The Southern Highlands has a strong tradition of community involvement. Weekend markets, school fundraisers, sporting clubs, charity events, local makers and seasonal pop-ups are a familiar part of life across Bowral, Moss Vale and nearby towns. These activities rely heavily on volunteers, goodwill and organisation.
While enthusiasm is rarely in short supply, many community groups face a quieter, more practical challenge: what to do with equipment between events.
The gradual build-up of event equipment
Most groups begin modestly. A table or two, a banner, a box of flyers. Over time, however, equipment accumulates. Folding tables, trestles, marquees, weights, signage, tubs of stationery, payment equipment, extension cords and lighting all start to take up space.
Because groups often don’t have a permanent base, this equipment is usually spread across several homes. One volunteer keeps the marquee, another stores signage, someone else has the tubs in their garage. While this may work initially, it becomes harder to manage as time goes on.
Why decentralised storage creates stress
When equipment is stored in multiple locations:
- setup takes longer and becomes less predictable
- volunteers spend time tracking items down
- things are forgotten, damaged or misplaced
- responsibility falls repeatedly on the same people
This can quietly lead to fatigue and frustration, even in groups that are otherwise well run.
Simple systems that make a big difference
Community groups that operate smoothly tend to rely on clarity rather than complexity.
Organise by kits, not individual items
Instead of loose equipment, groups often create clear kits such as:
- signage kit
- payments kit
- packing and tools kit
Each kit lives in its own labelled container, making it easy for anyone to collect what’s needed.
Standardise containers
Using the same size tubs makes stacking simpler and keeps storage predictable. Labels on both the front and top help when containers are stacked.
Maintain a basic inventory list
A one-page inventory stored inside a tub (and optionally online) saves time and avoids confusion, particularly when volunteers change.
Protect items properly
Paper, fabric banners and tablecloths last much longer when stored in sealed containers, kept off concrete floors and protected from moisture.
When off-site storage becomes practical
For many groups, off-site storage becomes useful once equipment outgrows private homes or when multiple people need access. A single, secure location keeps everything together and reduces reliance on individual volunteers’ space.
In Moss Vale, some community organisations across the Southern Highlands use Hepworth Self Storage as a practical base for event and club equipment. Having a central location allows groups to focus on what they do best — running successful events — rather than managing logistics.
