How to Store Tailgating Gear
Aug 27, 2026 / Public Storage
The best way to store tailgating gear between games or after a season is to clean and dry each item, organize supplies by category, and pack smaller accessories in labeled, lidded bins. Put away larger gear such as folding chairs, canopies, tables, coolers, and cornhole boards in a dry, easy-to-reach area. When space at home feels limited, a self-storage unit can help declutter a garage, closet, shed, or vehicle.
A simple system makes it easier to pack for football, baseball, racing, concerts, and other tailgating events throughout the year.
Tailgating Gear Storage: Key Takeaways
- Clean and dry gear before packing it away.
- Organize items by category, including seating, shade, games, serving supplies, and décor.
- Stash smaller accessories in clear, lidded bins with specific labels.
- Pack folding chairs, tables, and canopies in their bags or compact bundles.
- Put away coolers empty and dry.
- A 5×5-foot or 5×10-foot storage unit can work well for many tailgating setups.
- Place frequently used game-day supplies near the front for simpler pickup.
Best Way to Store Tailgating Gear
For a tailgate-ready setup, clean and dry gear first, then organize it into labeled groups. Pack smaller supplies in bins, bundle folding equipment, and use shelving or vertical space for a tidier layout. A dedicated game-day tote can save time when the next event arrives.
| Gear Category | Examples | Storage Approach |
| Seating and comfort | Folding chairs, blankets, portable fans | Pack chairs in bags or strap them into compact bundles; use storage bags for clean, dry textiles |
| Shade and shelter | Canopy, tent, sidewalls, stakes, weights | Pack away in the original bag or a durable equipment bag |
| Games | Cornhole boards, bean bags, footballs, card games | Store boards upright along a wall; stash smaller pieces in a labeled bin |
| Serving supplies | Tongs, reusable cups, trays, napkins, tablecloth clips | Organize in a lidded bin labeled “Tailgate Kitchen” |
| Team décor | Flags, banners, magnets, lights | Clean, dry, and pack in a sealed tote |
| Coolers and beverage items | Coolers, drink dispensers, reusable bottles | Clean, dry, and put away according to manufacturer guidance |
Specific labels like “Tailgate Games,” “Canopy Supplies,” and “Tailgate Kitchen” make it easier to find gear without opening several bins.
For tailgating gear you plan to pack away for an extended break, climate-controlled storage can offer a more consistent indoor environment for items such as canopies, fabric flags, blankets, and game supplies. More than 90% of Public Storage properties offer climate-controlled units, giving customers a convenient option when reserving space for seasonal gear.
Clean and Dry Gear Before You Pack It Away
Outdoor events can leave gear with grass, dust, drink residue, and moisture. A quick clean before storage helps keep your tailgating setup fresh and ready to unpack later.
Tailgating Gear Cleaning Checklist
- Clean grill tools and serving utensils according to manufacturer guidance.
- Empty, wash, and dry coolers before putting them away.
- Wipe folding tables and chairs with a damp cloth, then let them dry.
- Let canopies, tents, blankets, and fabric flags dry fully before packing.
- Brush dirt and grass from cornhole boards, footballs, and other games.
- Clear crumbs, napkins, and drink residue from bins and bags.
- Wash and dry reusable towels, tablecloths, and blankets before placing them in storage bags.
Packing clean, dry gear can make the next tailgate feel less like a cleanup project and more like a quick grab-and-go routine.
Choose Containers That Help Organize Tailgating Supplies
A mix of bins, bags, straps, and shelving can help organize equipment while using available space more efficiently.
| Storage Supply | Best For | How It Helps |
| Clear plastic bins with lids | Cups, utensils, napkins, décor, games | Makes contents easier to spot and groups smaller supplies together |
| Heavy-duty storage totes | Less frequently used equipment | Creates a stackable option for seasonal gear |
| Vacuum storage bags | Blankets, fabric flags, seat cushions | Reduces bulk for clean, dry soft goods |
| Bungee cords or hook-and-loop straps | Folding chairs, tables, canopy frames | Creates compact bundles |
| Waterproof labels | Bins and equipment bags | Keeps categories easy to identify over time |
| Vertical shelving | Smaller bins and accessories | Uses available height and creates a tidier layout |
Packing Tips That Save Space
- Pack heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top.
- Stash smaller items inside larger items when practical, such as clean serving trays inside a cooler.
- Create one game-day essentials tote for supplies used at most events.
- Leave room in each bin for easier lifting and carrying.
