5 More Tips for Storing Your Items Safely During the Winter

A great number of the items in most households are seasonal. Some of those that you’ll need in the summer will be unusable in the winter, and vice versa. As a result, it’s critical to safely store these items to keep them in good condition and free up valuable storage space in your garage or home. Proper care and organization make it easier to access everything you’ll need once the seasons change.

Storing items during winter is easier said than done, however. The elements, snow, and cold temperatures — as well as a lack of use — can wreak havoc on your belongings. When it comes to protecting your personal belongings throughout the winter months, there are a few things you need to consider to avoid issues like mildew, rust, and moisture buildup.

Here are some storage tips for winter:

How Do You Store Things for the Winter

Decide What to Keep
The first step before putting your belongings in storage is to decide what you want to put away for the winter. Some of your possessions may not be worth storing and would simply take up room that could be better used for more necessary items. Make a list of everything you want to store, from clothing and accessories to outdoor furniture and seasonal tools.

Throw away anything that is broken, ripped, cracked, or beyond fixing. Decide whether you want to spend the time cleaning, painting, or reupholstering it if it’s just dirty, faded, or rusty. If the answer is no, donate it; if the answer is yes, put it on your list of things to keep and ensure you have enough space to store it properly.

Clean Your Belongings

The simplest approach to keeping objects in winter storage from deteriorating is to always take extra precautions by carefully cleaning and storing each item. Allowing dust and dirt to sit with your belongings for months can cause a lot of damage — and even lead to mildew or odors if not handled with care.

Cleaning your belongings before keeping them protects not only the item but also the storage space and containers they’re in. Make sure to dry your valuables after you’ve cleaned them. Water or moisture of any kind can cause issues, especially in the winter when liquids freeze and expand. Consider using moisture absorbers inside boxes or bins for added protection. Don’t forget to make all necessary repairs before storing your belongings, as well.

Cover Your Items

Covering your valuables is an excellent way to keep them safe. Covering your belongings offers an added layer of cushioning and keeps dust, and debris out. However, you cannot simply cover your things with any material. Plastic and vinyl are not recommended because they can collect moisture or water and break or split when exposed to the cold in the winter. Wool or fabric coverings are the best materials to safeguard your items, especially winter clothing or delicate accessories.

Moving blankets are also a terrific way to keep your possessions secure for an extended period. Packing materials are also beneficial for maintaining heat and safeguarding any objects in boxes. You can also place your items inside plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes. Plastic bins are durable and offer more protection.

Keep Electronics Elevated
When electronics are exposed to extremely cold temperatures, they are easily ruined. So, if at all possible, take precautions to keep devices off the ground — put them on top of furniture, in boxes, or on shelves. The ground loses heat even in climate-controlled storage containers and is the coldest portion of the unit. Keeping items elevated improves access and prevents cold air from damaging them. Electronics left in this condition over the winter might be irreparably destroyed.

Choose Climate Controlled Storage

Climate-controlled storage containers are ideal for storing your belongings, especially those that are valuable or fragile. The cold may cause a lot of damage to a lot of things. Climate-controlled storage facilities protect your possessions from temperature-related harm, which is especially handy during the winter.

These storage units will keep moisture from accumulating and seeping into your electronic, motor-driven, or rust-prone devices. Using moisture absorbers and proper care can further extend the life of your belongings. Climate-controlled storage lockers are a sure-fire way to preserve all of your belongings in good shape — keeping everything safe, dry, and easy to access when you need it. Centron Self Storage offers heated storage units suited to your specific needs. Use this link to reserve a unit.

General Tips to Storing Items During Winter

Storage during winter is tricky. There are several places where the temperature drops significantly below zero, and even a bit of condensation or poor air circulation can cause damage over time. So, regardless of the type of winter you have in your area, you’ll want to make sure your things are well-protected with proper insulation and clean, dry storage containers that prevent moisture buildup.

Clothing

Before storing any fabric or piece of clothing, it must be thoroughly washed and dried. This is necessary to avoid mold and stains from setting in. 

When arranging your storage unit, it makes sense to stack clothes, gear, and bags as high as possible in your storage locker. The reason for this is that humidity levels are denser near the floor and tend to sink. This means that the higher you store your garments, the drier the air is and the safer your fabrics and accessories are. Placing breathable paper between folded items can also help absorb excess moisture.

Activity Equipment

When it starts snowing, some equipment has to go — especially items like bikes or camping tools. Winter storage for a camper is particularly important. Sporting goods and activity equipment don’t come cheap, and everyone understands that they are a significant investment. As a result, it would be a waste to harm perfectly good equipment by not properly storing them.

Like all other things, you have to clean them first correctly. It is not recommended for you to place them directly on the floor. If possible, hang them on a pegboard or place them on pallets to encourage airflow beneath them. Proper air circulation will help reduce condensation and prevent corrosion on metal parts.

Bicycles
To store a bike for the winter, there are a few measures to follow. Before storing the bike, make sure the tires are fully inflated, as the cold weather might cause them to lose air. If you’re storing the bike on the ground, flip it upside down or hang it on a bike rack to relieve pressure on the tires. Lubricate the brakes, bike chain, and cables to prevent rusting or corrosion, and keep moisture from entering and freezing parts or components.

Final Thoughts

Securing, preserving, and storing your assets effectively throughout the winter takes a lot of thought and effort. But, if you follow these tips, you will be relieved to find your belongings still in excellent shape next season.

If you are looking for a storage facility this winter, come to Centron Self-Storage in North York, Ontario. Reserve your unit now and keep your items safe by calling us at (416) 739-0000!