Winter belongings storage checklist
With the cold season fast approaching, many homeowners begin to ask themselves if they know how to properly winterize their home.
Homeowners should begin the work of preparing their belongings for winter. From tools and outdoor furniture to sports equipment and recreational vehicles, most households have items that need to be protected from rain, snow, and ice.
Finding enough space in your home to adequately protect all these items from harsh winter weather can be a challenge: your garage, shed, or basement may not be enough to house them all and use them comfortably according to their primary purpose.
One way to make up for a lack of storage space at home is to rent a self-storage unit, a solution that many Americans are already using.
In a recent STORAGECafe survey, nearly one-third of respondents said they were self-storage customers, and an additional 11% of respondents said they plan to rent a storage unit in the future.
Many people turn to self-storage because of the service's accessibility and affordability: You can store your belongings in a safe location close to home, and items are usually available for pick-up and return seven days a week.
Whether you have enough space at home to properly protect your belongings during the winter or you plan to rent a self-storage unit, below is a list of all the household items that you'll need to protect during the cold season, along with ideas on how to prepare them for winter storage.
Gardening Tools and Equipment
Before storing your garden tools (hoes, forks, shovels, rakes, etc.) for the winter, remove any dirt or grease. The tools must be perfectly clean and dry, otherwise they will start to rust and eventually become useless.
Empty the tanks of all equipment that runs on gasoline or other liquid fuels, such as lawnmowers and chainsaws, and thoroughly wipe down and clean all surfaces. Cover these tools to protect blades and other sharp parts and to prevent accidents while operating them. Remove the batteries, if applicable, and store them in a place where temperatures do not fall below freezing.
Outdoor furniture and grills
Store your outdoor furniture and grills
Your outdoor furniture will last much longer if you store it away over the winter, because it won't get covered in snow or endure repeated freezing and thawing cycles. This is especially true for furniture made from plastic or composite materials. However, if your outdoor furniture is large or heavy and difficult to move or store, make sure you cover it with some kind of waterproof covering. You should do the same for wooden furniture.
And if your grill isn't on a covered deck or patio, move it indoors or store it under cover. Either way, be sure to remove any remaining charcoal or wood from inside the grill and thoroughly clean all parts before taking it down for the winter.
Bicycles, motorbikes, buggies, ATVs
Say goodbye to all these fun rides for now, but make sure you store them safely and properly so you can enjoy them again next spring.
For bikes, first wash the entire frame with water, regular dish soap and a soft brush. Dry and apply silicone oil for extra protection. Clean and lubricate the chain. If you store your bike upright, inflate the tires and check them every few weeks. Deflated tires will damage your bike's rims. Another solution is to hang your bike on a wall or remove the wheels and disassemble the frame and put it in a bike bag.
Regardless of how you store them, it's important to avoid damp environments like basements.
For other small two- and four-wheeled vehicles that people may own, such as buggies, ATVs, dirt bikes and motorcycles, there are some steps that must be followed before storing them for the winter.
Clean your car. If your car has a plastic tank, drain all the fuel. If your car has a metal tank, fill the tank up with fuel and add a fuel stabilizer. This will help prevent the metal tank from rusting and the water in the tank from freezing and thawing. Fully inflate your tires. Disconnect the battery. You can also get the oil changed so your car is ready to go when the weather is nice.
Vintage Car
Vintage cars are cool and wonderful, but they are not suitable for driving in winter. For your safety, it is best to only use them in the summer and store them away in the winter.
Here are the main things you need to pay attention to to ensure your beloved vintage car is ready for spring again.
Humidity is one of the biggest enemies of classic cars, so find a storage location that is dry and not too cold. Vacuum the interior and apply protectant to leather parts. Lubricate the door hinges and window handles. Take your car to a repair shop to check for leaks and other issues and to have the oil, brake fluid and antifreeze changed. Wash the underside of the car with a pressure washer. Fill up the tank and add a stabilizer to the gasoline. Spray an anti-rust lubricant around the engine. Disconnect the car's battery. Install a car dehumidifier inside the car. Protect your car with a quality cover.
RVs and Campers
Store your RV or camper before winter arrives!
Preparing these vehicles for winter is a much more complicated task than preparing a normal car: there are many small details to consider and many tanks and batteries to protect.
Here are the main steps to preparing your RV for winter storage.
Drain and flush your wastewater tank, then drain your fresh water tank. Open all taps to make sure there is no water left in the pipes, then open the low point drain valve to drain completely. If you store your RV outdoors and temperatures in your area regularly drop below freezing in the winter, fill the tank with antifreeze. Fill your gas tank completely to prevent water in the tank from freezing. Disconnect the electrical system. If you store your RV outdoors over the winter, disconnect or completely remove the batteries and storage batteries. Store in a dry, warm place, and check and recharge every few weeks. If your RV has a propane tank, don't forget to remove it as well. Seal all openings in your RV to prevent rodents from entering.
Final thoughts
Following all the steps in this checklist will ensure that all your precious possessions are well protected throughout the winter.
That way, you'll be able to enjoy them again in the spring once the cold weather is over!
Other Winter Storage and General Home Maintenance Tips
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist – While the above winter storage checklist is extremely helpful for the upcoming winter months, it is not the only important home maintenance checklist to follow. Let’s take a look at the most important fall home maintenance tasks to do throughout your home. Mistakes to Avoid When Selling a Home in the Winter – If you are reading this winter storage checklist because you are preparing to sell your home this winter, you should be aware of the most common mistakes. In this article, we will discuss the most common mistakes home sellers make during the winter. Should You Sell a Home in the Winter? – Selling a home in the winter is certainly more difficult than selling a home in the hot market of spring. If you are considering selling a home in the winter, it is important that you carefully consider all of your options. In this article, we will cover some important things to consider when deciding whether or not to sell your home in the winter. Winter Exterior Improvement Tips – If you have decided to sell your home in the winter, it is still important that the exterior of your home looks great. In this great article, 18 real estate pros share their best tips to make your home look attractive in the winter.
About the Author: The above article, “A Complete Checklist for Storing Your Belongings in the Winter” was written by Kyle Hiscock, a top real estate agent in Pittsford, NY with RE/MAX Realty Group.
Since starting in 2013, Kyle has published over 150 high quality, in-depth and unique real estate related articles on his Rochester Real Estate Blog on a variety of topics from home sales to mortgages. In addition to high quality real estate related content, there are also many quality articles about the Greater Rochester NY area.
Rochester Real Estate Blog has been recognized by many reputable websites as one of the best real estate blogs to visit and follow. In addition to being recognized as one of the best real estate blogs, Kyle has also been recognized by several organizations and websites as one of the top real estate agents on social media.
About Rochester Real Estate Blog: Rochester Real Estate Blog is owned and operated by Kyle Hiscock of the Hiscock Sold Team at RE/MAX Realty Group. With over 40 years of combined experience, we are happy to share our knowledge and expertise with you if you are looking to sell or buy.
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