Self storage units are an inexpensive way to hold the growing accumulation of holiday gifts, extra furniture, and other seasonal items that tend to be bulky or inconvenient.
While self storage units near me can provide a solution for any season, winter is the ideal time to use these units since it’s often too cold in many parts of the US to put certain things outside – like holiday decorations, patio furniture, sporting equipment and other outdoor gear.
Additionally, winter storms are known for their blizzards and ice-covered sidewalks which make getting bulky items moved difficult. These factors plus freezing temperatures increase the likelihood that stored goods will get damaged if they are left outside during the winter.
Most people who rent from a self storage facility know how easy it is access their property anytime they want, but they might not realize the value in taking a few extra steps to protect their stored items from winter damage.
If you plan on using your self storage unit during the winter months, here are a few things you should do to make sure your belongings stay in great condition:
- Put down a protective ground covering – Some people have been known to simply throw their patio furniture and other bulky items into the garden area of their self storage units without thinking about how it could damage that green or grassy space. To avoid this problem, put down a protective covering for the lawn such as plywood or plastic sheeting before placing any stored items onto them. Another option is to rent a self storage unit with an asphalt floor.
- Cover your items with a tarp – Even if you have a protective covering for the ground, it’s also a good idea to put a tarp over top of your stored items as an additional precaution. Tarps are especially useful for protecting outdoor furniture from snow and ice damage. Make sure to secure the tarps so they won’t blow away in winter wind gusts or small children who might want to play under them.
- Keep electricity available for all storage units – In case having access to light is important for short-term maintenance projects like rearranging boxes, checking inventory lists, etc., make sure the self storage facility near you has lights installed outside its units or make arrangements with them ahead of time to install some.
- Refrain from using flammable materials – It’s best to avoid using any type of gasoline-powered machinery (lawn mowers, weed whackers, etc.) in the units. The fumes they emit are highly flammable and also pose additional risks if spilled on or near combustible items like wood furniture or foam padding.
Renting self storage units during the winter months is one of the easiest ways for anyone to accommodate all their seasonal belongings without taking up extra space inside their homes. However, unless you make some adjustments before storing your stuff, it’s very likely that you’ll experience storm damage at home if you wait until after a cold snap to move your things outside. To learn more about self storage units or to find out if one is right for you, visit Metro East Mini Storage today!
