How Schools Can Store Chemistry Gear Over Summer Break

As schools across Australia get ready to lock the doors on another year, science labs often end up packed last or overlooked entirely. With summer break stretching out for weeks, that’s a long time for chemistry gear to sit idle. Heat, moisture, and pests don’t take a break just because students do. That’s why now’s the time to double-check how lab equipment is being stored.

Different types of gear need different kinds of care. Glassware can crack if it’s stacked the wrong way. Chemicals can go bad if they’re not packed properly. And electrical tools won’t last long sitting in humid corners. Being proactive is the best way to protect everything that’ll be needed on day one of Term 1. Working with an educational lab equipment supplier means schools can plan for smart storage without guessing, so nothing gets damaged or forgotten during the break.

Make a storage plan before packing anything away

The first step is simple but often skipped. Walk through the lab before summer break begins. Take time to check cupboards, fume hoods, and drawers. Make notes about what’s still in use and what was left behind after classes ended.

Organise what needs to be stored, what should be thrown out, and what needs special care. Chemicals that are past their use-by dates should be safely disposed of. Glassware should be sorted by fragility and how often it’s used. Any leftover samples or student projects that won’t be reused can usually be cleared out now rather than later.

Label each container and shelf so it’s easy to unpack when the holidays end. A simple sheet of paper with “Term 1 Priority” or “Long-Term Storage” can help keep track. It’s also a smart idea to have safety data sheets available in an easy spot. If there’s an issue over break or something needs to be checked mid-January, having the paperwork ready makes things simpler.

LabChoice Australia has lab inventory and storage trays, plus easy-access bin labels, to help schools keep track of gear before the break starts.

Get the chemicals sorted and sealed

This part takes care and attention since chemical storage mistakes can cause real problems. All sealed containers should be checked for leaks or damage before anything is packed away. Tightly screwed lids and labels that are still legible will help avoid any confusion in the new year.

Store chemicals in cool, dry places. Avoid putting them in cupboards that get direct sun through windows or are located near heaters or vents. Flammable items should be stored far from equipment or appliances that heat up, even slightly.

In regions with high humidity during summer—like along the coast—extra steps may be needed. Desiccators can help keep moisture-sensitive chemicals dry. Clear plastic bins with sealed lids work well for added protection too, especially in classrooms where airflow is limited. These containers prevent unwanted air or pests from getting in while still allowing easy access once things return to normal.

LabChoice Australia supplies desiccators, airtight containers, and chemical-resistant storage bins—in a range of sizes—to support safe summer storage in all climates.

Clean and pack all glassware and instruments properly

Chemistry glassware is often delicate, and even the simplest tube can become unusable from one small chip. The best way to keep items safe is to clean and dry everything fully before packing. Any hidden water on the inside can slowly create mould or marks during the long summer weeks.

Once dry, group items by size and shape. Keep test tubes in holders, and wrap fragile instruments like burettes or pipettes lightly in cloth or bubble wrap. This helps reduce the chance of breakage from shifting or bumping during the break.

Stacking equipment too tightly is where many problems start. A packed box might seem tidy, but if nothing can move, the pressure can crack thin glass or warp softer items. It’s better to leave a bit of space between each item. Use trays or racks so nothing is sitting directly on top of something else. That way, it’ll all unpack just as neatly as it went in.

Protect tech equipment and measurement tools

Digital gear needs a little extra attention before being left unused for that long. Items like pH meters, heaters, scales, or hotplates often get left plugged into corners or packed into drawers without much thought. Batteries left inside can leak. Cords packed too tight can split. Moisture sitting inside displays or casings can shorten the lifespan of otherwise good instruments.

Start by removing batteries from anything that runs on them, whether it’s a small pH tester or a larger controller. Store the batteries separately and label which device they belong to, or dispose of them if they’re nearly flat. Coiled cords and cables should be kept loose, not tightly wrapped, and never placed under heavy glass beakers or books.

Keep digital equipment off the floor and away from windows. Even an overcast summer can bring heat and dampness into classrooms unexpectedly. Temporary storage rooms filled with yard gear or surplus desks aren’t always suitable for electronics. If it’s unclear how something should be stored long-term, it helps to check with an educational lab equipment supplier. They’ll often know the least risky way to keep gear safe for weeks at a time, even in hard-to-predict conditions.

Ready for a Fresh Start in Term 1

A bit of effort now sets the whole lab up for an easier start next year. When equipment is packed with care and everything’s stored where it should be, there’s less stress for teachers returning in January. No one wants to start Term 1 sorting out sticky shelves or trying to find replacement beakers that cracked over the break.

Good lab storage doesn’t have to be fancy. It just needs to match what’s actually used during peak teaching weeks. Sorted shelves, clearly labelled trays, and clean gear all help the first lessons of the year run more smoothly. And when everything’s in the right place, it’s easier for students and teachers alike to focus straight away without needing to clean, replace, or re-learn where things belong. A well-kept lab gives everyone a calm, confident start to the year ahead.

Summer’s the right time to tidy up classroom gear, and glassware is a smart place to begin. Clean, sorted items make Term 1 setups easier and quicker for everyone. If you’re unsure what should be kept or packed away, an educational lab equipment supplier can help match your storage needs to what’s on the shelf. At LabChoice Australia, we’ve helped schools across the country get organised before the break. Let us know if you’d like support checking what’s good to go and what needs swapping out.