Winter is time of year when our chunky knits come out and the beach gear retreats. As the days grow shorter, many of us turn our thoughts to winter storage ideas and getting our homes ready for the colder months ahead. But, amidst the hustle, it’s all too easy to slip up. So, before you dive headfirst into your winter decluttering project, let’s take a moment to explore some common winter storage missteps.
10 Winter Storage Mistakes To Avoid
As you prepare your home for the cozy months, it’s essential to approach winter storage the right way as there are a few common pitfalls that you should be aware of.
1. Inadequate Cleaning Before Winter Storage
Ever opened a box to a musty smell? Cleaning isn’t just for aesthetics. Dirt, moisture, or food residues can be invitations for mould and pests. Before tucking away those summer dresses or garden tools, give them a thorough clean and dry items fully to avoid trapped moisture.
2. Ignoring Humidity Control
Winter doesn’t just bring the cold; it often brings humidity. Books, clothing, and electronics are sensitive to this silent destroyer. A small investment in dehumidifiers or silica gel packets can keep your belongings intact.
3. Stacking Items Haphazardly
Picture this: Opening a box to find your grandmother’s vase shattered. Heartbreaking, right? Random stacking isn’t just messy, it’s risky. Always place heavier items at the bottom and ensure fragile items are cushioned using a blanket, bubble wrap, towels or special packing paper.
Recommended: 6 Creative Ways To Use Bubble Wrap
4. Overlooking Pest Control
Nothing’s worse than pests turning your keepsakes into their playground. Before storing, check your spaces. Cedar balls are great for warding off moths in clothing. For more extensive problems, consider a professional touch. One of the many benefits of renting a winter storage unit is that it’s clean, dry, secure and free from pests.
5. Using Low-Quality Storage Boxes
That cheap box might save a few pounds now but imagine its bottom giving out mid-move. Investing in sturdy containers, especially those designed to withstand temperature changes, will pay off in the long run.
6. Not Labelling Boxes Correctly
Remember playing ‘treasure hunt’ with your storage? Fun as a game but frustrating in real life. A detailed label, perhaps even with a brief inventory, can cut down your searching time significantly.
7. Forgetting to Check Insurance For Winter Storage
Some treasures can’t be replaced. For those extra-special items, consider storage insurance. It’s a small price to ensure your peace of mind and there are many reputable storage insurance providers out there, including Store-Insure, Surewise and SAGIC.
Please note that if you rent a winter storage unit at Space Centre, we provide free insurance cover for items up to the value of £3,000.
8. Choosing a Bad Location
Not all spaces are storage-friendly. Basements prone to flooding or attics with poor insulation can spell disaster. Ensure your chosen spot is dry, cool, and safe.
9. Not Rotating Items Periodically
Out of sight shouldn’t mean out of mind. Even during winter storage, items need care. Every once in a while, rotate and inspect them. This can help in catching potential problems before they escalate.
10. Skipping an Inventory
Ever wondered if something is lost or just misplaced? An inventory, even a digital one can be a lifesaver. It helps in tracking items and ensuring they remain in the best possible condition.
Winter Storage Tips
Winter storage needn’t be a hassle if you know what to do. By avoiding these 10 common missteps, you can save yourself from unnecessary stress and loss of valuable items.
Before storing anything, it’s crucial to sift through your belongings; discard what’s unnecessary and ensure the remaining items are clean. Opt for boxes or containers that are both spacious enough to accommodate your items and robust enough to endure diverse weather conditions.
For those fragile treasures, consider using bubble wrap, packing paper, or even towels for added protection. Proper labelling on each box simplifies the retrieval process later on. If you want better security and convenient access, invest in a winter storage unit.
Winter Storage Units at Space Centre
Is your loft overflowing with clutter? Is the garage a potential hazard with stuff lying everywhere? Is there barely any room to move around in the spare room or shed? This may be the perfect time to consider renting a winter storage unit.
Our self storage facilities in in Bristol, Gloucester, Stroud and Stonehouse provide cost-effective self storage solutions for just about anything. If you ever have any questions or need advice for winter storage, don’t hesitate to contact our friendly and experienced team. They’d be happy to help in any way they can.