Brrr… We’re starting to feel a little nip in the air here in East Tennessee. And while there are lots of great things that go hand-in-hand with autumn and winter in the Smokies, that also means it’s time to think about doing a little winterizing if you rent a self-storage unit. Just as heat can do a number on certain types of belongings, so can the chilly days of winter.
In this installment, we’d like to share a number of tips that will help you get your storage unit ready for the cold seasons that lie ahead. We’ll also refer you back to a blog post from last year, which also included some best practices when it comes to winterizing your storage area. There may be a bit of overlap between those tips and the recommendations we’re sharing here, but we’ve tried to introduce you to as many new ideas as possible this time around.
Summer playthings like pool toys and rafts tend to get wet when in use, so make sure that these items are completely drained and dried. Also, if you’re storing summer patio cushions, take time to clean them and to wrap them in sheets to help them maintain their quality. The patio furniture itself should be cleaned and thoroughly dried as well.
If you wind up out-loading a number of winter items for home use, take a quick look around the unit and check for signs of water intrusion from the outside or from other units. Also make sure that none of your personal belongings that contain liquids are leaking.
If it’s practical to do so, it never hurts to completely empty your storage unit and give it a good, thorough sweeping of dust and debris. This will ultimately help protect the items you’re keeping stored inside.
If they are damaged or cracked, low temperatures could subject them to further deterioration. Consider swapping them out in time for winter.
Think about wrapping up certain items like electronics or anything that could be damaged by cold temperatures. Unneeded sheets or blankets will do the trick. That extra layer of insulation may be all it takes to keep an important belonging or piece of equipment from getting ruined during its winter hibernation.
Not all locks are made alike. Some are susceptible to freezing temperatures, which makes them difficult to unlock, and this can compromise your security. Avoid the hassle by installing a weatherproof lock that will ensure safe and easy access year ‘round.
Next month, we’ll take on another winterization topic in more depth—winterizing vehicles like cars, boats and RVs.