Tips And Tricks for Winter Storage

As the winter comes, you will more than likely have to take some stuff out of storage as well as put some back in.  Lawn equipment, summer clothes, and other summer-related items will just take up space and get in the way, especially if you are taking out your winter gear.  

When storing things for winter, more precaution is necessary as you are dealing with cold and damp weather that will damage your belongings if they aren’t stored properly.    

To give you a jump start on your winter storage, we have compiled some helpful tips you can use to ensure you don’t come back in the spring and find your belongings damaged by the cruel Canadian winter.  

Put Away Summer-Related Items

The best place to start is by taking everything you won’t need until the summer. Grab on to summer clothing, beach gear, lawn equipment, and whatever else will be of no use in the winter months and pack it away safely.

Choose What Will Stay

At this point, you can start making a list of everything you would like to store. You may come across some items that you are certain won’t be used, so it is best to take the plunge and dispose of it, donate it, or give it to a friend. For everything else, get a good idea of what you want to store and what your storage space can handle.  

Thoroughly Clean Your Belongings

Before you decide to store an item, be sure to give it a very good clean. Dirty items can produce mould and even attract pests, so making sure everything is clean will save you a lot of hassle. Give everything a thorough wipe down and make sure they are dry. Make sure blankets and other fabrics are entirely dry before you store them, as they attract mould the most.  

Decide Where Where You’ll Store Your Items

While storing your summer items in the garage may seem like a good idea, you may be taking up space that you will need for winter equipment like shovels, snowblowers, toboggans, and more. Renting a self-storage unit may be your best bet.  

Most self-storage units allow you to access your belongings at any time and are in secure facilities. Having an additional space for storage will ensure that you aren’t cluttering up your home.

To learn more about self-storage, check out our ‘Why self storage? Pros and Cons’ article.

Protect Your Belongings

The winter can be tough on your items so take the time to protect them from the cold and wet weather. Don’t store your items in a place that is sure to get a lot of condensation, and use blanked and furniture covers to prevent dust build-up and dents.  

Don’t Store Electronics on the Ground

Electronics are the most sensitive to cold and wet weather as a small amount of condensation will be the end of most electronics. When storing electronics, try to keep them in a dry area and never store them on the ground.  

Climate-Controlled Units

If you have a lot of electronics and other temperature-sensitive items that you are looking to store, your best bet is to rent a climate-controlled self-storage unit. Climate-controlled units ensure that a consistent temperature is kept throughout the unit, ensuring that none of your items are subjected to mould build-up.  

To learn more about what items benefit the most from climate-controlled units, check out our ‘Climate-Controlled Self Storage Units and What You Need Them For’ article.  

These are some helpful tips that will make storing your belongings through the winter breeze. The winter can be cruel, so be sure you properly store your items, so you aren’t forced to part with them come spring.  

If you are considering using a storage unit outside of your home and want to learn more about all of the variants and their benefits, check out our ‘Different types of storage units explained’ article.

‍