First sunny days: reclaim your balcony, terrace or loggia
As soon as the sun comes back to the BAB area, everyone wants the same thing: set up the table, bring out the plants, and enjoy the balcony. But in many flats around Bayonne, Anglet or Biarritz, that space has turned into a storage corner: “temporary” boxes, seasonal gear, suitcases, spare chairs. Here’s a simple, realistic method to reset everything—without moving the mess into the living room.
Step 1: take stock of what’s blocking the balcony (and decide what should stay)
- Take a quick “before” photo and list what’s outside (or in the loggia), what blocks access, and what hasn’t been used in months.
- Sort into 3 piles: “useful outside now”, “useful at home but not outside”, and “off-season” (store / donate / sell).
- Spot the bulky items: extra folding chairs, parasol, empty planters, décor boxes, sports/leisure gear, suitcases.
- Check the condition: if it’s damp, dusty or exposed to salty air, plan a clean-and-dry step before storing.
- Keep one rule: anything that doesn’t belong to your daily life shouldn’t live in the living room… or on the balcony.
Step 2: organise storage during the season (so your outdoor space stays pleasant)
- Clear the walkway first: the goal is a usable balcony (even a small one). If you have to step over boxes, the “off-season” is too close.
- Group items in labelled bins by use (e.g. “gardening”, “outdoor meals”, “beach/sports”): you can grab what you need fast without shifting everything.
- Protect textiles properly: cushions, throws, outdoor rugs… clean, fully dry, and stored in breathable covers (never crumpled at the back of a cupboard).
- Choose an easy-access storage option: for flat living, a storage unit becomes your “extra room”. For quick drop-offs and pick-ups, our Anglet location is often the most convenient.
- Pick the right size (often small): for folding furniture, bins and seasonal items, a few square metres is usually enough. Get a quick estimate with our size calculator.
Step 3: pack away and prep the next season (the checklist that prevents “re-clutter”)
- Clean and dry before longer storage (especially in coastal weather): it helps prevent odours and stains.
- Disassemble/compact what you can: parasol parts, light shelving, small tables, gardening accessories.
- Store as if you might need it tomorrow: likely items at the front, the rest at the back.
- Make a mini inventory (phone note): months later, you’ll know exactly what’s inside.
- Set a reset date: end of summer or back-to-school season = quick sort and rotation—so your balcony stays enjoyable all year.
Real-life example: a couple in Biarritz gets their loggia back (without sacrificing the living room)
It’s a common story in flats without a cellar: the loggia becomes the “storage solution” for suitcases, extra chairs, décor boxes and leisure gear. Soon, there’s no space left for a small table—and the overflow moves into the living room. With a small storage unit, they moved the off-season items into labelled bins, kept only what they truly use at home, and enjoyed their outdoor space again as soon as the sunny days returned.
More seasonal storage tips in the BAB area
- Think “rotation”: if you only use it a few months a year, it doesn’t need to live at home daily.
- A quick clean-and-dry routine before storage makes a big difference—especially for textiles.
- Small units are often enough: labels, bins and easy access are what really matter.
- Keep your home breathable: the balcony is for living, not hiding what you don’t want to see.
- Store valuable gear in a clean, secure space rather than in a damp corner.
Want a balcony you can actually use this spring? Get a fast estimate with our size tool, then book your unit online and move the off-season items out—without taking over the living room.