How to Store Outdoor Play Equipment: Swing Sets, Trampolines and More
Sep 2, 2026 / Public Storage
Before storing outdoor play equipment, clean and dry every component, review the manufacturer’s disassembly instructions and measure the largest pieces. Keep hardware in labeled containers, use covers appropriate for each material and arrange everything so frames, nets and plastic pieces remain stable.
Swing sets, trampolines, basketball hoops and playhouses vary considerably in size and construction. Do not assume every item can be dismantled or stored in the same way.
Outdoor Play Equipment Storage at a Glance
| Equipment | Preparation to consider |
|---|---|
| Swing sets | Follow the manual, label structural components and organize the hardware |
| Trampolines | Clean and dry the mat, pad and net before packing manufacturer-approved removable parts |
| Soccer goals and sports nets | Clean, dry, collapse as directed and keep poles with the correct net |
| Basketball hoops | Follow disassembly instructions and completely empty permitted portable bases |
| Plastic slides and playhouses | Clean, dry and measure large molded pieces that may not come apart |
| Balls and small sports gear | Clean, deflate only if recommended and place in labeled containers |
Can You Store Outdoor Play Equipment in a Storage Unit?
Many types of outdoor play equipment may be stored when they comply with the rental agreement, fit inside the unit and fall within the permitted stored-value limit.
Before renting, confirm:
- The dimensions of every component
- The total weight
- Whether the equipment can be disassembled
- The width of the unit door
- The facility’s hallways and elevators
- Available loading and unloading space
- The property’s storage restrictions
- Applicable insurance requirements
Large wooden playsets or custom equipment may exceed the permitted stored-value limit or be impractical to move into a standard storage unit. Review the complete inventory and measurements before deciding.
Should You Store an Entire Swing Set?
Not every swing set needs to be completely dismantled for seasonal storage. Depending on the manufacturer, the appropriate preparation may involve removing only swings, plastic accessories, fabric canopies or other selected components.
Before taking anything apart:
- Locate the original manual.
- Photograph the assembled equipment.
- Review the manufacturer’s winter or storage instructions.
- Identify which components are designed for removal.
- Check the wood, metal, plastic and hardware for damage.
- Determine whether professional assistance is appropriate.
Do not dismantle structural components unless the manufacturer provides instructions for doing so. Large wooden beams, slides and platforms can be heavy and difficult to transport.
If the complete swing set cannot be stored, removable accessories may still fit in a storage unit.
How Should You Prepare a Trampoline for Storage?
Trampoline designs vary, so use the manual for the specific model. Some manufacturers recommend removing soft components during certain weather conditions, while others offer fitted covers or different preparation methods.
Depending on the model, removable parts may include:
- Enclosure netting
- Jumping mat
- Frame pad
- Springs
- Poles
- Ladder
- Basketball attachment
- Anchor components
Clean each eligible component according to the manufacturer’s instructions and let it dry completely. Fold or roll mats and nets only as directed. Forcing a material into a tight fold may leave creases or stress seams.
Keep springs and hardware in labeled containers. Because trampoline components can be heavy or held under tension, seek qualified assistance when the instructions call for it.
How Should You Store Soccer Goals and Sports Nets?
Portable soccer goals, rebounders and sports nets may be easier to store when collapsed according to their instructions.
Before packing:
- Remove grass, soil and debris.
- Let nets dry completely.
- Check poles and connectors for damage.
- Fold or roll the net as directed.
- Label each pole or frame section.
- Place connectors and stakes in a labeled container.
- Keep each net with its matching frame.
Do not place loose stakes or sharp hardware where they can puncture bags or other containers.
If a goal does not collapse, measure its complete width, height and depth before choosing a unit.
How Should You Store a Portable Basketball Hoop?
Consult the manufacturer before disassembling a portable basketball system. Backboards, poles and bases can be heavy, and the assembly process varies by model.
If the base contains water, it must be emptied and dried before storage. Liquids are prohibited inside Public Storage units. If the manufacturer uses another base material, follow its directions for emptying, moving or disassembling the system.
Keep bolts, brackets and adjustment components together. Do not stack heavy containers on the backboard, rim or plastic base.
How Should You Store Plastic Slides and Playhouses?
Large molded-plastic slides and playhouses may not disassemble into compact sections. Attempting to force apart components that are not designed for removal may damage the connectors.
Clean the equipment using products approved by the manufacturer, rinse when directed and let every surface dry. Measure the largest assembled or disassembled section before renting.
Avoid placing heavy boxes on lightweight plastic components. Position them where surrounding belongings will not press against or bend them.
How Should You Clean Outdoor Play Equipment?
Cleaning instructions depend on the material and manufacturer. Start by removing loose dirt, leaves, grass and pollen.
General preparation may include:
- Wiping plastic components
- Brushing dirt from metal frames
- Cleaning and drying fabric parts
- Removing debris from nets
- Emptying equipment bags
- Checking wooden components for splinters or damage
- Inspecting metal parts for corrosion
- Allowing every surface to dry before packing
Do not use bleach, pesticides, fuel, solvents or other hazardous chemicals in the storage unit. Complete any manufacturer-approved cleaning outside the property and leave prohibited products at home.
How Should You Organize the Hardware?
Small pieces are easy to misplace when equipment has dozens of screws, bolts, brackets and connectors.
Create one hardware kit for each item:
- Sort the hardware by assembly step or component.
- Place each group in a labeled bag or small container.
