Weather stripping around doors and windows. Check. Lawnmower winterization. Check. Plenty of heating oil or other fuel. Check. A lot of snuggly blankets. Check.

You have winterized your home for cold weather, but what about your storage unit? That storage rental featuring everything from antique furniture to clothes to toys and beyond needs some winter prep too! Finding damaged items come spring is never pleasant, especially if the items are irreplaceable. If you are getting ready to visit your storage unit before cold weather takes over, use the following tips and tricks to protect the unit’s contents.

Prepare your storage unit for winter the right way:

Clothes

Wash summer clothes and all other garments that will go into your storage unit. Failing to do so causes any stains or residue to set in. It also makes your clothes more attractive to pests. Store clean clothes between layers of acid-free paper to keep them fresh. Use cedar chips or cedar boxes to minimize odors and deter insects.

Electronics

Move battery-operated items and other electronics out of your storage unit before winter weather infiltration. Fluctuating temperatures create condensation within these products and therefore can cause irreversible damage. Battery cells can also crack under freezing temperatures. Consider investing in a climate-controlled storage unit if you want to keep these items in storage. If any of your electronics feature liquid content, drain them to avoid refreezing issues.

Fragile & Valuable Items

Place old photos and other fragile or valuable items in plastic containers to protect them from the cold. Use containers with sealable lids to prevent condensation, scratches, and other damage. If you decide to place baseball cards or other fragile items in plastic sleeves, remember to remove them in the spring. Hot temperatures can cause the plastic to melt onto your precious memorabilia.

Work with the experienced team at West Side Storage & Truck Rental to safeguard your property. The Cincinnati, OH-based storage rental facility offers affordable residential and commercial storage options, including climate-controlled storage. Call (513) 451-6474 or visit the website to learn more about storage unit sizes and prices. Follow the storage rental facility on Google+ for more great tips.