Quick Tips for Choosing a Storage Unit in the Winter

Whether you’re used to never-ending snowfall every year or welcome winter rainstorms, wet and cold temperatures create unique challenges for winter storage. Items commonly stored during winter include summer clothing, holiday decorations, and recreational gear. All of which are sensitive to extreme temperature swings as well as humidity.

That’s why climate-controlled storage can be one of the best ways to protect items for winter storage. Because climate-controlled storage adds to the cost of storage, be sure to determine you really need it with the help of your local self storage facility.

From choosing the right storage facility to useful winter storage tips, read on to learn more about your options.

Winter Storage Options

Garage or Attic: There are pros and cons to at-home storage. The obvious trade-off is saving on storage fees by giving up any extra space you may have in your home. However, neither the garage nor the attic offers much in the way of climate control and both are susceptible to pests.

Garages are an easy target to store miscellany but can fill up so you end up parking in the driveway. Extra wear and tear on your car and a nightmare in snowy, wintry climates. Attics on the other hand are harder to access but they are inhospitable because they retain the hot air rising up from lower floors and can reach extreme temperatures.

Traditional Self Storage: When choosing a winter storage solution, look for self storage facilities that offer many benefits including 24-hour surveillance, ample lighting, and convenient access hours.

• Is this business storage or residential storage?
• Either way, how often will I need to access my storage unit?
• Is it cheaper to find a storage unit in the winter?
• How long will I need to store my belongings?

If you need to access your storage unit frequently, then, of course, location will be the first consideration in finding a storage unit in the winter. Especially because inclement weather can play a role in your drive time to and from the facility.

If the location isn’t as important to you as price, then look for storage facilities that are not in central downtown areas of big cities as these will be the most expensive. Even so, it may be worth checking a few out to see what types (if any) storage specials nearby storage provders are running. You may be surprised!

Storage Facility Features

Security is a top priority: One of the most significant advantages of choosing a professional storage provider is security. For example, at Metro Self Storage, all of our locations feature 24-hour CCTV surveillance, on-site storage managers, fully fenced properties, and entry gates with individual passcode protection. Additionally, ample outdoor and indoor lighting are included to provide you with peace of mind.

Hours of Operation: It’s easy to find out the access hours to your storage units and stored vehicles. Landscapers find storage facilities with parking to provide convenience and security for their oversized vehicles. Look for storage providers that offer access 365 days a year. Hours will vary based on location. If your storage facility is in a residential neighborhood, you won’t have 24-hour access, most likely. However, some facilities offer 24-hour access, if you really need it.

What Items Need Climate-Controlled Storage?

Some items are more susceptible to damage from extreme cold and moisture from antique furniture and other family heirlooms to vehicles and appliances. See our list below for more things that may require climate-controlled storage:

• Wood and upholstered furniture
• Musical instruments
• Artwork and photographs
• Collectibles
• DVDs, CDs, and vinyl records
• Cameras and video equipment
• Pharmaceutical supplies

To protect personal items and furniture from the elements of the outdoors, choose a climate-controlled unit. Climate-controlled units located inside the storage facility are accessed by large interior loading bays offering you and your belongings covered protection.

A climate-controlled unit will be controlled as far as humidity and temperature. If you have essential paperwork or antiques, you’ll want to preserve them. Keep in mind that climate-controlled storage unit fees will be higher than an outdoor unit.

Rent a Unit with Metro for Your Winter Move

Because it can be cheaper to buy a house during winter in some states, many people use storage during the winter when moving to a new home. While May through September is the busiest time of year for real estate agents, people relocate throughout the year for all sorts of reasons.

No matter the season you’re planning to move, a storage unit can give you a place to store belongings between homes and make the entire process a lot easier. At Metro Self Storage, we have a space for all your belongings, along with plenty of features to make for a convenient storage experience. Find a location near you today!