Last October I hung my bike in the garage and shoved the kayak against the wall, figuring I would deal with both in spring. Spring me found a rusted chain, a cracked paddle, and a kayak full of mouse droppings. Winter storage is not a favor you do your gear. It is a job with steps.

Clean Everything First

Dirt holds moisture, and moisture is what destroys gear over winter. Wash the bike, the kayak, the grill, the patio cushions, everything. Dry it completely before it goes into storage. I learned this the hard way with a grill that rusted under its cover because I stored it wet.

Bikes: Off the Ground

Hang the bike from a wall hook or a ceiling hoist. Tires left sitting on concrete develop flat spots that never round out. Clean and oil the chain before hanging it, and let some air out of the tires if you are storing for months.

Kayaks and Paddles: Out of the Sun

Plastic kayaks warp in direct sunlight, even through a window. Store it upside down on sawhorses if you can, so the hull does not develop a permanent sag. Never stand a kayak on its end for months, the bow flattens.

Paddles store flat, not leaning against a wall. A leaning paddle warps over a season.

The Garage Checklist

• Drain and store garden hoses inside, they crack in the cold
• Run the lawn mower dry or add fuel stabilizer
• Wash and dry patio cushions, store them in a bin, not on the furniture
• Put traps or repellent near anything a mouse might nest in

The mouse problem in my kayak was the wake-up call. Now everything gets cleaned, dried, and stored off the floor, and spring me actually enjoys pulling the gear out.