Tips for Storing Seasonal Items in a Self-Storage Unit

One of the great things about living in Upstate New York is that you get to experience all four seasons, but when the weather changes, so does your need to access your belongings. You might trade your patio furniture for holiday decor, bulky sweaters for T-shirts, and baseball equipment for skis, for example.  

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t have enough space for storing seasonal items, so they just take up room or create clutter in your garage or some other area of the house. That’s why choosing a self-storage unit that can protect your items while keeping them out of your way is the best solution.    

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Organizing Your Seasonal Items 

The changing of the seasons is exciting, and you’re probably anxious to get the old stuff packed away and bring out the new. However, staying organized and creating a streamlined process can save you time in the long run.    

 Categorize Your Items 

Start by sorting your items into categories like winter clothing, summer clothing, sports gear, specific holiday decorations, outdoor furniture and decor, etc. Storing similar items together can help you find everything you need with ease at the start of a new season.   

 Labeling and Documenting 

Next, create an inventory list for each category. This will help you remember what you have throughout the year, ensuring you don’t accidentally run out and buy something you don’t need. It can also help you remember what is stored together. Label each box or bin so you know what is inside.   

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Packing Tips for Different Types of Seasonal Items 

Effective packing depends on the items you are storing. Failing to pack carefully can cause items to get broken or lost. Take a look at some seasonal storage tips for common items.  

Holiday Decorations 

Consider packing your holiday decorations in clear bins so you aren’t pulling out Christmas ornaments for Halloween or Fourth of July flags for Thanksgiving. Because many holiday decorations are made from glass and other fragile materials, use bubble wrap to protect your most delicate items. Consider wrapping strings of light around a piece of cardboard so they don’t end up tangled for next year. 

Seasonal Clothing 

Make sure all clothing is clean and dry before you pack it up. Vacuum-sealed bags can help you save space and protect your clothing from exposure to the elements. Garment bags are great for heavy-duty items like suits, coats, and formal dresses. Also, consider a climate-controlled unit for seasonal clothing storage. It can help keep mold and mildew at bay and prevent clothing and linens from fading.  

Outdoor Equipment and Furniture 

Clean all outdoor equipment and furniture thoroughly before you pack it up to ensure you have removed any dirt, dust, cobwebs, grass, insects, or other debris. When items are dry, disassemble them if possible to save space. Use furniture covers or other protective coverings when possible.    

 

Maximizing Space in Your Storage Unit 

Storage units come in a variety of sizes. No matter what size you choose, it’s always best to maximize your space. This can help save you money and make it easier to access your items throughout the year.  

 Efficient Packing Techniques            

Organizing storage units starts with efficient packing. When placing items in bins and boxes, make sure you can close them or put lids on them to ensure they are flat and stackable. Making the most of your vertical space is one of the most efficient storage solutions, especially when you have to rent a smaller unit for financial reasons.  

It always saves space to use vacuum-sealed bags for clothing. You can also disassemble furniture and outdoor gear when possible to help take advantage of every little bit of space. For example, if you are storing a piece of furniture with drawers, consider storing various small items inside the drawers to capitalize on that available space.       

Read more packing tips from our experts!

Accessibility and Convenience 

When you bring your items to your unit, don’t just throw them inside without an organization plan. Make sure every item is accessible and create paths that are easy to navigate without having to move lots of heavy items. If there are certain items you will use more frequently than others, store those items closer to the front for easy accessibility.  

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Choosing the Right Storage Unit for Seasonal Items 

Not only do storage units come in a variety of sizes, but they also come with some amazing features that help protect your belongings and provide you with easier access to them.   

Size and Type of Unit 

Storage units at Stack-n-Stor range from 5 feet by 5 feet up to 10 feet by 30 feet, so no matter how many seasonal items you want to store, you are covered. If you’re simply looking for self-storage for holiday decorations, a smaller unit may provide more than enough space. If you’re storing furniture from your pool deck and patio, you will need a larger unit. Remember that following ideal storage unit packing tips can help reduce the amount of space you need and save you money.   

When storing clothing and other items that could be ruined when exposed to the elements, consider renting a temperature or climate-controlled unit. Temperature-controlled units regulate the temperature inside to protect items from the weather extremes going on outside. Climate-controlled units take it a step further and regulate both temperature and humidity to prevent moisture from seeping inside and damaging items. 

Security and Accessibility 

It’s also important to consider your personal preferences for security and accessibility when choosing a unit. As the name suggests, drive-up units allow you to drive your vehicle right up to the door and unload your items. They are super easy to access and take away some of the workload of loading and unloading. Indoor units may require taking a few extra steps, but customers typically enjoy the additional layer of security, as well as the fact that they stay cleaner.   

At Stack-N-Stor, no matter which type of unit you choose, you can rest assured that you and your items are secure, thanks to features such as:  

• Fenced-in property 
• Gated access 
• Keypad access at entryways  
• 24-hour surveillance cameras  
• Manager on site during all business hours  

 
Why Choose Stack-N-Stor for Your Seasonal Storage Needs 

When it’s time to store your seasonal items, rent your storage unit from Stack-N-Stor. With locations in Milton, Rotterdam, and Patterson, Stack-N-Stor is locally owned and operated, so you can expect personalized and friendly service. Their state-of-the-art units are ideal for storing seasonal items and more.