[Closed] Important Question: Storing things outside

I'd say you could do it, with a bit of thought. The plastic shed would have a waterproof floor so you'd not have to worry about damp from the ground which IMO is the worst part. Ensure adequate ventilation in the shed and place things so that they can air out a bit.

We keep all the bedding and cushions in our caravan all year round, and they don't get damp or mouldy. It might help that the van catches the sun so its aspect is not damp. If it were under trees or in permanent shade it might be different. I'd expect a plastic shed to be better ventilated than our van. Maybe shield the vents from wind blown rain, prop it up on blocks or 2x4 or something to help the air get under it.

Buy one and drill a few strategic ventilation holes in it so everything stays "aired" ?

You can buy all manner of vent panels and cowls and such, you could easily add them.

Don’t forget the risk of condensation and mice.
Not sure how long the storage would be for (or more to the point how frequently accessed). If it’s dry going in, then if be tempted to look at those vacuum storage bags you get. That would be a pita if you need in to it weekly or more often.

Whilst storage is an issue in all houses (and few garages actually store cars as a result) not many brits are storing families of ice hockey kit.

Not many families have quite so many kids in 3 bed houses either 🙂

My concern with ventilation in a shed is damp air getting in. Why not try and get power to it and keep a dehumidifier in there to dry out any damp kit? Probably won't need to run it all the time but over winter it will help stop mould if run for an hour or so a week.

two ways I think;

1 tank it, insulate it, keep it a bit warm
2 waterproof roof, vent it, keep the air moving

I've seen it done with hunting kit.

Basically a small wooden shed with a couple of small fans keeping fresh air coming in and circulating.

If it's soaked, it'll never dry out. And in the winter it'll freeze. If it's just damp it'll take a day, even if it's raining.
Heating or dehumidifying it is a road to financial ruin. Unless its really rather well sealed and/or insulated.

You could fit vapour barrier on the inside with as staple gun, would seal it all bar the gap round the door. Then a dehumidifier on a timer for a couple of hours would dry the kit nicely.

Stored some stuff in my asgard shed such as helmets, bike bag etc. All ended up mouldy so now keep any 'soft goods' inside instead. Easier to find a spare drawer or wardrobe space than it was looking like a minger!

SaxonRider - Member

I, and a few of my kids, play ice hockey, and we therefore have a fair amount of equipment around the house. The problem is, we live in a relatively small house, and are struggling for storage space.

The question I have is: Is it possible to store things like hockey equipment (lots of synthetic fabrics in need of airing out after use) outside without it going mouldy?

I was thinking of using one of those vinyl garden sheds and dedicate it exclusively for hockey gear, but obviously won't spend the money if it's pointless.

Based on my experience of leaving biking kit in the garage I would say no. If you wash it, dry it then maybe store it in a plastic container it should be fine but otherwise it'll eventually go all mouldy.

Maybe you should try snooker?