Declutter Your Home For The Holiday: Winter Storage Tips

Declutter Your Home For The Holiday: Winter Storage Tips
Make room for what’s important during the holidays. Put it in self storage.  

Getting ready for the holidays? While decluttering your home, alleviate the stress of the holiday season by placing belongings in self storage. Self storage is a low cost solution for both short-term and long-term storage needs. 

While storing items in a storage unit during the winter months, keep them safe with these winter storage tips:

Thoroughly Clean Your Valuables  

Mold and mildew will grow on damp equipment, furniture and just about anything else so make sure all  items and equipment are fully dry before winter storage.

Prepare Items Properly For Storage

Make sure all appliances are clean, dry and stored with the door open to allow air flow. Properly preparing for storage will help to protect your belongings from damage.

Strategically Store Your Stuff

  • Use pallets to elevate your belongings in your storage unit. It typically gets damp during the winter, whenever possible stow boxes, appliances and furniture off the floor to minimize moisture damage.
  • Shield sensitive items such as electronics from the cold by forming a wall within your storage unit. Place items that aren’t temperature sensitive against the walls of your unit. This will insulate your unit, protecting valuables from extreme temperatures all year long.
  • Packing materials also work as excellent insulators to protect your things from the cold, giving added protection.
  • Cotton or wool covers help protect your valuables from bugs, dust, and scratches. Never cover anything with plastic or vinyl as it can trap moisture which can damage your stuff.
  • Label boxes and create a map detailing what and where items are stored so you can easily access items when needed. 

Storing Vehicles, RVs, Motorcycles & Lawnmowers

  • Drain fluids and remove batteries (charge the battery during storage). 
  • Be sure to top off fluids in any equipment being stored as well. 
  • Non-operating, unregistered, and uninsured vehicles are prohibited from being stored at a storage facility. The tenant is required to show proof of vehicle registration and a valid driver’s license to store any vehicles in a unit.

Properly Store Furniture

Plastic patio furniture can become brittle and faded if left exposed to the elements. Prep your furniture by adding a layer of protection with a sealant. Wood and wicker furniture is also susceptible to the extreme temperature, so treat your belongings with appropriate coatings to ensure they are well preserved while in storage. 

Understand What Can Not Be Placed In Storage

  1. Flammable or Combustible Items
    Anything that can catch fire or explode is not allowed. This includes gasoline, propane, oil, grease, chemicals, cleaners, and paint.
  2. Toxic Materials
    Do not store chemicals, fertilizers and everyday cleaning products are not permitted in a self-storage unit. No chlorine bleach, no ammonia, and no solvents like acetone (nail polish remover), turpentine, paint thinner, or kerosene. Nothing that is poisonous or contagious either.
  3. Weapons, Ammunition, Fireworks & Explosives
    Without exception none of these items are to be stowed at any storage facility as clearly stated by Federal, State, and local laws.
  4. Perishables
    Perishable items are prohibited as these items can attract bugs and rodents or result in mold problems to develop.Canned food is also not allowed in storage units, as extreme temperatures can cause cans to explode.
  5. Live Plants
    Plants need water and also attract rodents and insects.

Plan Your Move By Monitoring The Weather

Exercise good old common sense while planning your move. Track the weather patterns to find a clear sunny day for your move. That way your valuables will be nice and dry when placed in storage.

Not sure about how or what to do? Give us a call or stop by and we’ll be happy to answer your questions and provide helpful tips to make your move stress free.

Happy winter!

About Montgomery Self Storage

Montgomery Self Storage is your local neighborhood mom and pop self storage center. Making people’s lives easier for 15 years.

Montgomery Self Storage offers indoor and outdoor units. Book a unit online or give us a call. All Units are cleaned and ready for storage.

Montgomery Self Storage follows state and federal guidelines for social distancing and sanitation. The health and safety of our customers and employees is our highest priority.

Please stay safe during your move. 

Montgomery Self Storage
9 Factory Street, Montgomery, NY 12549

Phone: (845) 457-6229
SelfStorageMontgomeryNY.com

Call Now Button