How to Store Picnic Supplies

You can store your picnic supplies in a storage unit by grouping, packing, and labeling everything so it’s easy to grab when adventure calls. When picnic season winds down, your gear doesn’t have to take over your closet or garage—just pack it away neatly in a Public Storage unit and keep it ready for your next outing.

Group and Pack by Function

Start by organizing your picnic supplies into categories so everything’s easy to find later. A little prep now means smooth sailing (and faster packing) when sunny days return.

• Dining gear: Stack reusable plates, cups, and utensils in a bin with dividers. Add a small pouch for napkins and a mesh bag for paper towels and wipes.
• Textiles: Roll up picnic blankets and tablecloths to save space. Place them in a labeled bin or tote.
• Outdoor gear: Fold collapsible chairs, umbrellas, and portable tables. Stand them upright inside the unit near your larger bins or coolers.
• Comfort items: Keep hats, sunscreen, bug spray, and a first aid kit together so they’re ready to toss in your picnic basket later.

What Should You Store Inside the Unit?

Stick to nonperishable picnic essentials—things that won’t spoil or attract pests. Avoid food, condiments, or anything liquid that could leak. Instead, stash your clean, dry equipment, textiles, and accessories.

You can even keep a ready-to-go picnic tote or basket packed with reusable items you’ll always need. For instance: plates, cups, utensils, a small cutting board, napkins, trash bags, and a corkscrew. When you’re planning a spontaneous picnic, you’ll just need to add fresh food and drinks before heading out.

Label and Arrange for Easy Access

Label each bin clearly. Stack bins of the same size so everything fits neatly and tidily. Place your ready-to-go tote front and center, right where you can grab it first.

If you’re storing multiple seasonal items, consider keeping picnic gear together on one shelf or in one corner of your unit.

Keep It Clean

After each picnic, wash and air-dry your reusable gear before putting it back in your tote or basket. Moisture is the enemy of freshness so make sure everything is completely dry before returning it to your storage unit. Replace used napkins or trash bags so your supplies are always stocked and ready.

When next spring and summer roll around, your gear will be organized, fresh, and waiting for you to pack up the cooler and head out for another picture-perfect picnic day.

Features and amenities vary by location, facility, and unit. “Climate-controlled” and related terms (such as air-conditioned, heated, or humidistat-equipped) describe storage spaces designed to help maintain more consistent temperature or humidity levels compared to non-climate-controlled units. Public Storage does not guarantee temperature or humidity ranges. Availability, features, and unit types may differ by location, facility, and unit. Please confirm with your facility whether specific climate-controlled features are available on units at that location.