Storage Tips for Seasonal Items

Seasonal items are items and belongings that are used in certain times of the year.

This might include Xmas decorations, pool toys, winter coats, jet skis, scuba diving equipment, fishing rods, outdoor seating, and related items.

Accumulated over time seasonal items can take up a lot of storage in your home.

Self-storage units are an excellent option to store these seasonal items and help you reclaim your valuable space at home.

However is particularly important that you store these items correctly.

Preparation and care will prevent damage and will extend the life of these seasonal items.

Here are our tips for storing seasonal items.

1. Clean and dry all these items before storing.

It is highly recommended that to prolong the life of your seasonal items that you clean and dry these items. This includes thoroughly washing all linen and clothing. Ensure that your décor and furniture is well wiped down. Pool toys should all be deflated, cleaned and dry.

Removing all dirt and moisture will ensure you prevent mould, mildew and other damage that might occur during storage. These are expensive items that you have bought over time so take care to maintain them effectively so you can continue enjoying them.

2. Packing materials.

Using the correct packing supplies will ensure the longevity of your valuable items. It is highly recommended that you use heavy duty containers with tight fitting lids, this will product against moisture and dust.

Fragile items should be wrapped with bubble wrap or butchers’ paper, using the correct packing technique will help protect your most valuable items.

Self-storage facilities are well placed to supply you with these packing supplies.

3. Label and Mark your Goods.

If you take your time to clearly mark and label your boxes you will save time when you are trying to retrieve your goods. It is best practice to use a permanent marker on your boxes.

If you are looking to be super organised consider a spread sheet that documents all your goods.

Make 2 copies of this spreadsheet and potentially lament a copy and leave it in your storage unit, this will save you plenty of time and effort.

4. Store items off the ground

It is highly recommended that you do not store on the ground, it is always best practice to keep them off the ground. Shelving and pallets can be used to store your goods off the ground.

Storing off the ground helps prevent damage that might be caused by pests, water, or other hazards.

Although this is highly unlikely in most modern day self-storage facilities it is best to be safe than sorry.

5. Position frequently used goods within easy access.

Remember to store the goods that you will use more frequently at the front of the storage units and store the items that you seldom use at the rear, this will help you access the items you need to use most frequently.

Also when you return the goods after using them remember to clean, dry, and wipe them down again.

6. Fragile items

Fragile items should be stored with care, they need to be wrapped separately and boxed in an appropriate manner, boxes with fragile items should have the words FRAGILE on the boxes.

Try and store these separately as you will not be happy if something breaks.

7. Silica Gel to Control Moisture

To ensure and prevent moisture from damaging your seasonal items consider using silica gel.

This is readily available from supermarkets and hardware stores. Silica gel helps induce and maintain a state of dryness. Placing the silica gel packets on your shelves or your storage containers will help keep the air dry and prevent any damage that might be caused by humidity.

8. Hang your clothes.

Experts recommend it is always best to hang your clothes in storage, this can be done by using port-a robes or garment bags. This will protect your clothes better than folding them in boxes.

It will eliminate wrinkles and provide you with the opportunity to better enjoy your clothes.

9. Electronic Appliances.

Electronic appliances require additional care, remove all cables and cords, and place them in a zip bag, carefully wrap all electronic equipment in bubble wrap or packing paper.

Temperature fluctuations, humidity and dust can really affect electronic appliances hence the added effort to keep these items safely stored in your storage unit.

10. Pest Control Measures

Please ensure the facility that you elect to store your goods maintains satisfactory pest control measures this includes traps, baits and regular non-toxic spraying.

Ask to see the facilities pest control policy and maintenance schedule.

Storing seasonal items in a self-storage unit can help you organise your home and claim back much need space. Please follow the tips we have provided above to ensure that your goods are stored in the safest and most effective manner.