Storing anything without experience can be challenging at best but winter storage is even more tricky. If you’re moving home this winter, this blog is for you.
Everything you’re planning to store in the winter needs to be carefully prepared and packed before the removal team arrives.
Don’t worry, we at Macro Removals in Bristol are here to help. This blog outlines everything you need to know from what type of storage unit you should get to storing clothes.
1. Keep Everything Dry
Wipe off any water or snow before storing them or the moister gets trapped in the unit and mould can develop. Revisit the storage facility a few days after to double-check and perhaps place a few desiccant packets in the room for good measure.
2. Types of Winter Storage & Climate Control
Not all storage rooms are the same and the ability to stop your belongings from getting damp in the winter months depends on many factors but the most important is climate control to regulate the temperature and humidity.
If the storage room is outside, similar to a garage, and it doesn’t have climate control, the winter cold can wreak havoc on your items, especially upholstery and wood. Make sure the doors are well sealed and the room is free from pests.
The best option is to avoid outside storage altogether and try to hire a room within a climate-controlled warehouse. You should visit the storage facility before making a booking.
3. Keep Items Off The Floor
Elevating your items off the floor should be standard practice regardless of whether you’re storing in a climate-controlled room, garage or shipping container. It protects against any dirt (storage units are the cleanest), moister and potential flooding. You’re probably asking yourself how to do this and using pallets is your answer.
If you can’t find pallets, use wood and if that isn’t an option, a few layers of boxes will help, although not ideal.
4. Machinery, Metal & Wood
If you’re planning to store machinery, wood and metals, it’s important to prepare them before storing them. Dismantle what you can and empty the machinery such as lawnmowers of all oil, petrol and other liquids. Not only will this meet the guidelines of any reputable storage facility (no flammables) but it will protect the engine and reduce the risk of unwanted spills.
Wood can warp when it gets damp and that’s not to mention the risk of mould. It should be wrapped accordingly and the same goes for metals to avoid rust. If you’re unsure or need help from packing professionals, just give us a call.
5. Clean Everything
No one likes dirt on their stuff and moving items from one place to another that’s covered in dust make the experience even more unpleasant. Think about the dirt getting on your other items and in the storage room. Also, you don’t want to collect dirty stuff when emptying the storage unit. If it needs to be cleaned, get it done and out of the way.
6. Decide on What You Want to Keep
Storage can be expensive and you pay by the square foot. The more you store the more it costs. You should take time to decide what you’d like to keep and give away. Why are you storing that box of old DVDs when you don’t even have a DVD player? Be ruthless or your excess stuff will follow you around forever.
7. What You Can & Cannot Store
You can find this information out at the facility and most of its common sense – no weapons, illegal substances, explosives or anything else that can cause harm.
With regard to the temperature and if you’re storing in a non-climate-controlled room, you should consider how your items will be affected by the cold and dampness. Think about upholsteries or mattresses that are susceptible to mould and you’ll need to wrap them in damp absorbent materials.
Also, consider liquids and problems that may arise if it freezes and don’t forget about canned food and the mess it will cause if the tins break.
8. Clothes
Clothes are other temperature-sensitive items and you’ll need to prepare well to avoid any damp-related issues during winter storage.
Clean
Storing clothes with stains or dirt will make them harder to remove in the future so give them a good wash. This will also remove pests that could have a feast on your prize garments and it will be nice to get your clothes out of storage with them ready to wear.
More importantly, make sure your clothes are fully dry before storing or they’ll get mouldy and you risk the possibility of excess water freezing in the winter months.
Packing Clothes
Vacuum bags are great packaging for storing garments that can be folded such as t-shirts, jeans, and underwear. Not only do they protect against dirt but they can save a lot of space.
You probably have suits and dresses that can’t be folded or crammed into a box without causing damage. For these garments, we recommend using wardrobe boxes. We use these types of boxes to transport hanging clothes for removals in Bristol and beyond. These aren’t ideal for winter storage and to reduce the risk of dampness, you should tape over the gaps and add a desiccant sachet into the box.
To summarise, there’s a lot of preparation to ensure your items are ready for winter storage. From a climate-controlled room to a vacuum bagging your clothes, these are just some of the things to consider. Don’t worry and you now have the knowledge to avoid any nasty surprises. If you’re still stuck or unsure about anything regarding storing in winter, just contact us and we’ll help you.
Disclaimer – This blog should only be viewed as a guide. Macro Removals Ltd cannot be held responsible for any injuries, loss of earnings, or death as a result of following this guide.
