Mardi Gras floats are a New Orleans tradition, but once the last parade rolls and Carnival season comes to an end, there is still a practical question to answer: where do you keep everything? Full-size floats, smaller parade pieces, decorations, props, signage, throws, costumes, and building supplies can require a surprising amount of room. Krewes often work on their creations throughout the year, making an organized place for off-season materials especially important.
For krewe members, community groups, artists, and organizations that need additional room between events, self-storage in New Orleans can provide space for appropriate float components, decorations, supplies, and other Carnival materials. The key is matching the storage space to what you actually have, since a complete parade float has very different requirements from removable decorations and smaller props.
Can You Store an Entire Mardi Gras Float in a Storage Unit?
Whether an entire Mardi Gras float can be stored indoors depends on its dimensions, construction, and the available storage space. New Orleans regulations recognize that floats can be substantial structures; city code even requires special written approval for floats longer than 130 feet, including the pull unit and generator. A conventional self-storage unit therefore won’t be appropriate for every full-size parade float.
Before looking for storage, measure the float carefully. Record its total length, width, and height, including any decorations or structural pieces that cannot be removed. You should also account for the turning and maneuvering room needed to get it into and out of the storage area.
For particularly large floats, a dedicated den, warehouse, or other specialty space designed for oversized equipment may be the better choice. Standard self-storage can still be useful for detachable float components and the many other materials that accumulate during Carnival season.
Store Removable Float Pieces Separately
One way to reduce the amount of space required is to remove decorations and components that don’t need to remain attached to the float year-round. Panels, lightweight sculptures, signs, fabric decorations, props, and reusable structural pieces may be easier to protect when they’re stored separately.
Take photographs before dismantling complicated sections, so you have a visual reference when it’s time to rebuild. Label individual pieces by float, section, and position rather than relying on memory several months later. Small hardware should be placed in labeled containers or bags that remain with the corresponding components.
This approach can also make repairs easier. Instead of working around a complete float, your team can retrieve individual sections as they’re needed for repainting, refinishing, or modification.
Consider New Orleans Weather When Choosing Storage
New Orleans weather deserves consideration when you’re storing materials for months at a time. NOAA’s Local Climatological Data includes measurements for temperature, precipitation, humidity, and other weather conditions, all of which can be relevant when deciding how to protect sensitive materials.
Paper artwork, certain paints, fabrics, photographs, electronics, wooden pieces, and other sensitive materials may require more protection than durable outdoor decorations. Climate-Controlled Storage in New Orleans, LA may be worth considering for components that could be affected by changing temperature or moisture conditions.
Before storing anything, make sure it is completely clean and dry. Packing damp fabric, paper, or decorative materials into containers can create problems regardless of where they’re stored.
Organize Props and Decorations by Parade
Anyone who has helped prepare for Carnival knows how quickly supplies can multiply. Masks, banners, decorative panels, costumes, tools, beads, signage, paints, and boxes of miscellaneous materials can become difficult to manage if everything is placed wherever it fits.
Create separate areas for each float or parade project whenever possible. Clear plastic totes can make smaller supplies easier to identify, while large labels allow volunteers to find the correct materials without opening every container. An inventory spreadsheet or shared document can be especially helpful when several people use the storage space.
Keep items needed early in the building process near the front. Decorations that won’t be touched until shortly before parade day can go farther back.
Protect Float Decorations Before Storage
Mardi Gras decorations can involve considerable time and craftsmanship, so don’t rush the packing process once the parade is over. Remove dirt, moisture, tape, loose glitter, and other debris before putting reusable pieces away. Inspect decorations for damage at the same time so repairs aren’t forgotten until the next Carnival season.
Fragile pieces should be wrapped individually rather than stacked directly against one another. Avoid placing heavy containers on lightweight props, papier-mâché pieces, or decorative panels. Large items that cannot fit inside boxes may benefit from protective coverings that help keep dust away without trapping moisture.
It’s also worth separating items you know won’t be reused. Discarding damaged or outdated materials before storage keeps them from occupying valuable space for another year.
Storage for Throws, Costumes, and Krewe Supplies
The float itself is only one part of Mardi Gras preparation. Krewes may also have costumes, banners, tools, decorations, reusable throws, event supplies, records, and other materials that need somewhere to go after Carnival.
Sort these items by purpose instead of mixing everything. Costumes can be cleaned and packed separately, tools can stay together in durable containers, and administrative materials can have their own clearly marked area. Keeping categories separate makes preparing for the next season considerably easier.
Pay particular attention to anything that shouldn’t remain in storage for long periods. Food, liquids, hazardous materials, fuels, and other restricted items should never be placed in a storage unit simply because they were part of parade preparations. Always check facility rules before moving in.
Plan for Transportation and Access
Storage isn’t useful if you can’t conveniently move your materials in and out. Before choosing a space, consider the vehicles you’ll use to transport float components and whether you’ll need room for trailers, trucks, or other large equipment.
The City of New Orleans maintains specific regulations for Carnival float parades, including requirements affecting float construction and parade operations. Planning transportation around both your equipment’s dimensions and applicable local requirements can prevent complications as Carnival approaches.
If your krewe uses trailers or recreational vehicles for other activities throughout the year, RV & Boat Storage in New Orleans may also offer storage for appropriate vehicles or equipment. Confirm dimensions and storage requirements before assuming a particular space will work.
Keep Safety in Mind During Mardi Gras Preparations
As parade season approaches, storage spaces often become busier. Volunteers may be retrieving decorations, moving boxes, loading vehicles, and preparing supplies, so organization becomes more than a matter of convenience.
Keep walkways clear and avoid unstable stacks of boxes or decorations. Heavy materials should stay lower to the ground, while lightweight items can be stored higher when shelving is available. Tools should have designated locations rather than being left around the storage area.
It’s also important to stay current on Carnival rules. NOLA Ready’s Mardi Gras guidance provides official information for parade routes, including restrictions on items such as generators, open flames, scaffolding, platforms, and other equipment. Checking current requirements before each season can help your group plan accordingly.
Use the Off-Season to Prepare for Next Mardi Gras
Putting everything into storage shouldn’t mean forgetting about it until a few weeks before the next parade. Mardi Gras float building and decorating can be a year-round undertaking, and many krewes work on their creations well before Carnival arrives.
Use the quieter months to inspect reusable decorations, repair damaged pieces, organize supplies, and identify items that need to be replaced. Keeping a current inventory can also prevent unnecessary purchases when someone discovers a box of supplies that everyone had forgotten about.
An organized storage setup makes this process much easier. Instead of beginning each season with a massive cleanout, members can retrieve the materials they need and return them when the work is finished.
Finding the Right Mardi Gras Storage in New Orleans
There isn’t one storage solution that works for every Mardi Gras float. Large, fully assembled floats may require specialized warehouse or den space, while smaller floats, removable decorations, props, costumes, tools, and Carnival supplies may be suitable for conventional storage. Measure everything first and confirm that your planned items are permitted before renting.
Think beyond simply finding enough square footage. Consider access, ceiling height, door dimensions, transportation, organization, and whether sensitive materials would benefit from a more stable environment. A little planning after Mardi Gras can save considerable work when the next parade season arrives.
For krewes, artists, organizations, and residents who need additional room for appropriate Carnival materials, storage units in New Orleans can help keep decorations, props, supplies, and reusable float components organized between celebrations. With everything properly packed and labeled, preparing for the next Mardi Gras can begin by building and decorating rather than searching for last year’s supplies.