The harsh summer heat is starting to fade in America, and it will not be too long before it is time to bundle up for winter. Cold temperatures bring about interesting challenges when it comes to protecting your belongings, and for those household goods located in a storage unit, it is important you consider the impact winter weather can have on your possessions while they are out of your sight. Here are three tips to make sure your storage unit is winterized and ready to keep your items safe from harm.
Check Your Unit Lock
Not being able to access your storage unit because the exterior lock has frozen shut is an issue that is not uncommon for storage unit users. The lock you have on your storage unit must be of high quality so it can withstand the freezing temperatures which are coming your way. Now is the time to invest in a weatherproof lock that will operate easily no matter what temperature it is exposed to. Speak to your storage manager to find out if they sell this type of product, and if they do not, they will likely have recommendations for where you can find one.
Insulation Blankets
Some personal items like wood furniture and delicate documents are very susceptible to damage during cold weather. One way to protect these from ice crystals is to wrap them in insulation blankets. These can be purchased from your local hardware store and are designed to be wrapped around the item you wish to protect, These blankets keep your belongings shielded from extreme cold, and that means less chance of the item becoming damaged over winter.
Remove Liquids
Any item containing liquid should be removed from your storage unit during winter if it is possible to do so. This is because when liquid is left in the cold, it freezes, and then as it warms up, it thaws. A liquid item in storage could freeze and thaw on a daily basis, and this constant constriction and expansion will cause the container to weaken and crack over time. It is not unheard of for the container to eventually fail completely and its liquid contents to then damage other belongings stored around it. Remove all liquid containers to a place where they can be checked regularly for any signs of temperature damage.
By following these three tips, your belongings in storage should sail through the winter months and emerge into spring in great condition. Contact a local storage facility for more information.
