How to Store Camping Chairs in Garage: Effective Storage Solutions

Opening the garage and being met with a tangle of folding chairs, tangled fishing rods, and last summer’s camping gear isn’t exactly inspiring. I’ve seen it more times than I can count — families wrestling with a leaning tower of camping chairs that always seem to topple over just when you’re in a rush to head out the door.

The truth is, how you store your camping chairs makes all the difference. It’s not just about keeping things neat. Poor storage can shorten the life of your chairs. Moisture seeping through a concrete slab can rust frames in a matter of months. Dust and pests sneak into fabric, leaving you with a musty seat no one wants to use. And don’t get me started on the wasted space — I once worked with a family in Doncaster whose four oversized chairs were chewing up nearly two square metres of floor space.

Over the past 20 years, I’ve helped homeowners across Melbourne, Sydney, and Canberra reclaim their garages. What I’ve learnt is simple: the garage has enormous potential, but only if you use every inch wisely. Camping chairs, with their awkward bulk and floppy frames, are a perfect test case. Get their storage right, and the rest of your gear usually follows.

In this guide, I’ll show you practical, proven ways to keep your camping chairs off the floor, protected from the elements, and ready for your next adventure. From wall-mounted racks to clever overhead systems, you’ll discover storage methods that actually work in Australian garages.

Step 1 – Assess Your Garage Space Before You Store Anything

Before you grab a drill and start bolting hooks into the wall, take a moment to size up the space you’re working with. A little planning at this stage can save you hours of rework later.

Over the years, I’ve walked into countless garages where people tried to “make do” — a hook thrown up here, a basket shoved there. The result? Wasted space and gear that never really fit. One couple in Essendon had invested in heavy-duty hooks for their camping chairs, but didn’t check the wall studs first. Within months, the whole lot had torn out of the plaster. A bit of upfront measuring would have saved them the frustration.

Measure And Plan For Camping Chair Storage

• Width, height, depth – Grab a tape measure and mark out the exact dimensions where chairs could fit. Think about both folded and unfolded sizes.
• Other gear – Don’t forget bikes, tools, or sports gear. A storage plan should work for everything, not just the chairs.
• Access points – Note where doors swing, cars park, or roller doors come down. You don’t want a hook banging your bonnet every time you pull in.

Think Beyond The Garage Floor

The biggest mistake I see is relying solely on floor space. Garages in newer Melbourne estates often measure just 5.5m deep — barely enough for a car and a shelf. If you leave chairs on the ground, they’ll always be in the way. Walls and ceilings, on the other hand, are goldmines of unused space.

Here’s a simple way to map your garage:

Step	Task	Notes
1	Clear out one wall or section	Even a 2m stretch is enough for chairs
2	Mark the stud positions with masking tape	Crucial for hooks or racks
3	Sketch storage zones	Use paper or painter’s tape to mark spots
4	Test fit your folded chairs	Stand them up to see how much clearance you’ll need
5	Leave room for future gear	Think esky, folding table, or kids’ camping stools

When you treat your garage like a blank canvas, you’ll start to see opportunities you hadn’t noticed before. Ceiling joists can take an overhead rack. A bare wall can become a chair station. Even a narrow strip beside the roller door can hold two folding chairs if you use the right brackets.

So, before anything else: measure twice, drill once. Your future self will thank you when the whole system works seamlessly.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Camping Chairs For Long-Term Storage

Once you’ve mapped out where your chairs will live, the next step is making sure they’re stored clean and secure. This is one of those “pay now or pay later” moments — a bit of prep saves you the headache of mildew, rust, or torn fabric when you pull them out next summer.

I remember a family in Mornington who stacked their chairs in the garage straight after a beach trip. Sand, salt, and damp fabric worked their mischief. By the time they pulled them out for a spring picnic, the hinges were rusted solid. What should have been a relaxing afternoon turned into a trip to Bunnings for replacements. Lesson learnt: store them dirty, and you’ll pay the price.

