Keep Your Items Secure With These Cold-Weather Storage Tips
When winter arrives, the need for proper storage solutions skyrockets. Instead of leaving your items vulnerable to the elements, self storage gives you the chance to declutter your home and keep your belongings covered from the cold and snow.
All it takes is a few proactive steps and a little information to get the storage knowledge you need. Our team at mystorage will share ten essential cold-weather storage tips to help shield your belongings all winter long.
1. Know What Items Benefit From Winter Storage
The best place to begin is to know what items benefit the most from winter self storage. Although anything that fits in a traditional storage unit year-round gets the same protection during the winter, cold-weather storage is best used for storing temperature-sensitive items, such as:
- Clothing
- Wooden furniture
- Electronics
- Artwork
- Photographs
- Books
- Musical instruments
If you have one or more of these item groups, then self storage is your ideal solution this winter.
2. Clean Everything Thoroughly
Before you bring out the storage bins, you’ll need to clean each item off. Check for any cracks or signs of damage on each item. Once you’ve determined each object is intact, wipe everything down and dry thoroughly to remove leftover moisture.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for mold. Excess moisture from melted snow can lead to the growth of mold or mildew.
3. Find the Right Storage Unit Size
After you’ve cleaned and gathered all your storage items together, it’s time to find the perfect storage unit size. You’ll need a storage unit that’s not too small to avoid overcrowding. The last thing you want is to trip and crash into a tower of bins. You also don’t want to get a storage unit that’s too large.
Use our online size guide to help you find your ideal space.
4. Consider Climate-Controlled Storage
For added coverage on your temperature-sensitive items, rent climate-controlled storage. Unlike standard self storage, these specialized storage units are kept at steady temperatures all year and maintain a stable environment. This is important if you plan to store several articles of clothing, electronics, and pieces of furniture.
5. Use Sturdy Packing Materials
Once you’re ready to pack, you’ll need to gather quality packing supplies. We recommend using stackable, plastic bins with airtight lids. These sturdy bins help keep moisture and dust off your belongings in ways cardboard boxes can’t.
Use acid-free packing paper as padding for delicate items, such as glasses or dishes. Remember to label each bin with a short yet detailed description of the container’s contents.
6. Cover Items Properly
Furniture and appliances don’t fit in containers, but also need a similar layer of protection against the cold. Use blankets or towels to cover your larger belongings. Save space by disassembling any furniture you can and wrapping the pieces in protective coverings.
Some storage facilities, such as mystorage, may offer dust or mattress covers to go along with your covering.
7. Winterize Vehicles
Do you plan to use RV and boat storage over the winter? It’s essential to winterize your vehicles before you park. To maximize the benefits of RV storage, add fuel stabilizer, inspect for damage, and check tire pressure for winterization.
Before renting boat storage, take similar steps, like draining fluids and adding antifreeze. You can save large repair bills down the road with a few simple steps.
8. Utilize Winter Organization Solutions
Do you want to stay organized for the new year? Winter storage can be the assistance you need. We recommend grouping similar items and making a space in your storage unit for each group. Place any belongings you’ll take more often in the front. To reach the storage unit’s back, clear a path through the aisles.
9. Elevate Your Items
Another way to protect your belongings while in self storage is to keep all boxes and bins off the floor by using wooden boards or loose shelving. Lay heavy tarps or plastic sheets beneath wooden boards as an added shield.
10. Check On Your Storage Unit Often
It’s tempting to pack and leave the storage unit as is throughout the winter. Instead of this, conduct periodic checks of your space, especially after blizzards or other weather-related incidents. These checks are also a great opportunity to grab what you need for the immediate future or reorganize your storage unit.
Rent Premier Winter Storage at mystorage Today
Shield your sensitive items this winter with mystorage. We offer a range of small, medium, and large storage units at multiple locations across Virginia, including many climate-controlled options. Whether you’re preparing for a winter move or need vehicle parking, we’re your go-to cold-weather storage solution.
To rent or reserve your storage unit before the weather dips, contact us online or find a mystorage facility near you online today!