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August 8, 2025

What Did You Have Slashing In The Back?

Episode Summary

Modern Storage® returns from vacation with a kayak full of standing water and zero plan for what to do with it, and it turns into a full conversation about post-vacation storage mistakes. Modern Storage® breaks down what you should actually check, dry, and inspect before putting gear into a storage unit after a trip. If you have ever tossed something damp into storage and regretted it later, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

1

Always drain and dry recreational gear like kayaks completely before putting them in storage to prevent mold, mildew, and damage.

2

Post-vacation is one of the easiest times to make storage mistakes because you are tired and just want to unload everything fast.

3

A quick inspection of your gear before storage can save you money and frustration when you go to use it again next season.

Episode Notes

In this episode of Modern Storage® Unpacked, host Modern Storage® brings a surprisingly relatable story to the table: she has been driving around after a vacation with a kayak that still has water sloshing around in it. It is the kind of thing that happens to almost everyone after a trip, where gear gets loaded back into the car or truck and the cleanup gets postponed indefinitely. That delay, though, is exactly where storage problems begin, and Modern Storage® use this real-life scenario as the jumping-off point for a broader conversation about responsible storage habits for recreational equipment. The episode digs into the specific risks of storing outdoor and water-based gear before it has been properly drained, dried, and inspected. Kayaks, paddleboards, camping equipment, and other recreational items that come into contact with water are particularly vulnerable to mold and mildew growth when sealed into a storage unit. The enclosed environment of a storage unit, even a climate-controlled one, can accelerate that damage significantly. Modern Storage® explain why this matters not just for the items themselves but also for neighboring units and the overall condition of the storage facility. Beyond kayaks, the conversation expands into the broader post-vacation storage struggle that many self storage customers face. After a trip, people are tired, behind on work, and tempted to just get everything out of the car and into a unit as fast as possible. This episode argues against that impulse and lays out a practical pre-storage checklist that listeners can actually use. The hosts cover what to look for, what to air out, what to wipe down, and what might need to be thrown away entirely rather than stored. The self storage industry sees a predictable surge in unit rentals and activity following peak travel seasons, and customer education around proper item preparation is an ongoing challenge for facility operators. Episodes like this one speak directly to that gap. When customers understand the consequences of storing damp or contaminated items, they are more likely to take the extra steps that protect their belongings and reduce liability concerns for storage facilities. Modern Storage® brings that industry context into a format that feels approachable rather than instructional. Listeners who rent self storage units for seasonal gear, outdoor recreation equipment, or travel accessories will find this episode especially useful. The hosts balance humor and honesty in a way that makes the topic feel relevant without being preachy. Whether you have a kayak full of mystery water sitting in your driveway right now or you are just trying to be smarter about how you use your storage unit going forward, this episode gives you the information you need to make better decisions before you start loading things in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the topics covered in this episode.

Do I need to clean my kayak before putting it in a storage unit?

Yes, and it matters more than most people expect. Any water left inside the hull or in storage compartments can lead to mold, mildew, and odors that are very difficult to reverse. Rinse the kayak, drain it completely, wipe it down, and let it air dry before moving it into storage.

What happens if you store wet or damp outdoor gear in a storage unit?

Moisture trapped in a closed storage unit creates the right conditions for mold and mildew to take hold quickly. This can ruin fabric, foam, and plastic components, and the smell can spread to other items in the unit. Even gear that feels mostly dry should be aired out fully before being enclosed in storage.

What should I check on recreational equipment before putting it away after a trip?

Start by looking for any damage from the trip, then focus on moisture. Drain all water, remove and separately dry any soft components like seats or straps, clean off dirt and debris, and inspect seals or closures for wear. A quick checklist approach before storage can save you from expensive repairs or replacements down the line.

As a storage facility manager, how do I help customers avoid storing damaged or wet gear?

The most effective approach is education at the point of move-in and through seasonal reminders, particularly before summer and winter. Providing a simple one-page tip sheet on prepping common recreational gear like kayaks, tents, and bikes for storage gives tenants something actionable and reduces the chance they will come back unhappy about damaged items.

Is a climate-controlled unit worth it for storing a kayak or other outdoor recreation gear?

Climate control helps regulate humidity and temperature, which is beneficial for gear with foam, fabric, or rubber components that can degrade in extreme conditions. However, no storage environment can compensate for putting wet equipment away in the first place. Proper drying and prep before storage matters more than the unit type, though climate control adds a meaningful layer of protection for long-term storage.

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