Cleaning Tips Before Storing Camping Chairs

• Brush off dirt – Knock off dried mud, sand, and grass clippings with a stiff brush or the suction nozzle of a vacuum.
• Wash the fabric – If the covers are removable, follow the washing instructions. For fixed fabric, a bucket of warm water and mild dish soap does wonders.
• Tackle stains –
  • Grass marks: blot with rubbing alcohol.
  • Tree sap: scrape gently and dab with acetone-based nail polish remover.
  • Bird droppings: disinfect with a touch of bleach on a damp cloth.

• Dry thoroughly – This step is non-negotiable. Air chairs inside or in a shaded spot until there isn’t a hint of dampness. Even one wet fold can breed mould in days.

Inspect And Secure Folding Chairs

• Check the frame – Look for loose rivets, cracked welds, or early signs of rust. A quick squirt of WD-40 can keep hinges working smoothly.
• Inspect the fabric – Small tears become big ones under pressure. Patch or stitch now while it’s manageable.
• Secure for storage – Fold neatly and strap with bungee cords or Velcro ties. This prevents chairs from springing open mid-storage and damaging each other.

Quick Prep Checklist

Here’s a handy run-through before you hang or stack chairs away:

1. Clean dirt and stains.
2. Wash and dry completely.
3. Check frames and screws.
4. Patch or stitch fabric tears.
5. Fold neatly and strap closed.

If you tick these boxes, you’re not just packing away chairs — you’re protecting an investment. After all, camping chairs aren’t just for the campsite. They’re the seats for backyard barbecues, kids’ sports, and Christmas lunch under the gum tree. Keep them in top shape, and they’ll always be ready when you are.

Step 3 – Wall-Mounted Storage For Camping Chairs

Getting camping chairs off the garage floor is half the battle. Walls are prime real estate, and when used properly, they free up space while keeping chairs accessible. Over the years, I’ve seen everything from basic hooks to fully fitted slatwall systems transform a cluttered garage into something you’d happily show off.

I remember a client in Glen Waverley who had eight camping chairs stacked in a corner like fallen dominoes. Every time he reached for one, the whole pile slid across the floor. We installed a pair of heavy-duty racks fixed into studs, and suddenly those chairs looked like they belonged in a showroom. He later told me, “It’s the first time I haven’t sworn at the garage in years.”

Heavy-Duty Hooks And Racks

Best for: Families with 2–8 chairs who want a quick and sturdy fix.

Option	Capacity	Pros	Cons
Heavy-duty wall hooks	3–4 chairs per hook	Simple, cheap, quick install	Needs stud support
Commercial chair racks	8–10 chairs	Purpose-built, neat finish	More expensive, fixed in place
Adjustable hook systems	4–6 chairs (flexible)	Can reposition hooks easily	Requires slat track installation

Steps to install hooks properly:

1. Locate studs with a stud finder.
2. Mark the hook placement at chest height.
3. Pre-drill pilot holes for screws.
4. Fix hooks with lag bolts, not just standard screws.
5. Test with one chair before loading the rest.

Slatwall And Pegboard Systems

Best for: Garages where you want flexibility and multi-purpose storage.

• Slatwall Systems (e.g. Gladiator GearWall)
  • Clip in hooks, baskets, and shelves.
  • Strong enough for 4–6 camping chairs per section.
  • Great if you want a full garage solution, not just for chairs.

• Pegboards
  • Budget-friendly and simple to install.
  • Heavy-duty hooks can handle 1–2 chairs each.
  • Bonus: hang smaller camping gear (torches, mugs, ropes) on the same board.

Comparison Table:

Feature	Slatwall	Pegboard
Cost	$$–$$$	$
Capacity	4–6 chairs per section	1–2 chairs per hook
Flexibility	High	Medium
Look	Modern, tidy	Traditional, utilitarian

DIY Chair Rack Ideas

Best for: Handy homeowners who enjoy weekend projects.

