Unit?
Choose a stable area where the sticks will not interfere with the door or walkway.
Keep hockey sticks:
- In a rack or on a fully supported shelf
- Away from unstable furniture
- Separate from heavy boxes
- Clear of the unit door
- Accessible for seasonal rotation
- Away from anything that could leak
If you expect to retrieve the sticks during the season, keep them near the front without blocking access to other belongings.
What Should You Check Before Returning to the Rink?
When removing hockey sticks from storage:
- Wipe away dust.
- Inspect the shaft and blade.
- Look for cracks, chips or separation.
- Check the grip and tape.
- Apply fresh tape when needed.
- Follow the manufacturer’s inspection guidance.
Do not use a stick that appears damaged or structurally compromised.
What Cannot Be Stored With Hockey Equipment?
Public Storage prohibits hazardous, illegal, perishable, unsanitary and living items.
Do not store:
- Food or beverages
- Wet or unsanitary gear
- Cleaning liquids
- Aerosols
- Fuels
- Propane tanks
- Toxic chemicals
- Illegal or stolen property
- Plants or animals
Rental agreements also prohibit storing property with a total value over $5,000 per unit. Review the complete Public Storage storage policies before moving in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to store hockey sticks?
Use a stable hockey-stick rack or lay the sticks flat on a surface that supports their full length. Do not lean them loosely against a wall or place heavy equipment on top.
Should hockey sticks be stored upright?
They may be stored upright when held by an appropriate rack or stable organizer. The sticks should not be left unsupported in a corner.
Can hockey sticks be stored flat?
Yes. Keep the entire shaft and blade supported, and prevent other equipment from pressing on the sticks.
Should you remove the tape before storage?
Remove tape that is wet, dirty, damaged or separating. For extended storage, removing used blade tape can make cleaning and inspection easier.
Can you store hockey sticks in a plastic bin?
Only if the container fits without bending the shaft or pressing on the blade. A purpose-built rack or padded stick bag may be more practical.
Should hockey sticks be stored in a climate-controlled unit?
Climate-controlled storage may be worth considering depending on the stick’s materials, storage duration and the other equipment in the unit. No particular outcome is guaranteed.
Can damp hockey equipment go into storage?
No. Clean and dry hockey sticks, padding, skates, uniforms and equipment bags completely before storage.
How do you store multiple hockey sticks?
Place them in a rack, padded stick bag or loose bundle supported on a flat surface. Separate the blades when needed and avoid tightening straps around the sticks.
Clean, dry and properly supported hockey sticks are easier to organize between games and seasons. Measure your equipment, choose a suitable rack and keep heavy items away from the shafts and blades. Find Public Storage near you and compare available unit sizes and features.
