When placing your belongings in a storage unit, it is always wise to prepare. Temperature fluctuations during the winter months can impact items such as furniture, electronics, and equipment. Units are dry, clean, and protected from the elements, but taking a few additional precautions can further help. 

How to Protect Your Items in Storage This Winter

1. Insulate Your Belongings

Plastic-cased items such as electronics, seasonal equipment, and toys can be saved by insulating them in cotton or wool moving blankets.

Large bath towels or thick bedspreads can also be used to wrap your belongings, protecting them not only from the elements, but also from dust. Avoid using plastic or vinyl covers, as these materials don’t retain heat well and can trap moisture. 

2. Keep Items Elevated

While traditional slide-up doors in storage units offer easy access and security, they are susceptible to drafts unless they’re sealed with weatherstripping. Concrete floors also don’t offer much insulation. 

To further protect your items from the cold, use wood pallets or shelves to create a barrier between your belongings and the floor. As an added benefit, these options can also keep the area well-organized and improve visibility, so you can find what you need quickly. 

3. Remove Fluids & Batteries

Before storing items that require fuel, such as lawnmowers and yard equipment, run their engines until they’re empty. Old fuel can damage engine parts, especially if left to sit unused for long periods.

Batteries should be removed from tools, toys, or electronics, as temperature fluctuations can cause them to corrode. This corrosion can eventually degrade the terminals or circuit boards. 

If you're looking for a storage unit for your seasonal belongings, contact Ship Creek Storage in Anchorage, AK. Their locally owned company proudly offers secure and affordable options with convenient and flexible terms. Whether you're storing household belongings or business files, their friendly staff will help you find the perfect arrangement to meet your needs. Contact them today at (907) 276-4107 to reserve a unit, or visit them online to learn more about their features and unit sizes.