What do you need to know about winter-time storage? From changing storage needs to prep and packing, take a look at everything you need to know about moving into a self-storage business rental unit during the chilliest months of the year.
How Does the Season Affect the Storage Unit?
Each season has its own weather-related storage issues. In the winter, you will have to contend with cold temperatures, snow/ice, and dry air. The cold and snow/ice could impact your move-in day, while the temperature and dryness (humidity level) will affect the interior climate of the rental unit.
Can You Store Anything and Everything In the Winter?
The answer to this question is yes—and no. An unheated storage rental that doesn't have climate control could put some items at risk. Leather, wood, photographs, and artwork are susceptible to damage when temperature and humidity levels drop. These items can crack, warp, or wear in cold weather.
To minimize in-storage damage risks, choose a climate-controlled unit (for temperature and humidity-sensitive items). Climate-controlled does not equal heat. While a climate-controlled unit does have heat, it typically won't have a temperature setting that you can change. Instead, this type of unit has a middle-of-the-range, or temperate, indoor environment.
How Should You Prepare for a Winter Season Move-In?
There are two primary issues you could face during a winter-time move-in—potential damage to your for-storage belongings and potential cold/weather-related injuries. To reduce the risks of snow, ice, and cold damage to your furniture, books, artwork, clothing, or anything else you want to store, prepare and pack everything securely. Make sure to cover furniture with thick moving quilts or plastic and place smaller items into plastic bins with lids. Cardboard boxes could get soggy and break on a snowy moving day.
After you prepare your belongings for the winter-time move, it's time to prep yourself. Avoid cold-related illnesses and injuries by dressing in layers. The mercury doesn't have to dip down into sub-zero temperatures to get hypothermia. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this cold-related condition can happen in temperatures as high as 40 degrees Fahrenheit (if you have a chill from rain/snow/dampness too).
Along with warm base layers, wear a winter jacket, hat, and gloves. Keep your feet warm and dry with a water-resistant pair of boots. Choose footwear with anti-skid soles to avoid move-related slips and falls. Even though the self-storage company's staff may remove snow and ice from the exterior of the building, you could still slip on the water you track in. This makes it crucial to slowly and carefully move your items into storage.