1. Wooden Brackets
   • Cut 1×4 timber at 30° angles.
   • Screw into studs in pairs, forming a cradle.
   • Holds 1–2 chairs per bracket set.
2. 2×4 Rack with Arms
   • Fix horizontal 2x4s into studs.
   • Add angled arms (every 25cm apart).
   • Capacity: up to 8–10 folding chairs.
3. PVC Pipe Holders
   • Mount 3–4 wide PVC pipes horizontally on a wall.
   • Slide folded chairs inside the pipes like sleeves.
   • Low-cost, neat, and surprisingly durable.

Pro Tip

For maximum convenience, mount chair racks at chest height (around 1.2–1.5m).

• Too low = tripping hazard.
• Too high = awkward to lift down when loading the car for a weekend getaway.

Step 4 – Overhead Storage Solutions For Camping Chairs

If your garage walls are already spoken for with bikes, shelves, and tools, the ceiling is your next frontier. Overhead storage keeps camping chairs safe, dry, and out of the way. It’s particularly handy for families who don’t need chairs every weekend but want them ready for summer or holiday trips.

I once worked with a family in Point Cook who complained their garage felt like a shoebox. Surfboards, kids’ scooters, and the mower all battled for space. We fitted a pair of ceiling-mounted racks above their car bonnet. They now store camping chairs, eskies, and even Christmas decorations up there — and they swore it felt like they’d “gained an extra room.”

Commercial Ceiling Racks

Best for: Homeowners wanting strength and reliability without the hassle of DIY.

Brand	Weight Capacity	Adjustable Height	Best Use
Fleximounts	250–270 kg	45–120 cm	Seasonal items + camping chairs
MonsterRax	270–300 kg	45–120 cm	Bulky camping gear, eskies
Gladiator Overhead	250–270 kg	Fixed or adjustable	Chairs, sporting gear

Benefits:

1. Strength – Welded steel and reinforced brackets mean you won’t worry about sagging.
2. Adjustability – Most allow you to drop racks down or tuck them up close to the ceiling.
3. Multipurpose – Great for chairs plus tubs of seasonal gear.

Steps for Safe Installation:

1. Measure your car clearance and ceiling joist spacing.
2. Mark out rack dimensions with a chalk line or painter’s tape.
3. Fix support brackets directly into joists.
4. Assemble and secure the frame.
5. Load lighter items first, then balance heavier ones evenly.

DIY Overhead Options

Best for: Handy DIYers looking to save money with timber or PVC builds.

1. Timber Framing (2x2s and 1x4s)
   • Screw 2×2 battens to ceiling joists every 60cm.
   • Fix 1×4 cross-beams to create a “shelf frame.”
   • Slide tubs or chairs into the spaces.

2. PVC Pipe Rack
   • Cement 50mm PVC pipes with “wye” connectors.
   • Bolt straight pipes to joists for support.
   • Works well for fishing rods and lightweight camping chairs.

3. Scrap 2×4 Ceiling Arms
   • Mount 2x4s perpendicular to joists.
   • Angle short arms down at 30°.
   • Chairs can rest across these like ladder rungs.

Pros vs Cons Table:

Option	Pros	Cons
Timber Shelf	Cheap, strong, holds tubs	Needs carpentry skills
PVC Pipe Rack	Low cost, light, DIY-friendly	Limited to light chairs only
Scrap 2×4 Arms	Uses leftover timber, sturdy	Takes more ceiling space

Pro Tip

If you park in the garage daily, allow at least 60–70 cm clearance above your car’s bonnet before installing overhead racks. I’ve seen homeowners in Eltham forget this step — they installed a brilliant rack, then realised their SUV boot lid couldn’t open without hitting the chairs.

Step 5 – Floor And Cabinet Storage Options

Not everything needs to hang off a wall or dangle from the ceiling. For some families, floor-based and cabinet storage make the most sense. If you’re the type who prefers “grab-and-go” convenience without ladders or hooks, these solutions can keep chairs tidy while still protecting them from damp and damage.

