The Best Time to Rent a Self Storage Unit in the Winter
The cold season is not only unfavorable for the common cold and flu but also for your most prized possessions. Cold storage areas can cause damage to all kinds of items, including the most valuable ones. The biggest danger for cold-sensitive items is moisture condensation, which can cause mold to form on the item’s surface or inside its structure.
If you see a fine layer of frosty dew in your storage area, it means humidity levels are too high, and the room is too cold. To avoid unnecessary losses, make sure to store your items where the temperature is stable and not too low.
It’s best to invest in the proper self storage unit space near you before the weather in your area gets too cold. Depending on where you live, this can vary. In the Midwest, cold weather can come around as early as October or November. If you live further down south or southeast, this can come a bit later. Ensure you have a set plan in place on when and how you’ll be getting those temperature-sensitive items, into a unit near you.
Whether you’re putting away your outdoor furniture, or needing to clear space for Holiday decorations, it’s best to find off-season storage ASAP! It is ideal to find a storage unit that is close enough to your area, that you can get to it easily whenever you may need it.
Winter Self Storage Rates and Deals
Since the best time to rent a self storage unit is in the Winter months, you will find all sorts of great rates and deals. It may not seem like the snowy winter climate would be the perfect time to make trips to your storage unit and carry boxes around, but if you want the best deals and the biggest variety of amenities and options, it’s often the way to go. When there’s more supply than demand, rates tend to be lower. Because of this, you’ll most likely find better rates on a storage unit in the slow season, i.e., winter.
Fewer people are renting storage units during the slow season, which means there are more options to choose from. So, if you’re storing sensitive items like wood, furniture, or electronics, you’re much more likely to secure a climate-controlled storage unit if you rent during the winter. You’ll also have a greater chance of getting the other amenities that might be important to you, such as drive-up storage, first-floor access, and even vehicle storage options.
Climate Controlled Self Storage
Plan to store wooden furniture, paper documents, or other temperature-sensitive items? Climate control is ideal for belongings affected by extreme temperatures. When you choose a climate-controlled unit, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing your belongings are shielded from the weather.
If stored improperly, certain items have a risk of warping, melting, or cracking. While placing belongings in your garage, attic, or shed may seem convenient, it may lead to damage over time. Climate-controlled storage units maintain a steady range of temperatures year-round for a layer of protection against temperature-related damage. Some items that can become damaged in these frigid temperatures include:
- Wooden furniture
- Glass/Leather Furniture
- Vinyl records
- Electronics
- Musical instruments
- Farm tools and lawn equipment
- And more
Winter Self Storage Checklist
Here are a few essential tasks you should add to your Winter storage checklist to ensure everything is winterized and ready to fight those frigid temperatures.
Winterize Your Vehicles
Car Storage
Before storing your car for the winter season, check and change all the fluids, leave gas in the tank, give the car a good wash and dry, and disconnect the battery. Prepping your car for storage is the best way to prolong the life of your vehicle and keep it in the best condition.
- Change all fluids
- Check tire pressure/tire tread
- Clean the exterior and interior of the car
- Check if you need an oil change
- If storing your car, disconnect the battery
Boat Storage
You know summer is officially over when you are looking for a place to store your boat. Like all vehicles, make sure that you prepare your boat to stay indoors for the season. Follow the checklist so your boat can hit the water next season.
- Drain your boat
- Clean your boat and wax it
- Winterize the engine and motors
- Remove and recharge battery
Protecting Your Belongings in the Winter
Although your items are protected in the climate-controlled unit, there are extra steps to take to ensure there’s no additional damage. When storing electronics and furniture, keep them covered and off of the ground to prevent moisture from building up underneath.
When you picture putting a cover on your stored belongings, you probably imagine a tarp. These plastic or vinyl tarps are a bad choice—they can lock in moisture that will damage your items. Instead of using plastic tarps, cover your stored goods with cotton or wool covers like moving blankets. These materials will block moisture, so your things stay in the best condition while in storage.
Before you put your items in storage for the winter, give them a good once-over to ensure none of them are harboring mold or mildew. One single item with mold can lead to catastrophic damage to all your belongings in storage. If any of your things do have mold, remove them to keep them from spreading.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Storage
Winter is often the best time to rent a storage unit because facilities may have more availability, and demand tends to be lower compared to peak seasons like summer. This can also mean better deals and promotions.
Seasonal items like holiday decorations, snow equipment, winter tires, and patio furniture are perfect for winter storage. Additionally, storing items like boats or motorcycles in a unit during the offseason can protect them from harsh weather.
Yes! Consider renting a climate-controlled unit to protect sensitive items like electronics, furniture, or artwork from extreme cold and humidity. Use waterproof bins or covers to prevent moisture damage.
Yes, many storage facilities offer parking spaces or enclosed units for vehicle storage. This is a great way to protect cars, motorcycles, RVs, or boats from snow, ice, and road salt.
Clean and dry all items thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew. Use protective covers, wrap furniture in blankets, and ensure everything is packed securely in sturdy boxes or bins.
Find the Best Off-Season Storage with Freedom Storage
Utilizing self storage units will help you stay organized with your summer and fall items and in turn, help you make the most of each of your seasonal winter activities.
At Freedom Storage Management, we’ve forged a superior self storage experience from years of experience in the storage industry. From the moment you rent a unit to when you move in, our mission is to serve you through excellent customer service, affordable rates, and convenient features. Don’t wait and contact us today to hear more, rent your climate-controlled storage unit, and see what we have to offer.