In addition to packing away favorite sweaters and comfy throws for the couch, packing up winter gear also means putting away equipment, toys and other necessities so they will be in good condition and ready to use next year. This article will feature some ideas that will help you learn more about storing winter equipment for the season so you’ll be ready to go again when the first snowflakes hit the ground.
Clean & Prepare
While it might be tempting to just throw all of your winter things into a box and put them on a shelf until it gets cold again, storing winter equipment is one of those chores where you will be better off if you take the time to clean, prepare and do it right. Think about what you did last fall when it started to get cold. You probably grabbed your box of winter things, opened it up, found your favorite comfy sweater, cozy mittens and snow boots and either put them on right then or set them out to wear the next day.
Out of sight, out of mind. A year from now you probably won’t remember whether you took the time to check these items to make sure they were clean – unless you spend time actually cleaning and preparing your stuff for storage. Here are some items that really should be cleaned before placing them in a storage facility near New Bedford, such as Affordable Storage in Fall River:
- Equipment, such as: snow blowers, snow shovels, deicers, etc.
- Toys, such as: snow skis, snow boards, snow mobiles, sleds, etc.
- Clothing, such as: winter coats, heavy sweaters, mittens, scarves, etc.
- Decorations, such as: Christmas tree, holiday items, outdoor lighting, etc.
Tips for Cleaning Winter Items
All winter holiday decorations should be dusted, vacuumed and cleaned before they are put away for storage. Make sure to purchase item-specific storage boxes whenever possible to protect fragile items, such as wreaths or break-able glassware. Use bubble wrap, packing peanuts, tissue paper and other typical packing items to protect your valuable heirlooms.
Winter clothing should always be washed before you pack up winter gear. Tiny stains or spots on these items can attract bugs, which will lead to an infestation or damage to your clothing. Before packing and taking your winter clothing to a storage facility near New Bedford, wash as normal, but don’t use fabric softener. Studies show that scented softeners will attract bugs in storage.
When storing winter equipment, make sure to thoroughly wash it before storing it. Snow blowers, shovels and deicers often have a large quantity of dirt, acid, salt and water residue on them that can increase potential for rust or corrosion while in storage. Spray all moving parts with a lubricant, disconnect all batteries and stuff rags into exhaust pipes of snow blowers to prevent condensation from forming.
How to Pack Up Winter Gear
There is a right way and a wrong way to pack up winter gear before taking it to Affordable Storage in Fall river for safekeeping until next season. For example, winter clothing should always be kept in boxes or containers that will protect it. Plastic storage containers, wooden chests, sturdy cardboard moving boxes or even luggage will work to protect your valuable items.
As with packing for a move, make sure to put all of your heavy items on the bottom of boxes and your lighter items on top. Mark boxes with arrows or label them “this side up” so they are easy to identify. Never stack heavy boxes on top of lighter boxes, even if the lighter boxes are larger. Tissue paper between clothing and other sensitive items can help to preserve color and keep items from bending or conforming to the shape of other items in the storage box.
The best way to protect clothing items is to use cedar or lavender. Don’t use those mothballs that your grandmother uses in the attic. They smell bad and also release pesticides into the air and all over your clothing. Lavender and cedar are natural ways to prevent bug issues during storage.
Tips for Storing Winter Equipment
Any winter athletic gear, such as snowshoes, sleds and skis, should be hung upright on the wall or on a storage rack. When storing a snow mobile or other winter vehicle, store it up off the ground on a wooden pallet. This will help to prevent any rotting or damage to the skis and tracks. Even if you store all of your other items at home in a garage or basement, a storage facility, such as Affordable Storage in Fall River, is a great option for storing larger items like snow mobiles and snow blowers.
While a lot of people turn to attics, garages and basements for storage, they are not the best option for storing winter equipment and other winter gear. Garages are prone to insect or rodent attack, attics do not have enough ventilation to protect your items – especially in the hot summer months, and basements have too much moisture, which can lead to all sorts of damage and problems. Your best bet is to find a storage facility such as Affordable Storage in Fall River to store your winter gear.