How to store valuables in winter

With the arrival of winter, many people wonder what to do with excess things for which there is no room. Some people choose to turn one room in their home into an impromptu storage facility. Others choose the much more convenient option – they rent a storage facility. If you belong to the latter group, you might be wondering how to go about that task. Of course, there are those who believe that it is easy to store valuables in winter. But, there is more to that than simply moving your things to a different location. You have to take into account things like temperature, humidity, placement.

When it comes to valuables, most people are pretty particular with how and where they place them. Some data shows that valuables actually have a positive psychological effect and that is why we take good care of them. Naturally, that also includes storing them in a secure and cozy environment. Since you have already decided to store your valuables, you probably want to know how to keep them in pristine condition. Fear not, here are some tips on how to store valuables in winter that will certainly help you!

Before you store valuables in winter

The most important tip on how to store valuables in winter is – do it as soon as possible. No, we don’t mean as soon as the summer’s over. We simply mean that you need to do it before the first snow falls. Snow can actually cause many transportation and other problems, and that is not something that you want. If you can, try to store your things in November or possibly early December. The later it gets, the more likely it is that it will start to snow. Some self-storage companies even offer the option of flexible contracts. You can try to negotiate and see what time is most convenient for you.

Additional tips before you store your valuables

There is not much that you have to do before you actually start storing. However, if you want to properly store valuables in winter, you will need to take care of two simple tasks beforehand:

• Keep your things dry. Take note to dry off the things you place in your storage unit very well. Even a small amount of water can actually cause problems in the long run, especially in the winter. It is common knowledge that water and cold weather do not mix well. That is a sure path to mold. Not only does mold harm things, but it also harms your health. So make sure there’s none of it. If you are packing smaller items, use materials like cotton to cover them. Cotton will not trap water within and it will possibly even dry it.
• Clean before storing. Everyone knows why it is necessary to keep your belongings dry. However, many will question why it is particularly necessary to also keep them clean. But dirty things are more prone to mold, actually. Also, if there is dirt on any kind of material for too long, it will deteriorate faster and it can contaminate other items. Not to mention the relief you will feel when you take your things out of storage after the winter in mint condition. However, try not to use any too abrasive cleaning products, as these too can damage your valuables. For instance, warm water and mild soap will usually do the trick!

Storing valuables in winter

You already know that your valuables need a bit more special care. You want your peace of mind during the winter, without worrying about the items in your storage. They need to be in a safe and comfortable environment. If you want to store valuables in winter and keep your peace of mind, there are simple steps to follow.

Rent a climate-controlled storage unit

Most of your valuables need to be held out of harm’s way, that is – away from the cold, cold winter. Since low temperatures can cause quite the damage to your items, the best option is to find a storage unit that has controlled temperature. Nowadays, many companies offer climate-controlled storage, you simply need to choose one. That does not simply mean that your things will be safe from the cold. That also means that they will be safe from any weather conditions. Even when the weather is unpredictable, your valuables will be tucked away, secure. Not even drastic weather changes can harm them.

Cover your valuables

As we have already mentioned before, you can cover your items to provide an additional layer of protection. That is important if you want to store valuables in winter. But, don’t cover them in nylon or in bubble wrap, as this will trap any moisture. Use fabrics like cotton, or possibly wool. That will protect your valuables from moisture, as well as from dust and dirt.

If you are storing fragile items, wrap them, also with cotton or wool. Then, put them in fitting boxes. You can use moving boxes and crates of various sizes for this. Simply make sure that your box is not too large or too small for your valuables. If you are placing more items in a single box, fill the remaining space with newspapers. That will additionally prevent damage.

Don’t place electronics on the ground

Even in climate-controlled storage, you want to keep anything electric off the ground. You need to bear in mind that the ground, even in such units, is colder than the air. And that electronics can malfunction if they spend too much time in contact with the cold. The best option is to place them in their original boxes. If, however, you don’t have the original box, use one in a similar size. Then simply place it on top of some furniture you have stored.

Take note – you can’t store everything

Even though you may probably know this, there are items that you should not store in your unit. Not simply because they may be dangerous, but also because they can damage your other things. And that is not something you want when you store valuables in winter. If you are not sure whether you can store something, it is best to check with the company. Some companies even provide lists of items that cannot be stored in their units.