The change of season brings quite a bit of a shift to the daily routine, as clothing and hobbies adjust to meet the weather’s changing patterns. You might find yourself not needing certain bulky sports equipment or winter clothing, but there’s limited storage space at home. Fortunately, storage units provide a safe and hassle-free option for storing winter clothing, festive decorations, camping gear, or summer sports equipment.
However, before you start packing away those seasonal items, here are some useful tips to ensure everything is protected from damage, dust, and deterioration.
5 Tips for safely storing seasonal items
1. Clean before you store
When the change of season is approaching, make sure you give all your seasonal items a good wash and dry out before you pack them away. Storing dirty clothes, sports gear, or outdoor equipment will result in mould and mildew, and a really unpleasant odour when you open up at the change of season again.
- Winter clothing: Wash and dry jackets, jerseys, and boots to remove dirt and moisture that can attract pests. For any leather boots, apply a protective conditioner to prevent cracking.
- Camping gear: Shake out tents, air out sleeping bags, and wipe down cooking equipment before storing.
- Holiday decorations: Dust off ornaments, and check string lights for broken bulbs before storing them safely. Wooden decorations could also use a protective conditioner.
2. Use the right packing materials
You need to use the right packing materials when storing your seasonal items to prevent any environmental or pest damage.
- Plastic bins: Cardboard boxes can be used to store certain items, but clear, plastic bins are your best option for the ultimate protection.
- Vacuum-sealed bags: For clothes and linen, consider vacuum-sealed bags to reduce bulk and eliminate moisture.
- Bubble wrap: You should wrap delicate decorations, glassware, and breakable ornaments to prevent cracks and chips.
- Labels: Save yourself time next season by labelling all boxes with detailed contents.
3. Maximise space
Save yourself a lot of hassle and stress next season by storing your goods carefully and clearly. A well-organised storage space not only maximises the available area, but makes goods easy to find.
- Stack wisely: Place heavier boxes at the bottom and lighter items on top to prevent crushing.
- Seasonal sections: Keep all your seasonal items together for summer (umbrellas, pool floats, beach towels, holiday ornaments) and winter (heaters, thick blankets, jackets).
- Shelving units: If using a storage unit, consider adding shelving for easy access to frequently used items.
4. Protect against pests and moisture
South Africa’s variable climate means that your seasonal items can be exposed to heat, humidity, and pests when stored. You can better protect against this by taking some precautionary measures.
- Deter pests: Use sealed plastic bins and natural repellents like lavender to deter insects.
- Prevent moisture damage: Place moisture absorbers – like silica gel packets found in vitamin bottles – inside storage containers to keep items dry.
- Climate-controlled storage: If you’re storing sensitive items like wooden furniture, electronics, or leather goods, consider a climate-controlled storage unit to protect from extreme temperatures and humidity.
5. Choose a secure storage unit
A storage unit is a hassle-free option for storing seasonal items, freeing up space in the home. This is a great option if you’re battling for space because of a work-from-home adaptation, or more demand from an ever-growing family! However, you must consider a secure and trustworthy storage provider. Here are some elements to look at:
- Variety of unit sizes: Whether you need a small unit for a few boxes or a larger space for outdoor furniture, check there are flexible options to suit your needs.
- 24/7 security: Make sure your seasonal goods are protected with state-of-the-art security such as CCTV surveillance, gated access, and alarmed units to keep your belongings safe.
- Easy access: The facility must be easily accessible, so you can grab your seasonal gear whenever needed.
- Packing supplies: Check that the supplier provides packing materials like boxes, bubble wrap, or heavy-duty storage bins.
You may also like: Tips on how to store your outdoor gear
Hassle-free seasonal storage with Cedar Storage
Cedar Storage in Randburg ticks all the boxes for safe and affordable seasonal storage solutions! This will help you declutter your home without having to get rid of useful seasonal goods.
Ready to free up space in your home? Contact Cedar Storage today to find the perfect storage solution for your needs!
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