But when winter rolls around, you may need to give some extra thought to the best secure storage solutions to ensure that your things remain in good condition throughout the season.
Wintery weather and adverse conditions can pose challenges, so check out these tips to keep your valuable belongings safe and sound.
1. Choose an appropriate storage unit
Storage units come in many different forms and choosing the right one for your circumstances and belongings is crucial, especially in winter.
Reinforced wooden crates might be the best option, especially if you have smaller items to store. Steel containers are weather-proof and highly secure, and work well if you require a single large space.
Or you might opt for indoor units, if you have paperwork and documents to store, for example.
2. Clean valuables in advance
Make sure the items you wish to store have been thoroughly cleaned beforehand.
Making sure they are free from dirt, dust or residue helps prevent damage or mould growing while they’re in storage.
It also gives you a chance to inspect them for signs of damage or deterioration so you have a chance to repair any problems before storing them.
3. Disassemble furniture
Where possible, disassemble large items such as furniture – not only can doing this save space inside the unit, it helps limit the chances of things being damaged.
Make sure you wrap or cover the disabled pieces in suitable materials to protect them from scratches or moisture damage.
4. Pack valuables correctly
Take care to pack fragile items to limit the risk of damage or breakage.
Use good quality packing materials, such as bubble wrap, blankets, packing paper or foam to wrap your items carefully. Where possible, place them into small, sturdy boxes, rather than loose within the storage unit.
And don’t forget to label boxes or containers that contain fragile items to make sure they are always handled with care.
5. Elevate your items
Even in a weatherproof secure storage unit, it can be a good idea to elevate certain valuables during the winter months.
Electronics are especially sensitive to cold temperatures, so wrap them in anti-static wrap and store them as high as possible, such as on a shelf or table.
Other items, such as valuable furniture or artwork, will benefit from being elevated, too, to prevent them coming into contact with moisture and to ensure air flow.
6. Pay attention to paperwork
If you’re storing important documents or photos during winter, place them in airtight, waterproof containers – you can even get specialist document storage boxes.
Make sure they are also kept off the floor and away from sources of moisture.
7. Check on your valuables frequently
For practicality and peace of mind, choose a storage unit that you can access on a regular basis. This will allow you to check on your valuables, and take swift action should you notice that they are showing signs of potential damage.
With this in mind, make sure that fragile and valuable items are kept at the top or front of your storage unit, so you can access them easily during your visit.
For secure storage solutions that won’t let you down this winter, contact Spire Removals.