- Identify the equipment brand and model.
- Include a printed or digital copy of the instructions.
- Store all bags inside one larger labeled bin.
- Note the hardware-bin location on your inventory.
Avoid applying tape directly to painted, coated, wooden or plastic surfaces unless the manufacturer permits it. Tape can leave residue or affect the finish.
If hardware remains attached to a frame, make sure it cannot scratch nearby pieces or come loose during transportation.
What Size Storage Unit Do You Need?
The appropriate unit size depends on the equipment after manufacturer-approved disassembly.
Measure:
- The longest frame section
- The widest plastic component
- The backboard or slide
- Rolled mats and nets
- Hardware containers
- Accessory bins
- Freestanding shelving
- The space required to enter the unit
Small sports equipment and accessories may fit in a compact unit. Large slides, trampoline frames, basketball systems or swing-set sections may require considerably more space.
Use the Public Storage Size Guide to compare common dimensions. Actual unit sizes, doorways and layouts vary, so inspect the available space before renting when possible.
Would Drive-Up Access Be Helpful?
Drive-Up Access allows a vehicle to pull directly up to a ground-level unit for easier loading and unloading. It may be worth considering for long frame sections, large plastic components or multiple containers of sports equipment.
More than 2,200 Public Storage facilities offer Drive-Up Access. Availability and unit dimensions vary by location.
Check the approach to the unit and confirm that your vehicle, equipment and moving route can be accommodated.
How Should You Arrange Outdoor Equipment in the Unit?
Plan the layout before unloading. Large, awkward components should be positioned where they remain stable and do not block the door.
Consider these organization tips:
- Place heavy equipment on the floor.
- Keep hardware bins near their matching components.
- Use freestanding, weight-rated shelving for smaller containers when permitted.
- Avoid leaning long frame pieces where they can slide.
- Do not stack heavy containers on nets, mats or plastic pieces.
- Keep sharp hardware covered.
- Leave an access route when practical.
- Place equipment needed first near the entrance.
- Keep labels and inventory numbers visible.
Do not attach shelving, hooks or straps to the storage-unit walls without permission.
How Should You Cover Large Play Equipment?
Clean cloths or fitted, breathable covers can reduce dust exposure. Make sure every component is dry before covering it.
Avoid tightly wrapping damp equipment in plastic. Do not let covers conceal unstable stacks or sharp edges.
For rolled mats, nets and fabric accessories, use the storage bag supplied or recommended by the manufacturer when available.
Is Climate-Controlled Storage Worth Considering?
Climate-controlled storage is designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels than standard storage. It may be worth considering for eligible fabric, plastic, wooden or metal components that can be affected by changing conditions.
Climate control does not guarantee the condition of stored equipment. Temperature and humidity levels can vary within any unit, including climate-controlled storage.
Review the equipment manufacturer’s storage instructions and inspect the specific unit before renting.
More than 90% of Public Storage properties—more than 4,300 facilities—offer climate-controlled units. Availability varies by location. Learn more about climate-controlled storage.
How Should You Prepare Equipment for Reassembly?
When the season changes, do not rush directly from storage to playtime.
Before children use the equipment:
- Review the manufacturer’s assembly instructions.
- Inspect each component for damage, wear or missing parts.
- Replace parts only with manufacturer-approved components.
- Confirm that all hardware is present.
- Follow the complete assembly sequence.
- Anchor the equipment as directed.
- Complete the manufacturer’s pre-use inspection.
- Contact the manufacturer or a qualified installer if something is unclear.
Do not use equipment with missing hardware, damaged components or an uncertain assembly.
What Cannot Be Stored With Outdoor Play Equipment?
Do not store:
- Water or other liquids
- Fuel
- Propane tanks
- Hazardous or toxic materials
- Pesticides
- Food or other perishables
- Plants or animals
- Illegal or unsanitary items
- Belongings that cannot be replaced
- Items exceeding the permitted stored-value limit
Review the current Public Storage storage policies before packing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a swing set fit in a storage unit?
It depends on the model, disassembled dimensions and unit layout. Measure every manufacturer-approved removable component before choosing a unit.
Can a trampoline be stored for the winter?
Some trampoline components can be stored when the manufacturer recommends removal. Follow the instructions for the specific model.
Should trampoline mats and nets be folded?
Follow the manufacturer’s directions. Some materials may be rolled or folded in a particular way to avoid stressing seams.
Can a portable basketball hoop go in storage?
It may be eligible if it fits and follows facility rules. Empty and dry any water-filled base before move-in, and follow the manufacturer’s disassembly instructions.
Can sports balls be stored inflated?
Follow the ball manufacturer’s storage instructions. Do not puncture or deflate equipment unless recommended.
What type of container works for sports equipment?
Sturdy, labeled bins may work for balls, helmets, jump ropes and small accessories. Do not overfill the container or make it too heavy to move.
Is climate-controlled storage required?
Not always. It may be worth considering based on the equipment materials, local conditions and manufacturer guidance.
Can shelving be installed in the unit?
Freestanding, weight-rated shelving may be used when permitted. Do not attach shelves or hardware to the unit without approval.
Find Storage for Outdoor Play Equipment
Public Storage serves more than two million customers at more than 4,600 facilities nationwide. Available unit sizes, Drive-Up Access, Climate-Controlled Storage and other features vary by property.
Find Public Storage near you and compare unit dimensions, access routes and available features before reserving.