I recall a family in Camberwell who kept four oversized camping chairs jammed behind their lawnmower. Every trip meant dragging the mower out first, then untangling the chairs. We shifted them into a tall laundry tub beside the roller door — suddenly, the mower rolled freely and the kids could grab chairs without asking Mum or Dad. Simple change, big win.

Compact Storage Bins And Tubs

Best for: Families who want quick, low-maintenance storage.

• Tall Laundry Baskets – Store 3–4 chairs upright. Light, cheap, and easy to move.
• Plastic Tubs with Lids – Protect against dust and pests. Great if you’re near the coast, where salty air can corrode metal fast.
• Stackable Bins – Colour-coded tubs for summer, winter, or sport-specific gear. Kids love this because they can spot their “camping box” instantly.

Option	Capacity	Best Location
Laundry basket	3–4 chairs	Beside the roller door
Plastic tub w/ lid	2–3 chairs per tub	Shelves or floor
Stackable bins	Mixed gear + chairs	Against the garage wall

Garage Cabinets And Shelving For Folding Chairs

Best for: Homeowners who like clutter hidden behind doors.

• Tall Cabinets – Store chairs vertically along with folding tables, tarps, and eskies. Lockable options keep kids out.
• Open Shelving Units – Wide, heavy-duty shelves can hold camping tubs plus a row of chairs.
• Rolling Cabinets/Benches – Ideal for multipurpose garages where space shifts between workshop and storage.

Steps to Organise Chairs in Cabinets:

1. Dedicate one shelf or section to “camping gear only.”
2. Store chairs vertically with straps or in tubs.
3. Label the outside of the cabinet clearly.
4. Keep lighter items (like torches and cooking gear) higher, heavier chairs lower.

Cabinet vs Shelving Table:

Feature	Garage Cabinets	Open Shelving
Appearance	Clean, clutter-free	Exposed but accessible
Protection	Dust/pest proof	Limited
Flexibility	Less (fixed shelves)	High (adjustable heights)
Best for	Camping + sensitive gear	Mixed garage storage

Portable Chair Racks Or Trolleys

For families who camp often, a portable rack is a clever option. Picture a simple metal trolley or dolly with straps to hold 4–6 chairs. Roll it out when needed, roll it back into a corner when done.

I built a version for a client in Geelong using a leftover flatbed trolley from his warehouse job. He straps chairs upright, slides the trolley against the garage wall, and wheels the whole set straight into the trailer before every long weekend. He calls it “my camping butler.”

Pro Tip

Avoid storing chairs directly on bare concrete. Garages in Australia sweat during humid summers and drip condensation in winter. Chairs sitting on the slab soak up moisture and start rusting within months. Always raise them slightly — even a pallet or rubber mat under a tub makes a big difference.

Step 6 – Protect Your Camping Chairs From Dust And Moisture

Storing chairs is one thing — protecting them is another. Dust, damp, and pests are the silent killers of camping gear. In Melbourne’s winter, I’ve seen garages sweat with condensation, leaving metal frames spotted with rust in just a few months. On the NSW coast, salty air can chew through screws faster than you’d think. A little foresight goes a long way in keeping chairs usable year after year.

I’ll never forget a family in Williamstown who proudly showed me their brand-new storage cabinets. The problem was, they’d stacked damp chairs inside after a rainy weekend. When they opened the cabinet a month later, the mould smell nearly knocked them over. The chairs were beyond saving — an expensive lesson that “dry first” is rule number one.

 Use Covers And Storage Bags

• Original Chair Bags – If yours came with bags, keep using them. They stop dust and pests.
• Heavy-Duty Covers – For larger chairs, invest in waterproof polyester covers.
• DIY Option – Even an old bedsheet wrapped and tied will keep dust off for months.

