There’s nothing quite like winters in the North. The activities are endless, from ice skating to snowboarding to skiing to sledding. Some people look forward to winter more than any other season, while others dread it. If you fall into the latter category, maybe it’s because you worry about your items in storage getting damaged. Yet to figure out the best way to protect them from the winter weather? Allow us to shed some light on the subject.

Maffucci Moving & Storage has survived a lot – and we do mean a lot – of winter storms. We’ve been helping clients relocate and store their belongings for over 100 years. Over that time, our team learned what methods work best to store various items and keep them safe throughout the duration of the cold weather. You might not mind Jack Frost nipping at your nose, but you definitely don’t want him nipping at your treasures in storage. To get to them, he’ll have to go through us. And that’s not happening.

Prepping Your Storage Space

When you feel the first chill in the air and the days grow shorter, it’s time to start prepping your storage area for winter. It’s better to do this before than wait until the last minute. You don’t want to get stuck trudging through the snow to organize your (most likely not heated) shed. Ensuring it’s organized now will save you time and energy later.

To winter-proof your storage area, you first need to clean it. This will improve the look of your space and guarantee that items won’t be exposed to extra unwanted dirt and grime. After that, move tools that you’ll need in the following months to the front of your space for easy access. You won’t need your mower and hedge trimmers for what’s to come. Switch them with your snowplow, shovels, and ice melt.

While your storage space provides a layer of protection from the winter weather, you can take things even further by gathering moisture-resistant bins to keep things nice and dry. Clear, moisture-resistant storage bins will allow you to easily identify items without unpacking them and provide a barrier from wetness. If something can’t fit in a bin, make sure to cover it with a tarp or sturdy cover.

The best materials for keeping your belongings safe in winter storage include:

• Clear, airtight plastic containers
• Bubble wrap
• Cotton, wool, or canvas covers
• Desiccants (silica gel packets)
• Acid-free paper

Protecting Your Items

Once you’ve finished winter-proofing your storage space, start packing your items. Like your space, ensure what you’re packing is clean before putting them away. We recommend creating an inventory to store and categorize items to find what you need quickly. Use airtight, weather-resistant containers to keep belongings safe from cold and moisture. You should always store items elevated off the ground to protect them from water damage and unwanted pests. To achieve this, you can use wooden pallets, bricks, or actual shelving. Shelf dividers are a great investment to keep things nicely separated by category.

To make the most of your limited storage space during winter and ensure that your items will be safe, we recommend that:

• The base is large enough for everything and sturdy
• The area is clear
• The weight is evenly distributed when stacking
• The heaviest items are at the bottom
• The items don’t wobble and aren’t stacked too high
• Labels face out for easy identification
• There’s room to move within the storage solution
• You put a plastic tarp down before storing items to keep water out

If you plan on storing clothing, lightly fold it and wrap it inside acid-free paper. Tightly packing fabric items in a storage box may permanently crease them. To get the best results, choose clear stackable drawers to save space and protect the material from the elements. Avoid the temptation of vacuum storage bags, as they can cause clothing to deteriorate if packed tightly for too long. Fabric needs to breathe. Without circulation, your clothes may be irrevocably damaged.

Special Considerations

Remember that not everything can withstand cold temperatures well. Take extra care with items like electronics, furniture, artwork and pictures, DVDs/CDs, and delicate fabrics. Likewise, be sure to properly wrap and protect fragile items with bubble wrap or packing paper.

• Electronics. Elevate all electronics and remove the batteries– they’re more susceptible to damage. Be sure to wrap them with moving blankets to protect the screens.
• Furniture. Wood and leather pieces must be covered and lifted off the ground to prevent moisture from building up underneath them.
• Artwork and pictures. Never stack artworks; they may stick together. Always elevate them and cover the surfaces. Consider bubble wrapping them. It’s best to store them at 65°F.
• DVDs and CDs. Moisture can be absorbed by the disc and make it unplayable. Store them in elevated, airtight containers.
• Delicate fabrics. Fine fabrics can yellow and deteriorate in cold, moist environments. Put them in airtight bins and check on them often.

Climate-Controlled Storage with Maffucci

For most of the special consideration items discussed, your best option to keep them safe is a climate-controlled storage solution. Extreme temperatures can cause severe damage to your belongings. Maffucci’s storage space features climate control to regulate temperature and humidity levels, preventing damage. Climate-controlled storage solutions are especially valuable in winter as they are best equipped to maintain an item’s integrity over time. Plus, you get protection from dust, debris, and pests. Our facility was constructed with professionally sealed and insulated roofs, walls, and floors to serve our customers better.

What to Avoid Doing

When storing items in the winter, there are a few things you should avoid doing. A common mistake people make is putting back wet items. Any dampness in storage can spread mold, quickly ruining your belongings. To avoid this, always dry items off, use plastic bins with lids, wrap things in blankets, and use moisture absorbents.

Other common mistakes include:

• Not washing clothing beforehand
• Packing too many things in one container
• Not protecting against pests
• Storing delicate items improperly
• Not using acid-free paper
• Stacking items haphazardly
• Not labeling correctly
• Using low-quality boxes
• Not rotating items periodically
• Forgetting to check for water spots ahead of time

When You Need Help With a Move, Maffucci Is the Call To Make

Winter is coming. And no, we’re not talking about Games of Thrones. It’s time to start prepping your storage space for the cold weather and inevitable snow storms we’ll get throughout the season. If you need help determining the best way to protect your items from inclement weather or plan on moving during the off-season, Maffucci Moving & Storage is here and ready to assist however we can.

Reach out to Maffucci Moving & Storage for a free moving estimate. Whether you are just beginning to plan or ready to relocate, our team provides tailored advice and assistance to ensure your move is as affordable as possible.