winter storage tips

Winter Storage Tips and Seasonal Items to be Stored

Winter Storage Tips and Seasonal Items to be Stored. As we head straight into the middle of winter, you may want to consider self-storage to protect seasonal items that can’t be used during the cold months.

If you live in a climate that has freezing temperatures during winter, it is important to protect your seasonal belongings from winter-related damage.  You can avoid damage to your items by using a climate enhanced self-storage unit, as many people tend to do in winter.

Or, for items that cannot be damaged by the cold, you still want to organize and store the belongings until warm weather arrives again.  Look at our list of summer items that should be stored during winter.  We will also discuss belongings that can be damaged by extreme cold.  Those items should be stored in a climate-enhanced space, like a self-storage unit. Read further to find out about our winter storage tips.

Summer Items Commonly Stored Away During Winter

As mentioned above, many people opt to store away seasonal items that cannot be used during the cold months of winter.  Storing your seasonal belongings is a great way to create space in your home.  We made a list of such items that can be stored for the duration of winter.

  1. Lawn equipment:

    Leaving out lawn equipment during warm months is fine, but during winter you will want to find a place to store your lawn equipment.

  2. Small engine vehicles:

    If you live in a climate with snow, ice, and freezing temps the chances of you using small engine vehicles like a motorcycle or ATV during winter are slim.  Put them into storage until warm weather returns.

  3. Recreational items:

    You can also store away skateboards, sporting equipment like life jackets, hiking boots, and bicycles until summer. To store bicycles to protect them from the element of winter, consider bike shelves, wall mounts, hooks, or tarps.  If you are putting the bike into storage, keep the tires inflated, but weight off them.  Lubricate the cables before storing.

  4. Summer clothes:

    To make more room in your home, pack up and store summer clothing.

  5. Patio Furniture:

    Before you put your patio furniture away for the winter, clean it well to help avoid issues like mildew or mold forming.  If your furniture is vinyl or plastic use hot water, soap, and a sponge.  For wicker or wood furniture use oil soap to clean and finish it with furniture-grade paste wax.

    For metal furniture, scrub away any rust with a wire brush and then apply paste wax.  For canvas furniture use an upholstery cleaner to scrub it clean.  Store your patio furniture inside for winter, either in a storage locker or your garage or storage shed.  Use fitted covers over the cushions and tie the covers to keep them in place to protect them from the elements.

Seasonal Items That Can Be Damaged by Cold Temperatures

There are certain seasonal items that can be damaged by the cold temperatures.  Here is a list for you of seasonal belongings that you should store with caution…

  1. Electronics
  2. Items that include liquid
  3. Battery-operated seasonal items.

Colder and fluctuating temperatures can create condensation inside electronics, which can be quite damaging.  Anything that has liquid in it already can start to crack due to expansion from cold weather temperatures and freezing. This is true for battery cells, which include those for cars, mowers, and other small engine vehicles.

To store these types of items for winter, you may want to consider a climate-enhanced space.  There are some storage facilities that offer climate-enhanced storage units for winter.  These are designed to keep temperatures at reasonable temperatures.  This goes a long way in keeping your seasonal items safe and sound during winter.

A climate-enhanced storage unit helps protect your belongings, even in the harshest of winters.

Further Winter Storage Tips

As you can see, winter storage is important to protect your seasonal items from damaging, cold winter temperatures.  It can be a tricky process, especially if you have limited space to begin with. You will also need to consider special care for mechanical belongings like lawnmowers or cars.

No matter what you have to put into storage, read further and follow these next winter storage tips. Here are a few winter storage tips to help you get started with winter storage.

  1. Organize your seasonal items to help decide what to keep and what to get rid of, donate, or sell.  If you have an item that is broken beyond repair, throw it out.  If the item is just a bit dirty or dusty, decide if it is worth cleaning and keeping.  If you do take the time to clean the item but decide you do not want it, it can be donated or sold to make more space for you at home.
  2. Thoroughly clean everything before you store your items for winter.  This will cut down on winter damage and keep your belongings in good condition.
  3. After your stuff has been organized and cleaned, it is time to figure out where to store them for safekeeping. If there is space in the garage you may want to store items there.  But, if you do not have space in the garage, or if your items need climate control, then renting a storage space may be the best decision.  If you decide to go with a climate enhanced storage unit then you can save some time by using a utility trailer.  Tow and roll that trailer right into the storage unit, and then haul it right back out when summer starts.
  4. Take some time and put some effort into making sure that your belongings stay safe during winter.  Certain items will be fine outside if they are covered up.  Even if you store patio furniture inside, use furniture covers and blankets to keep the items dust-free.  This will also protect your items from tears, dings, and dents.  If necessary, use a climate-enhanced storage unit for items that can be damaged by extreme cold.  Then, store your stuff in proper order, starting with the heavy pieces on the bottom, and then stacking lighter things on top.  Use furniture blankets in between to get a little extra protection.

Winter storage tips

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