Comparison Table:

Cover Type	Best For	Pros	Cons
Original bag	Standard fold-up chairs	Free (came with chair), fits snug	Often thin, tears easily
Waterproof cover	Heavy-duty chairs	Strong, resists moisture	Extra cost
DIY cloth wrap	Spare chairs, budget	Cheap, reusable	Not moisture resistant

Keep Chairs Elevated And Dry

1. Store on hooks, racks, or shelves — never directly on concrete.
2. Place a rubber mat or pallet underneath if chairs must sit on the floor.
3. Avoid damp corners where rain or garden run-off sneaks in under the roller door.

Add Moisture And Pest Protection

• Plastic Storage Bins – With tight-sealing lids, these block both moisture and rodents.
• Silica Gel Packets – Toss a few inside storage tubs to absorb humidity.
• Rodent Deterrents – Metal or hard plastic bins are rodent-proof. Some homeowners tuck dryer sheets inside bags to deter insects.

Pro Tip

If your garage is prone to dampness, invest in a hygrometer (moisture gauge). They cost under $20 at Bunnings and give you a clear reading of humidity levels. Aim to keep storage areas under 60% relative humidity — anything above, and mould becomes a real risk.

Step 7 – Keep Your Garage Organised For Easy Access

Even with the best racks and covers, your camping chairs won’t stay easy to grab if your garage turns back into a dumping ground. Organisation is what separates a tidy storage system from another pile waiting to collapse.

I once worked with a couple in Balwyn who were avid campers but dreaded packing for trips. Everything was “somewhere in the garage,” which usually meant a 45-minute hunt. After setting up a labelled shelving system and a wall rack dedicated just to camping gear, they told me their pre-trip chaos dropped to ten minutes flat. That’s the difference a good organisation makes.

Labelling And Grouping Gear

Why it works: You don’t want to unzip three tubs just to find your chairs. Labels save time.

• Label bins: “Camping Chairs,” “Cooking Gear,” “Tents.”
• Use colour coding: Green tubs for camping, blue for sports, grey for tools.
• Store like with like: Keep chairs near fold-up tables and tarps.

Simple Labelling Options

Method	Best Use	Visibility
Stick-on labels	Plastic tubs, bins	High
Coloured duct tape	Quick ID by colour	Medium
Chalkboard stickers	Cabinets and tubs	Reusable, neat

Seasonal Storage Rotation

Camping chairs don’t get the same use year-round. In summer, you might use them every weekend. In winter, they might only come out for the odd school sports day.

Rotation Strategy:

1. High-access zone (Dec–Mar): Keep chairs at chest height or in baskets near the roller door.
2. Mid-access zone (Apr–Sep): Shift chairs higher up or onto overhead racks.
3. Reassess each October: Bring gear down and give it a once-over before the camping season.

This approach keeps frequently used gear close at hand while less-used gear doesn’t hog prime real estate.

Create A Dedicated Camping Zone

Rather than sprinkling chairs, tents, and eskies across the garage, create a single zone. This way, when it’s time, you’re loading from one corner instead of criss-crossing the space.

Checklist for a Camping Zone:

• Wall rack: Camping chairs + folding tables.
• Overhead shelf: Seasonal items like tarps or sleeping bags.
• Cabinet: Cooking kit, lanterns, and smaller items.
• Floor basket: Quick grab gear (cricket set, beach umbrellas).

Pro Tip

When you finish a camping trip, return gear to its home immediately. I’ve seen families leave chairs in the hallway “just for now”, and six weeks later, they’re still tripping over them. A five-minute reset after unpacking saves hours of clutter stress later.

Storing camping chairs in the garage doesn’t need to be a battle. With the right setup — whether it’s wall-mounted hooks, overhead racks, or a simple cabinet system — you can free up space, protect your gear, and make every camping trip start on the right foot.

Over the years, I’ve seen garages transformed from cluttered chaos into functional spaces where everything has its place. The difference often starts with something as simple as camping chairs. Get them off the floor, keep them clean and dry, and you’ll not only extend their life but also reclaim valuable room in your garage.