Protecting Your Assets: Winter Storage Guidelines

Welcome to our guide on how to properly store your belongings during the winter season. Whether you are storing items in a storage unit, garage, or shed, it is important to take proper precautions, so they stay preserved. Before we delve into the specifics, it’s worth noting that the key to successful winter storage is achievable if you follow a few simple guidelines. In this guide, we will provide you with some valuable tips and tricks on how to safeguard your belongings during the winter months.

Preparing Your Items for a Winter Hibernation

Let’s talk about storage prep. Make sure items are clean and orderly in their containers before you put them in storage. The best way to pack a storage unit is to start by creating an inventory of all the items you plan to store and categorizing them into groups. This will make it easier to find and access your belongings when needed. Additionally, make sure to properly wrap and protect any fragile items with bubble wrap or packing paper.

Climate Control for Certain Items

If you are storing items like electronics, wood furniture, or photographs, it is important to consider the climate of your storage area. Extreme temperature changes may cause damage to these items. If possible, choose a storage unit that offers climate control to regulate the temperature and humidity levels. This will help prevent any potential damage due to fluctuating temperatures.

A climate-controlled storage unit is also beneficial during winter when temperatures are notoriously low. For items like musical instruments, antiques, or documents, a controlled environment can help to maintain their integrity over time. It’s also a good idea to use protective covers or tarps to shield your items from any dust or possible leaks. Investing in a climate-controlled unit is an investment in the longevity of your belongings.

Elevate Your Storage Items

When storing items in a garage or shed, it is important to elevate them off the ground. This will help protect your belongings from any potential flooding or water damage that may occur during heavy snow or rain. You can use wooden pallets or even bricks as a base for your storage items.

How to Use a Pallet or Bricks as a Base for Storage

1. Choosing Your Base: Start by choosing your base. Pallets are a great option for larger and heavier items as they offer stability and good airflow. Bricks, on the other hand, can be ideal for smaller items or if you need to elevate items to different heights. Always make sure that your base is sturdy and in good condition – a damaged pallet or a crumbling brick could lead to accidents.
2. Setting up Your Base: Place your pallet or bricks where you plan to store your items. Make sure the area is level and clear of any debris. If you’re using bricks, line them up in a grid-like pattern with enough space in between to support the weight of the items evenly.
3. Arranging Your Items: Arrange your items on the pallet or bricks, making sure the weight is evenly distributed across the base. Heavier items should be placed towards the middle, while lighter items can be placed towards the edges. Avoid stacking items too high as this could make them unstable and prone to tipping over.
4. Checking for Stability: After all items are placed on the base, check for stability. None of the items should wobble or tilt. If any do, re-arrange them or adjust the base until everything is stable. This step is vital to ensuring the safety of your stored items.

Protect Against Unwanted Visitors

Storing perishable items is prohibited and most storage facilities, but if you need to store belongings such as kitchen appliances or grills, ensure they are thoroughly cleaned and free of any food residue before storing. Similarly, fabrics, and upholstered furniture should be properly cleaned and covered to avoid any insect populations. For additional security, consider putting items in sturdy, plastic containers with tight-fitting lids instead of cardboard boxes. This practice not only protects against pests but also ensures your items remain dry and dust-free.

Properly Winterize Vehicles

Winterizing your vehicle for storage involves a few key steps that ensure its optimal condition for when you’re ready to use it again. Here are three essential tips to winterize your vehicle:

• Drain Fluids and Fill Antifreeze: Start by draining the engine oil and replacing it with fresh oil. This prevents any contaminants present in the old oil from causing damage to your engine over the winter months. It’s also important to fill your radiator with antifreeze to prevent the engine block from freezing or cracking.
• Maintain Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures can lead to reduced tire pressure. Before storing, inflate your tires to the recommended pressure to prevent any flat spots from forming. Consider using jack stands to take the weight off the tires if you plan on long-term storage.
• Disconnect Battery: To prevent your battery from draining, disconnect it and store it in a warm, dry place. If you can’t remove the battery, consider connecting it to a battery maintainer that can keep it at full charge throughout the winter.

It is also recommended to cover your vehicle with a breathable car cover to protect it from any potential damage.

Use Airtight and Weather-Resistant Containers

When packing your items, it is important to use airtight and weather-resistant containers. This will help keep your belongings safe from any moisture or humidity that may seep into the storage space. Plastic bins with tight-fitting lids are a great option for storing items in a storage unit. Additionally, make sure to label each container with its contents for easy identification.

Be Mindful of Weight Distribution

When storing items, it is important to evenly distribute the weight throughout the storage space. This will prevent any potential damage or strain on one area of the storage unit. Place heavier items on the bottom and lighter items on top. You can also use shelves or stacking bins for added organization and weight distribution.

Winterproof Your Storage

To further protect your belongings, it is important to winter-proof your storage space. Here are different ways to winterproof your storage:

• Insulate the Storage Area: This includes insulating the walls and sealing any potential drafts or air leaks.
• Use Moisture Absorbers or Dehumidifiers: These help to prevent any potential damage due to excess moisture.
• Install Weather Stripping: Apply weather stripping around the doors and windows of your storage space to prevent cold air from seeping in and warm air from escaping.
• Cover Windows with Plastic: If your storage unit has a window, use plastic to add a layer of insulation.
• Protect Against Winter Conditions: The end goal is to create a storage environment where your items are protected not only from the cold but also from harsh winter conditions such as snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

Regularly Check on Your Storage

Throughout the winter, regular inspections of your stored items are critical to spot any potential problems such as pests or water damage. Rotating and reorganizing your items from time to time may help avoid damage from exposure.

Happy Hibernation

The condition of your belongings during winter months requires careful planning, proper packing, and regular maintenance. Whether you’re storing items in a storage unit, garage, or shed, remember that the key to successful winter storage is attentiveness to detail — from using airtight, weather-resistant containers to winterizing vehicles. Following a few simple steps helps to ensure the integrity of your items when you’re ready to take them out of storage. For more assurance when storing, check out climate-controlled storage options at CubeSmart.