At Epic Storage, we have a lot of customers who use their storage units to protect their summer items over the winter. This is a good practice, but it must be done with care. Winter can be harsh on your stored belongings, especially in northern Idaho, where wet weather and freezing temperatures are expected.
If you don’t want to find problems when you access your storage unit come springtime, it’s crucial to take steps to ensure your items remain safe and in good condition during the colder months. Whether you’re storing patio furniture, sports equipment, or electronics, these tips can help you prepare your storage unit for winter, and you can be confident that your belongings will be in good condition when spring arrives.
Add to Storage Early and Steadily
Don’t try to do everything at once, or wait until the snow is falling before you start thinking about and executing your storage plan. If you are done with something for the summer, go ahead and prepare it for storage and get it into your unit. The last thing you want to do is load your unit in bad weather or not have time to store your items properly. If you spread your winter storage tasks out over time, you’ll be much more organized, and your goods will be ready for you when temperatures rise again next year.
Do a Pre-Winter Check
Before winter arrives, inspect, inventory, protect, and organize your belongings.
- Inspect: Make sure that what you are storing is in good condition for next season. There’s no value in storing broken or worn-out items that you will get rid of later. Also, inspect any items for mold or mildew and eradicate that mold before putting the item in storage. Don’t store items in bad repair, such as a bike with a flat tire or a towable float that leaks. You will either forget what needs to be repaired, or that repair will hang over your head all winter as an undone task. When you get an unseasonably warm day in March – which is not uncommon in northern Idaho – you will want to be able to pull that bike out at a moment’s notice to go on a ride, and you will be glad your bike is ready to go.
- Inventory: Get a notebook and list everything you have stored. You may think you know what you have but don’t overestimate the strength of your memory. A list doesn’t forget, and it is accessible to everyone.
- Protect: Replace worn containers or boxes with holes, cracks, or other damage. Humidity in the storage unit can lead to mold, so prevent this issue by using sturdy, intact containers. Keep your items off the ground and away from walls, as they can be colder than the ambient air. Cold concrete or metal can also attract condensation –meaning moisture – when temperatures fluctuate. Those desiccant packs you find in food containers can be helpful – don’t throw them away! Instead, keep them on hand and put a few in your containers to absorb moisture.
- Organize: Proper arrangement of your belongings can help protect them. Label all boxes and bags. Shelving units can be invaluable for keeping items off the ground and away from walls and allowing you to easily see your containers without moving things around.
Invest in a Weatherproof Lock
At Epic Storage, you are responsible for providing the lock for your unit, so make sure you select an effective lock. Your lock is going to be exposed to the elements all winter long. In cold, wet weather, some locks can freeze up. Even if you don’t plan on accessing your unit over the winter, it is a good idea to purchase a good quality weatherproof lock that keeps moisture out of the inner workings. A good lock also provides better security. You can find good weatherproof locks at home improvement stores for a reasonable price.
Protect Temperature-Sensitive Items
In addition to using sealed containers, certain items should get additional attention when it comes to cold temperatures and moisture.
- Electronics: Remove the batteries, keep electronics off the ground, and wrap them to prevent damage.
- Fabrics: Store fabrics and clothes carefully, as cold, moist environments can cause yellowing and deterioration.
- Wood and Leather Furniture: Cover wood and leather furniture with pads or moving blankets to shield them from the elements.
- Artwork and Pictures: Store valuable and delicate items only in environments with climate and moisture control.
- DVDs & CDs: If you have any of these worth storing, remember that they can absorb moisture, making them unplayable. Store them in sealed containers.
Keep Everything Dry
Moisture is always an enemy when it comes to stored items. Avoid accessing your unit during rainy or snowy weather to prevent moisture damage. Use moisture absorbers like desiccant packets. There are also various moisture absorbers on the market, or you can make your own using charcoal briquettes.
Winterize Your Machines
If you store things like vehicles, lawnmowers, grills, and motorized sporting equipment, prepare them for winter storage by thoroughly cleaning them, draining fluids, and closing valves. Check your manual for recommendations, depending on the item. For example, you may need to disconnect and remove the battery, drain (or fill) the gas tank, use a fuel stabilizer additive, or cover certain parts.
Taking proper care of your belongings can entail some work. Still, the time and trouble is worth it to protect your valuable investments. At the same time, don’t get overwhelmed. Even in northern Idaho, you usually have a few months to properly winterize your property.
Following these recommendations, you can effectively winterize your storage unit and safeguard your valuable possessions against the cold, moisture, and other winter-related challenges. With the proper preparation, you can rest assured that your items will emerge from winter storage in excellent condition. For more storage tips, check out our blogs. Epic Storage has facilities in Rathdrum and Hauser Lake, close to Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene. We offer units in various sizes, including some climate-controlled units. If you are looking for convenient, affordable storage, contact Epic Storage today.