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It's a commonly known fact that your stored items are susceptible to damage once the temperature drops. There are only a handful of US states that have such a mild climate that winter storage isn’t an issue. However, if you aren't situated in any of those states, then you will have to go above and beyond to protect your items during harsh weather. Our winter storage tips can serve as a great starting point. Follow them and you won't have a problem keeping your items safe – whether you opt for indoor or outdoor storage solutions.

Winter storage is used for a lot of different purposes

If you have ever stored winter clothes and seasonal items during the summer, then you’ve surely done it the other way around as well. You can put all those items that go unused during the winter in a secure storage unit, such as your summer wardrobe and lawnmower. Firstly, this is an easy way to save extra space in your home. In addition, it's also a perfect way to keep your items safe from the outside elements – provided that you do it the right way. Speaking of items that can benefit from winter storage, they might include:

  • The equipment you use for the maintenance of your lawn
  • Summer wardrobe
  • Sporting equipment
  • Small engine vehicles
  • Big engine vehicles

You might be surprised by the fact that a lot of people decide to store their cars during the winter. So, as you can see, the list of those items that can benefit from winter storage is a long one. You might as well go around your home and locate the items that you won't be using during the winter months. Then, decide whether to store them short-term or long-term , depending on when you plan to use them again.

Be mindful of the fact that there is a specific procedure to follow when storing different types of items.

Types of items easily damaged by exposure to cold

When it comes to winter storage, it's very important to make a distinction between more durable items and those easily damaged by cold temperatures. Sensitive items will require special packing. Having some knowledge on this topic will make it easy to make a packing plan and stick to it . In general, we would advise a lot of caution if you have to store the following groups of items:

  • IT equipment and electronics
  • Items that include any type of liquid
  • Possessions that operate on batteries

Make no mistake. Fluctuating temperatures cannot have a positive effect on any item. However, they are particularly harmful to the groups of items on the list above. Whether you are a storage tenant or a storage owner, you need to have a general idea as to which items demand special care and treatment.

Obtaining a climate-controlled storage unit

If you live in an area that is known for fluctuating temperatures, the best thing you can do is obtain a climate-controlled unit. These units were designed to maintain the temperature between 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit. They will be a perfect tool for preventing damage during a harsh winter.

Climate-controlled units protect your possessions from harsh temperatures, as well as prevent pest infestation.

The benefits of offering climate-controlled storage units are almost never-ending if you are the owner of a storage facility. This is especially true if your facilities are located within a state with harsh winters and boiling-hot summers. Storage tenants feel the need to protect and ensure maximum safety of their belongings. That means you would never be out of business. Likewise, climate-controlled storage is more expensive than regular units. Your profits would be going up along with your occupancy rate.

Only clean items can enter the chosen storage unit for the winter

It's a general rule of thumb to make sure only clean items are stored inside a unit. However, that rule seems to bear special importance when winter storage is concerned. Storage tenants aren't very likely to frequently visit their unit during the winter months, so they won't be able to identify a problem should it arise. The problems that can stem from storing unclean items are big ones. They usually involve a pest infestation. Trust us – pest infestation definitely belongs on the list of the worst-case storage scenarios.

Place electronics off the ground

As previously mentioned, electronics are some of the most sensitive items you can store. But it just so happens that they are also among the priciest ones. That fact leaves little to no room for error. If you are a storage owner delivering some essential winter storage tips, don't fail to mention the fact that your tenants need to keep their electronics off the ground.

How safe the items in a storage unit will be greatly depends on how you place them when loading the items in a unit.

As a professional, you probably already know where this rule stems from. The ground loses heat more easily than the rest of the room. The cold that the ground will inevitably emanate will negatively affect the inner workings of an electronic device. And the same goes for items that run on batteries.

What it all comes down to

Winter, just like summer, is one of the points of the year when storage owners see the biggest surge in interest. At the same time, this is also when the biggest risk for your items arises. The good news is that most of the damage is completely preventable once you use the best winter storage tips to your benefit. Of course, the biggest responsibility when it comes to the safety of your items falls on the type of the unit a person chooses. It's a known fact that climate-controlled units are the safest bet when storing items in extreme temperatures. Other than that, pay close attention to what you store and where you place it, and you should have no problems. The chance for error is always there – but it's up to you to prevent it.

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