Tips and Tricks to Prepare Your Self-Storage Unit for Winter Weather
As the winter season swiftly approaches, many of us are accustomed to preparing our homes, vehicles, and wardrobes for the cold weather’s challenges. Nevertheless, one aspect that often goes unnoticed is our storage units. These spaces, often used to store everything from seasonal clothing and recreational equipment to important documents and family heirlooms, require specific attention depending on the time of year. Preparing for the winter season may initially seem like a daunting task; however, meticulous preparation is crucial, and starting well in advance is advantageous. With this in mind, here are five strategies to safeguard your stored items effectively during the winter season:
- Cleanliness – Regardless of the items earmarked for winter storage, dirty items can attract insects and pests, posing a significant risk to your belongings during their months-long storage period. To mitigate this risk, ensure that all items receive a comprehensive cleaning using warm water and soap or a disinfectant spray. Pay particular attention to the undersides of things, as they tend to accumulate the most dirt. After cleaning, pat them dry to prevent the development of mildew in the future.
- Insulation – According to scientific principles, liquids tend to expand when they freeze, which can potentially lead to the damaging of various items such as lava lamps, wine bottle collections, and aerosol cans. To shield these possessions that contain liquids, consider insulating them with layers of blankets, old clothes, or towels. This insulation not only helps prevent ruptures but also acts as a precautionary measure to absorb any potential leaks. This same principle applies to food items stored in cans, glass jars, and plastic packaging. For miscellaneous items like toys, collectibles, books, and kitchen dishes, it’s advisable to use boxes or other suitable storage supplies. To provide additional protection during the winter months, incorporate protective materials like bubble wrap and polystyrene packing peanuts. When placed inside the boxes, these materials create an extra layer of insulation, ensuring the safety of your belongings throughout the winter season.
- Preserving – Wooden benches, tables, chairs, and desks warrant special attention. Clean and dry them thoroughly, then wrap them in plastic and cover them with blankets. This protective layering prevents the formation of mold and mildew during the winter months. While wrapping them in plastic alone might cause minor warping due to cold temperatures, covering them with waterproof tarps or thick blankets will maintain the wood’s integrity. When positioning your furniture inside the unit, be mindful of its placement to avoid exposure to potential rain or snow that could seep in through doors and windows during the winter months.
- Elevating electronics – Electronics are known to contain intricate components that can be susceptible to damage in cold weather. Therefore, they should be stored with extra care. Ideally, electronics should be stored in their original packaging. If this is not feasible, pack them in boxes. Once packed, wrap each box with shrink wrap and place them inside plastic wardrobe boxes. To prevent potential damage from cold ground surfaces, avoid placing boxed electronics on the floor. Instead, store them on elevated surfaces like shelves or tables.
- Protection – Make space in your closet for winter clothing by storing your summer wardrobe away. To preserve your clothes during winter storage, ensure they are clean and completely dry. Opt for linen or cotton boxes to store your clothing, as these materials allow clothes to breathe. Avoid plastic bags, plastic bins, and cardboard boxes, as they increase the risk of mildew and pest damage. Once your clothing is safely packed in linen or cotton boxes, store them in a cool, dry, dark section of the unit.
Meticulous preparation is essential when stowing away your possessions for the winter. By adhering to these five strategies you can significantly reduce the risk of damage to your items during their hibernation.
