Although we’re still in the middle of autumn, winter isn’t too far away. In fact, we’ve already had a few days around here where the temperatures certainly felt winter-like. With that in mind, we felt it was time to pass along some tips you can use when you’re planning your winter storage strategy. If you already have a storage unit with us, these will come in handy. If you’re not yet renting a storage unit anywhere, give us a call today, and we’ll help you figure out which of our available units will best suit your needs.
One of your priorities is to protect temperature-sensitive items like electronics, furniture, electronic media and more. For example, be sure to keep electronics off the ground and remove any batteries that may be inside any of your devices. Furnishings made with wood or leather need to be covered and also kept off the ground. CDs and DVDs need to be stored in bins that will protect them from moisture and humidity.
A good general tip is to use plastic containers to store smaller items. These will help you keep your things organized and dry as well. Consider grouping similar items together to make them easier to find when the time comes. And of course, keeping things in sturdy plastic containers will protect them from damage as well.
Fine fabrics like silk can deteriorate in cold, moist environments, so you’ll want to store them in sturdy plastic boxes as well and consider packing with cedar chips (not mothballs) to keep critters out of your clothing. And although vacuum packing certainly can save you space, it can also permanently wrinkle some nicer fabrics.
Another tip for winter storage is to cover larger items (furniture, etc.) with cotton or wool blankets instead of plastic tarps. Plastic traps moisture, whereas cotton and wool are breathable. And avoid frequently accessing your unit in winter to minimize interior moisture, especially on rainy or snowy days. You might even spend some money on silica gel packets that are designed to absorb moisture. Products like Damp Rid are also good for minimizing interior moisture.
You’ll also need to winterize summer equipment like lawnmowers, grills and some types of sporting goods. Drain fluids from machinery, and clean everything thoroughly. Wipe down all equipment, paying close attention to grease and other corrosive fluids.