- Tape a short inventory list inside the lid of the main tailgating bin.
A game-day essentials tote can include reusable utensils, cups, napkins, trash bags, tablecloth clips, sunscreen, and a bottle opener.
Storing Canopies, Chairs, Coolers, and Games
Larger tailgating gear can take up significant room in a garage or closet. Packing these items in a consistent order can make loading for the next event faster.
- Canopies and tents: Pack dry fabric and frames in their original bags when available. Put canopy stakes and small parts in a labeled pouch or bin.
- Folding chairs: Use chair bags or straps to create compact bundles.
- Coolers: Put away clean, dry coolers based on manufacturer guidance.
- Cornhole boards: Store boards upright along a wall when appropriate. Stash bean bags in a separate labeled tote.
- Folding tables: Fold tables flat and place them along a wall or behind shelving.
- Team flags and blankets: Pack clean, dry fabric items in storage bags or labeled totes.
For more household storage ideas, explore our tips on organizing a storage unit.
Find the Right Storage Unit Size for Tailgating Gear
A self-storage unit can help declutter space at home and create a dedicated spot for seasonal recreation gear. For many households, a 5×5-foot or 5×10-foot unit can provide room for tailgating supplies.
| Storage Unit Size | Approximate Floor Space | May Work Well For |
| 5×5 | 25 square feet | Folding chairs, a few bins, a small cooler, cornhole boards, and a canopy bag |
| 5×10 | 50 square feet | Multiple bins, a larger canopy, folding tables, coolers, and shelving |
| 10×10 or larger | 100 square feet | Tailgating gear alongside patio items, sports gear, and other seasonal household belongings |
Storage-unit dimensions are nominal, and the amount of gear that fits can vary based on item dimensions, shelving, and layout. Measuring larger items such as canopy frames, folding tables, and cornhole boards can help narrow down the right size. Use our storage unit size guide to find the unit that will fit your tailgating gear.
Organize a Storage Unit for Game-Day Pickup
A tidy layout makes it easier to pick up tailgating gear between events. Drive-up access storage units can make loading and unloading larger gear like folding tables, coolers, chairs, and cornhole boards more convenient by allowing you to pull your vehicle up to the unit.
- Put away larger or less frequently used items toward the back.
- Store cornhole boards, folded tables, and canopy frames upright along the walls when appropriate.
- Place the game-day essentials tote near the front.
- Add shelving for smaller bins, games, and accessories.
- Leave a narrow walkway through the space.
- Stash heavier totes on lower shelves and lighter bins above them.
- Create a dedicated tailgating zone when sharing the unit with camping gear, patio items, or seasonal décor.
For a shorter break between events, place frequently used gear near the front. For a longer off-season, pack away extra décor and less-used supplies farther back.
With 24-hour storage access available at select Public Storage locations, you can pick up tailgating gear before an early game or pack it away after a late event. Check your local facility’s access hours when reserving a storage unit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Storing Tailgating Gear
How do you store a tailgating canopy?
Clean and dry the canopy, clear dirt from the frame, and pack it away in its original bag or a durable equipment bag. Put smaller pieces, such as stakes and sidewalls, in a labeled pouch or bin.
Can folding chairs go in storage bags?
Yes. Chair bags keep folding chairs together and make them easier to carry. Straps can create compact bundles when the original bags are unavailable.
How do you put away a cooler after tailgating?
Empty, wash, and dry the cooler completely. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance for lid position and long-term storage.
Is a 5×5 storage unit large enough for tailgating gear?
A 5×5-foot storage unit can work for a compact setup with folding chairs, several bins, a small cooler, cornhole boards, and a folded canopy. A 5×10-foot storage unit can provide more room for larger gear, shelving, or multiple tailgating setups.
How do you organize tailgating gear in a storage unit?
Group items by activity, such as seating, games, shade, and serving supplies. Use labeled bins for smaller gear, store flat items along walls, and place frequently used supplies near the front.
What tailgating items can go in a storage unit?
Many permitted household and recreational items can go in a storage unit, including folding chairs, canopies, tables, cornhole boards, empty coolers, and labeled bins of accessories. Facility guidelines and rental agreements provide details about permitted items.
Make Every Tailgate Easier
An organized tailgating setup can declutter space at home, save time before the next event, and make packing up simpler. Clean gear, labeled bins, and a tidy storage layout create a practical routine for every season.
If tailgating equipment is taking up room at home, explore Public Storage locations near you to reserve space for seasonal gear and other household belongings.
