How to Store Your Items During the Winter

Storing your items for the winter can be a bit of a struggle if you don't know what you're doing. Some items can be damaged from the extreme cold, just as some items can be damaged from extreme heat in the summer. Here are a few tips to ensure your items are stored properly for the winter.

Get Things Stored Before the Snow

If possible, get all your things into storage before the snow arrives. It can be harder to move things into storage once snow is on the ground and it may require professional movers to ensure it's done properly and safely.

Before the coldest temperatures arrive and the snow and ice cover the ground, make the time to move things into storage.

Make Sure Everything is Clean and Dry

It's best to clean everything you plan to store before putting it into storage. Dirt can cause issues with stored items and can cause damage to some.

In addition, you want to make sure everything is dry. Moisture isn't good for many materials, such as metal and wood. It can cause issues to the item that's wet and even to other items in storage.

When storing hoses or other items used for water, keep in mind, the moisture can freeze and expand. This is another way moisture can cause an issue.

Repair Items Before Storage

If you plan to store something for the winter that needs to be repaired, get the repairs done now. When the spring comes along and you pull out things, such as a lawn mower or other outdoor tools, you may find the damage is worse because you didn't get the repairs done before storing the items.

Choose Climate Controlled Storage from Pro Move

Any old storage unit won't work for most items during the winter. Even boxed household goods could end up damaged due to the harsh temperatures.

It's best to choose climate controlled storage for your items when storing them for the winter. With climate controlled storage, you don't have to worry about items getting damaged due to cold or hot temperatures. It's the best option for winter storage and year-round storage.

Many items can be damaged due to the cold temperatures. Anything with a battery, liquid items, electronic, and many other items may not work the same or at all if you don't use climate controlled storage.

The changing temperatures and extreme weather can cause condensation within electronics, which may cause irreparable damage. Anything liquid may freeze and expand, which could cause cracks to the container and it may leak onto other items. This can also include battery cells in mowers, small engines, cars, and other battery-operated items.

Storing your items properly during the winter isn't always easy. You need to be sure to consider the items you're storing and the extreme temperatures the winter will bring. However, if you follow these tips and you use our climate controlled storage in Chicago, you'll have far less to worry about.

How to get the most out of your storage unit during a move

Storage units are the perfect way to make your move a breeze. They have become a huge trend in the moving world because families need a way to store their belongings when they are in the middle of waiting for their new home to close or they are trying to sell their home and have it staged to sell. If you need a storage unit for your move, make sure you check out the information below to make sure you get the most of your unit and storage needs.

Where can I get a storage unit for my move?

While most moving families would have to seek out their own private storage unit during a move, you can get them right with your moving company when choosing to work with Professional Moving Specialists.

Not only can they help you get your move done in a professional and efficient manner, but they can help you by providing a storage unit during this transition period. It’s great for storing things while you selling your home or move, and even for some extra storage space once you get settled in your new home.

What goes into my storage decision?

Deciding on getting a storage unit is just the first step. Next, you’ll need to discuss your needs with your storage unit provider because there will be a few decisions to consider. Climate control is a popular option for storage facilities because it allows you to protect your belongings from hot and cold temperatures.

Consider if you’ll need climate control to avoid damaging furniture, photos, and antiques. Then you’ll need to determine the size of the unit needed, such as a 5x5 for small boxes or a 10x20 if you have a 3-4 bedroom home’s worth of goods.

Loading up the storage unit

Lastly, you’ll need to strategize loading your belongings into the storage unit to make sure you get the most of your unit. Being organized is important to make sure you can easily get into the unit to move your things around and clearly see everything labeled for accessing later. Make sure you have plenty of packing materials to protect your items in bubble wrap and cardboard boxes.

It’s best to try to keep your items off of the ground. Occasionally, a storage unit could end up getting flooded from weather or a spill in another unit, and it would be a shame to have your items on the ground getting ruined. Getting a wooden shipping pallet or blocks to keep your belongings off the ground is a great way to protect yourself. Then be sure to disassemble your furniture so that you can stack them high, such as the legs off of your tables.

Don’t forget to get the appropriate lock for your storage unit and check your homeowners’ insurance policy to make sure it will cover items in your unit in the event of damage.

The easiest way to get the most out of your storage unit during a move is to get the storage unit from the same company handling the move. Talk to The Professionals Moving Specialists today about your upcoming moving and storing needs!

How to Store Your Car in Chicago During the Winter

Moving to Chicago may be necessary for a new job opportunity. If you're planning to relocate to Chicago or you recently moved to the city, you may be concerned about how you will handle storing your car for the winter. This is especially true if you own a convertible or a sports car you don't plan to drive again until spring. Storing your car during the Chicago winter might seem tricky, but there are plenty of options available to you. Here are a few of the best ways to handle this situation after moving to Chicago.

A Heated Storage Garage

Many storage companies throughout the Chicago area offer heated storage for vehicles. Sometimes, this is referred to as "climate-controlled" storage and it's the best choice for those looking to store a convertible or a sports car.

Some of the fluids in a vehicle can freeze during Chicago winters. However, if you choose a heated garage for storage, you won't have to worry as much.

Covered Parking

If there is any possibility you will drive the vehicle during the winter, covered parking may be a better option for you. While your vehicle won't be protected from the cold, it will be protected from the snow and ice. You will need to winterize the vehicle by checking the fluids and flushing any fluids that could freeze.

Specialty Sports Car Storage

Some companies throughout Chicago offer storage for sports cars, such as Ferrari’s. They may offer in and out services to allow you to drive your vehicle whenever you want. Another big plus of a specialty storage company is the battery tender service and other mechanical services they may offer.

This type of car storage in Chicago won't be inexpensive and can run as much as $250 per month or more. However, you will usually have options to make sure your vehicle remains in good, running condition all throughout the winter. You won't have to worry about a dead battery come spring if you choose the right specialty storage company.

Outside Parking

Of course, you can always park your vehicle in a long-term outside parking facility. This will be the least expensive of the car storage options and will probably require a good car cover, along with full winterizing of the vehicle. However, if your budget is tight, outside parking may be the right solution.

A Private/Friend's Garage

Many Chicago residents will rent out garage space of their own for winter car storage. If you can find a good place near where you live, this may be a good option. Of course, it's even better if the private garage happens to be owned by someone you know.

While there are plenty of options for car storage during the winter in Chicago, some of the best options fill up fast. It's important to make sure your vehicle is winterized if it won't be stored in a heated garage. Make sure you go through all of the steps to winterize your vehicle or you may discover major issues come spring.

Winter Moving Services