Winter Storage: What Not to Store
December 27, 2022
Kentucky’s finest Go Minis Moving and Storage units are guaranteed to be the best in all categories: price, quality, service, and otherwise. We deliver, pick-up, and store Go Mini units in every season and under every condition – winter storage, summer moves, etc. – it’s what we do! We store what you pack, and we make every effort to keep our units in peak shape to maintain weather, moisture, mold, and mildew resistance while delivering our trademarked convenience and security.
What we can’t control, however, outside of the rules and guidelines provided at the initial transaction, is what you store inside your Go Mini unit. With the winter season upon us, we work to keep humidity, natural condensation, and other consequences of temperature minimal but, unfortunately, colder climates can play a big part in how your storage stuff reacts to being stored for long periods of time.
Because of that, we’ve made up a list of 6 things that you shouldn’t store in a non-climate controlled setting during the winter. Remember – this isn’t only applicable to portable storage units like Go Minis! These items should also be withheld from storage in unused cars, garages, traditional self-storage spaces, and sheds.
10 Winter Storage ‘Do Nots’
1. Electronics
If you have a box of old electronics, like laptops, phones, gaming systems, or perhaps a TV that’s been taking up space since you upgraded, it’s best not to store them in a non-climate controlled setting. There are plenty of things that can go wrong with electronics, from the liquid in LCD screens freezing to rusting, cracking, or short circuiting if you attempt to use the device before it’s returned to room temperature.
- Instead, consider donating devices that still work for gift programs and recycling anything that you don’t use at electronics stores that take them!
2. Leather or Wooden Furniture
Even though all furniture has the possibility of warping with extreme temperature change, solid wood and leather furniture are at the highest risk. This is because solid wood doesn’t have any extra protection against the elements besides the enamel or coating that it was made with like other fabric-covered pieces do, and leather is a material that is highly sensitive to moisture and temperature. It cracks, deteriorates, and discolors at a faster rate if left in the cold for too long.
- Instead, storing furniture in a dry, dark place such as a basement is recommended! If your furniture has been replaced and you don’t use it any longer, thrifting and consignment stores will usually take it off your hands if it’s in good condition, if you don’t want to sell it for some extra cash yourself, that is!
3. Propane Tanks and Aerosol Cans
These two things are particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures and can be very dangerous if something does happen to go wrong. Pressurized cans can be destabilized by temperatures outside their constraints and crack or explode, while propane tanks always have the possibility to spring a leak and fill enclosed spaces with gas enough to explode.
- Instead, store propane tanks in an open space with plenty of airflow and keep aerosol cans in a climate-controlled space such as a basement or attic. If you want to dispose of an aerosol can, make sure that it’s empty before doing so. If the can is full, you can take it to a hazardous waste facility and they’ll take care of it for you!
4. Canned Goods
Canned goods can freeze just like any other food set in liquid – and we all know that when liquid freezes, it expands. This can break the seal and spoil the food (including pet food!), but even if it doesn’t, any extra moisture can cause rust that compromises the contents of the cans or jars by allowing tiny holes to form and let bacteria in.
- Instead, go through your cans this winter, check the expiration dates, and then make a “Can Plan.”
- Any still-good cans that you want to keep storing, put in a dry place indoors
- Any cans that are nearing their expiration date but you want to use, incorporate into your meal plan or put in plain sight so that you remember to use them
- Any other non-expired cans that you have multiples of or don’t think you’ll use, donate to a food bank! They’re always accepting cans, but have an increased need during the holidays.
5. Musical Instruments
Musical Instruments are an investment for most people, and should be treated with care even when not in use. Leaving musical instruments in the cold weather can cause shrinkage, cracking, rusting, corrosion, and discoloring, so it’s best to leave them out of your outdoor storage spaces and safely indoors.
- Instead, store it in a climate-controlled storage unit if you don’t have space in your home. If the instrument is one that you no longer use or got with the intention of learning, but never got around to – again, winter is one of the best times of the year to sell or donate your unused items so that they can have a new life with others as gifts or the start of someone’s New Year’s Resolution!
6. Paint, Caulking, or Other Wall Patching Compounds
If stored in an non-climate controlled space, paint will separate and caulking compounds will freeze – either way, they become unusable most of the time. There are specific types that can withstand one or two accidental freezes, but most caulking with harden prematurely in freezing temperatures and paint, once thawed, will be grainy, stringy, clumpy, and develop a bad odor.
- Instead, store paint upside-down once it’s sealed at temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and caulking material capped, away from children and pets, and in a dry place above freezing temperatures to keep the deterioration of the components minimal.
If you need a portable winter storage or moving solution for all your other goods, Go Minis of Louisville is locally-owned and ready to take on your case! To get a free instant quote, visit our website at gominisky.com or drop us a line at 502-772-2821 to speak with one of our Louisville experts! We’ve got the knowledge, and we’ve got the drive – contact us today!
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