A rubbermaid box, ziplock bag, or Action packer is a good bet for storage. Keeps lint from collecting in you hoses and first stage. Speaking in short term storage (ie. before annual service is up), as long as you keep lint from collecting in your gear you can just reconnect everything and use it just fine, theoretically.
Since you're not using the first stage for a long time, you'll reservice before reconnecting. Keep in mind however that a badly conditioned first stage might cost more to service or tire the tech enough to do a less than decent job.
So my overall advice is to store gear in a container (ziplock or box), in a climate controlled room, free from lint(hence the container).
I would also suggest to get 1st stage port plugs anyways. That way you can configure your hoses how you like, instead of being relegated to having to fill all empty ports with a hose.
Hose end caps aren't so necessary, especially considering that they don't make female end-caps for hoses (second stage side).
If you're worried that you're hose is filled with lint, connect it to a first stage, leave the female side unconnected, and pressurize.
Or you could just blow through it.
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