❄️  Protect Your Belongings: Winter Packing Tips for Self Storage 

As the temperatures drop in Hazleton Pennsylvania, the items you have tucked away in your self-storage unit could be vulnerable to the harsh effects of winter. The most effective strategy is simple: prevention. By taking a few extra steps now, you can safeguard your belongings in your storage unit and ensure they stay in perfect condition.

Winter Packing Tips 📦

1. Elevate Your Items

Don’t let your belongings sit directly on the concrete floor. Use wooden pallets, boards, or shelving units to create an air gap. This simple step prevents moisture and condensation from seeping into your items from below.

2. Control Humidity 💦

Place moisture absorbers, like silica gel packets or Damp Rid products, inside boxes and ideally air tight containers. These products are inexpensive and highly effective at controlling humidity levels.

Utilize Moisture Absorbers 

Place desiccants, which are materials that absorb water, throughout your unit and inside boxes. 

Effective options include:

• Silica gel packets: These are commonly found in product packaging and can be purchased in bulk

• Commercial products: Products like Damp Rid or moisture-absorbing poles are effective at drawing humidity from the air.

• Natural alternatives: Charcoal bricks or even open containers of cat litter can help absorb moisture and odors.

• Ventilate periodically: On a dry, mild winter day, open the unit’s door for a short time to allow fresh air to circulate and replace the existing, potentially humid air.

3. Allow for Airflow 

Avoid pushing items tightly against the walls or each other. Leave a small gap to allow for proper air circulation. This helps prevent stagnant air and humidity buildup. When you search for Hazleton storage units near me, choose a slightly larger unit for proper air flow.

4. Use the Right Containers

Invest in sturdy, airtight  plastic bins with secure lids. They offer better protection against moisture and pests than cardboard boxes, which can weaken when damp.

5. Clean and Dry Everything First 🧽

Ensure the belongings in your New Day Storage unit are thoroughly cleaned and completely dry before storing them. Any residual moisture is an open invitation for mold, mildew, or freezing and expanding damage.

6. Secure with a Weatherproof Lock

Standard locks can freeze and become unusable in cold weather. Invest in a durable disc lock, provided by New Day Storage, to ensure you have easy access to your Hazle Township storage unit when you need it.

📦 Item-Specific Packing Guidelines

Different items have unique needs during winter storage.

• Electronics and Appliances: Make sure to remove all batteries from electronics to prevent corrosion. For appliances like washing machines or refrigerators, drain all water and leave their doors slightly ajar to allow ventilation.

• Wooden Furniture: Clean and wax wooden furniture before storage. Disassemble large pieces and cover them with breathable cloth or furniture pads, not airtight plastic wrap, which can trap condensation.

• Fabrics and Clothing: wash and thoroughly dry all textiles. Store them in airtight plastic bins with cedar blocks or desiccant packets to prevent odors and moisture.

❄️ Your New Day Storage Hazleton Winter Storage Checklist 

A little extra effort in preparing your items and the storage space can make a big difference. Ensure the following for protection of your storage unit items.

• Everything is clean and dry

• Items are elevated off the floor on pallets or shelves

• Moisture absorbers are in place

• All boxes are clearly labeled

• A weather proof lock is installed

By following these guidelines, you can rest easy knowing your valuables are protected from the harsh winter elements. Contact us with questions about winter storage or if you want to rent a unit. We are here to help!

Rent online at newdaystorage.org or call 570-497-5887 for 5x10 storage units, 10x10 storage units, or 10x20 storage units.