Logs and Firewood
For in-house storage, firewood stacked under a stair alcove makes a great focal point, or try a shelter built on to a shed or outer wall for an outside solution. Then keep a few logs by the fire (but not too close) in a wicker basket or brass scuttle for genuine rustic appeal.
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Christmas Decorations and Accessories
Wind tree lights around boards or onto a reel to avoid frustrating tangles next year, and keep artificial trees in a large storage tube. Check out our other Christmas decluttering tips.
Hats and Gloves
There's nothing more frustrating than searching for a lost glove or hat when you're in a rush, so take control of those warm clothing items by giving them a home of their own. And just string clothespins on aluminum wire (it won't rust) and stretch it between screw eyes on the back of a closet door. These winter preparedness tips will some in handy, too.
Winter Scarves
Coats & Jackets
Bulky winter coats and jackets take up a lot of space and you've got to consider how to store them when they're wet. And when considering decluttering tips, the simplest solution is a line of coat hooks in your entryway. Make sure they're well spaced to allow for drying.
A free-standing storage unit like this one gives you a lot of versatility. Also, you can include shelves and cubby holes for accessories, or leave the inner shelves out to accommodate longer coats.
Umbrellas
Whether you like a huge golfing-style umbrella or a compact handbag design, an umbrella is essential for braving the unpredictable winter weather if you're not in a snow zone. And wet umbrellas that leave pools of water seeping across the floor are unsightly and can cause accidents.
Umbrella stands allow you to hook your umbrellas off the floor, and usually have a drip tray to catch stray raindrops. And, these stands allow you to find your own umbrella quickly when you're heading out. But umbrellas are just as happy in a storage container, such as a brass pot, a plastic tub, or an open design with elastic sides for maximum aeration.
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Wet Boots
Wellies
There's no reason why wellies can't be stored on a shelf or in a cubby, but a welly tree makes an attractive alternative. And for an up-market option, choose one that's made of fine wood, perhaps with a personalized name plate attached. But making your own welly tree is a straight-forward job. Simply insert pairs of dowels into a sturdy wooden base–vary the length to allow for larger and smaller sizes.
Outdoor storage is also possible–a storage rack attached to an exterior wall near your door keep indoor clutter to a minimum. And why not take a look at our other tips for weathering the winter?
Photo: Rob Kemp/Shutterstock
More Footwear
Ice Hockey Gear
Ice hockey players not only need their skates, but also extras like hockey sticks, a helmet, gloves, padded clothing and more. Hockey stuff takes up a lot of space and it gets super-smelly if it doesn't get a chance to dry out. So designate an out-of-sight spot so the pile of equipment doesn't get in the way.
Photo: Ropsy/Shutterstock
Snowboard Gear
Photo: Dmitri Meinikov/Shutterstock
Snow shoes and accessories
Photo: Vitali Nesterchuk/Shutterstock
Ski equipment
Storing skis on a rack under a garage or shed roof keeps them flat, but out of the way when they're not in use. See our other decluttering tips using garage or shed roof space.
Photo: Annet999/Shutterstock
Mixed Sports Gear
This garage or backdoor storage center is packed with features to allow you to store everything you need for cold weather pursuits. It has slots for storing long items like hockey sticks or skis, wire racks for drying shoes and boots, shelves with lips for keeping balls in place. And it has hangers that hold coats away from the wall for effective drying.
Mudroom storage
This wall-mounted frame includes space for boots and overshoes, a seat with hinged lid for hidden storage of dog leashes, mittens, ear muffs, etc. And there's a coat rack and hooks on the exterior for bags, scarves and hats.