Let's be honest: winter storage is much more complicated than summer storage. You have to ensure that your items are protected from the elements. And also that they are well organized if you need to retrieve them quickly. Here are some tips for storage units that will help you secure your belongings during the winter months.
Rent a space that is climate controlled
It's crucial to find the best storage for your need. If you can, rent a climate-controlled storage unit. This is important for the safety of your belongings, as it prevents mold and mildew from growing. If you don't have access to a climate-controlled storage unit, there are other things you can do to keep your stuff safe:
- Buy a dehumidifier. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, which helps prevent mold growth. They're relatively inexpensive and easy to use! Just remember to empty them regularly so they don't overflow into your unit's flooring or walls – that would be bad news!
- Use fans constantly while storing items in an unheated space. In comparison, this technique may not seem like much on its own. But if everyone who rents self-storage units did this simple thing, we would never experience problems with mold or mildew again!
Clean everything before you store it
You should clean your space and items before putting them in storage, especially if you plan to store inventory long-term. We're not saying you need to clean every last speck of dust and dirt, but a vacuum is an excellent way to make sure things are relatively free of dust and dirt.
Make sure to use a damp cloth or sponge to clean up stains on your furniture, electronics, books, clothes – anything that can get dirty or dusty during storage. Also, make sure to clean the greasy or sticky spots on food containers (like jars) before storing them. This will keep mildew from forming inside these containers as they sit in their boxes over time.
Use boxes of uniform size
Use boxes of uniform size. Packages that are all the same size will stack more efficiently and be more accessible to label and pack, resulting in an overall better experience. If you have a bunch of different-sized boxes, move them all into uniform sizes before using them again.
Choose plastic over cardboard wherever possible
When packaging items in storage units, you have a couple of different options. You can use plastic containers, cardboard boxes, or a combination of the two. Plastic boxes will help you best use the space inside the unit while keeping your inventory free from water and dirt. Depending on the circumstances and what you're packing, one option might be preferable to another.
Choosing between plastic and cardboard can be tricky because they both have their pros and cons:
- Plastic is more potent than cardboard, so your items will be better protected if they get wet while in storage.
- Cardboard is lighter than plastic. This means it's easier to carry around when moving from place to place.
- Plastic is waterproof. Your inventory is less likely to get damaged by moisture or mildew over time.
Store clothes and linens in vacuum bags
Vacuum bags are an excellent option for storing clothes and linens. The airtight seal keeps the items fresh, clean, and dust-free. They're also great for storing non-food items like toys or office supplies you want to keep dry. Vacuum bags are a good choice for seasonal items – things like hats, scarves, and gloves that you only need during certain times of the year. You can use them to store delicate items like lace tablecloths or baby blankets without worrying about them getting damaged in storage units.
Vacuum bags come with a pump that allows you to suck out all the air from the bag. This way, nothing gets crushed or lost inside. All you have to do is place your clothes into the bag and then use your pump on each corner until all of the air has been removed from it. Then, give it one last press, so everything stays tightly packed together inside.
Store heavy items on the bottom of your unit and lighter ones on top
Store heavy items on the bottom of your unit and lighter ones on top. Heavy objects can put too much pressure on the floor, making it difficult to move or store other items in your unit. This is one of the most important things to remember. Furthermore, store heavier boxes and furniture pieces next to the walls, where they are less likely to damage neighboring units or cause them to shift.
Proper preparation can keep your belongings safe
Preparing your storage units will be the key to keeping your belongings safe and secure. Make sure to follow these steps:
- Use a climate-controlled unit.
- Use covers to protect your belongings.
- Clean everything before you store it.
- Use boxes of uniform size to help organize the contents of each box and fit more in the space. Make sure to free up space in your storage units first, and then get the right number of boxes for your stuff. Your inventory will be safe, and these boxes will make it more compact.
- Choose plastic over cardboard wherever possible. Plastic does not absorb moisture and will therefore keep all items inside dryer than cardboard boxes can, which can lead to mildew or mold building up on clothing and linens stored inside them for long periods.
If you're storing clothes, linens, and other items that need air circulation around them, consider using vacuum bags instead of traditional storage containers like boxes or suitcases. These can help prevent mildew from developing by preventing any moisture from entering those spaces between clothes where it could collect over time if left uncovered by traditional storage containers like cardboard boxes or suitcases.
Conclusion
We hope these tips will help you get ready for your storage units. It's important to remember that all of the preparation in the world won't keep your belongings safe if you don't take care of them while they're there. If you want to keep your items intact and undamaged, follow these tips religiously!