How to Store Outdoor Furniture During the Winter Months

Outdoor Furniture Storage Ideas

If you have delicate, expensive, or quality outdoor furniture, storage is necessary to protect it from the weather when it’s not in use. Without proper storage, your furniture can suffer from wear and tear, weather damage, animal damage, and other problems. When spring comes and you’re ready to use it again, you may find that you have to replace it all. Here are some tips for winter outdoor furniture storage, as well as some great outdoor furniture storage ideas to use.

The Importance of Winter Storage for Outdoor Furniture

While outdoor furniture is typically made of robust, weather-proof material, it is still vulnerable to extreme temperatures. Over time, it will develop damage and wear and tear, requiring premature replacement. Proper winter storage offers:

• Reduced risk of damage
• Longer lifespan
• Maintained appearance and beauty
• Safer and more comfortable furniture
• Lower risk of needing repair or replacement
• Protection from wind, rain, snow, insects, and animals
• Cleaner furniture at the end of the season

What to Do Before Putting Outdoor Furniture in Winter Storage

Before you store your furniture away for the winter, there are a few things you can do to prepare it. This will make sure your furniture is in the best possible condition and won’t suffer any damage while in a storage unit:

• Clean all surfaces thoroughly by wiping them with a soft cloth to remove dust, cobwebs, and debris, and then using mild soap and warm water to get rid of stubborn grime.
• Remove all cushions and wash them according to manufacturer instructions, then dry them thoroughly before placing them in storage.
• Store cushions, pillows, and other soft items in insect-proof bags.
• Wrap furniture legs and arms in plastic wrap or bubble wrap for protection.
• Remove glass inserts and wrap them in bubble wrap, and place them in a cardboard box or wrap them in blankets.

The Best Options for Seasonal Outdoor Furniture Storage

It’s important to choose the right storage method for your furniture. Consider the weather and climate in your region and what the furniture is made of. For instance, wood furniture is more vulnerable to insects, rot, mold, mildew, breakage, and moisture intrusion. Vinyl and plastic furniture may not be as fragile. Here are some of the best methods for storing outdoor furniture over the winter:

• Outdoor Furniture Covers for Winter Storage – These are durable, weather-proof covers that are designed to fit over the entirety of your furniture. They are typically made from waterproof material like coated or waxed canvas, plastic, or vinyl. Choose one that is the right size for your furniture so there are no uncovered or unprotected parts. Coverings can also be used if your furniture is built in or is too large or heavy to move and store.
• Garages or Covered Storage – If you have a garage or other covered storage option on your property, like a carport or shed, you can clean and wrap your furniture and move it in. This will keep it safe from weather damage, but it may still be vulnerable to insects and wildlife, as well as flooding or fire.
• Self-storage Units – A self-storage unit can store furniture of any size. Plus, you can choose from indoor and outdoor units, so you can protect fragile and expensive furniture by storing it inside in a climate-controlled facility. Storage units also often have on-site management, controlled access, and fire, flood, and pest protection.

Protecting Furniture During Storage

No matter how you choose to store your furniture, make sure it is also protected while in storage. Check the storage area or storage unit frequently. Look for signs of dust, weather damage, insect or animal activity, water leaks, or other issues that could affect your furniture.

What to Do When You Take Furniture Out of Storage

When you take your furniture out of your home storage unit, there are a few things that you should do before using it. Following these steps will protect you and the furniture, ensuring it is clean, safe, and comfortable to use:

• Remove all coverings, plastic wrap, and other protective items.
• Wipe the furniture clean with a damp, soft cloth.
• Inspect each piece for signs of damage, mold or mildew, or insect or animal damage.
• For wood furniture, use a specialized wood cleaner and wood polish to restore its finish.
• Restore wood furniture with a stain, sealant, or paint.
• Take cushions and soft items out of their protective bags.
• Wash them if needed, or use a fabric-safe deodorizing spray to freshen them.
• Let them dry completely before replacing and using them.

Call Independence Storage for a Furniture Storage Quote

Independence Storage offers flexible furniture storage solutions in Mountain View, CA. Our storage units range in size and type, but all feature 10-foot ceilings for easy storage of furniture of all sizes. Our facility is gated, secure, and each unit has drive-up access for easy loading. Call us now or reach out to us online to get an estimate or learn more.

Storage for Moving: 7 Benefits of Using Self Storage While You Move

How Self-Storage Can Help You During a Move: 7 Benefits

Moving can be incredibly stressful. Last-minute moves, in particular, can present a lot of financial and logistical challenges. For instance, what if you have to be out of your apartment in a week, but you can’t move into a new place until the first of the next month? What if you plan on traveling when your lease ends or after moving out of your college dorm? What will you do with your belongings? Move-in self-storage is a safe, cost-effective solution. Learn more about how self-storage can help you during a move, and the seven benefits of self-storage.

1. Decluttering Prior to a Move

A move is the perfect time to take stock of what you have, what you need, and what you can let go of. If you are moving into a smaller space, you might need to consider downsizing your belongings. Even if your new place will be the same size, you may want to declutter and choose items to sell, give away, or donate to charities. However, the decluttering process can be time-consuming, and if you don’t want to pack and unpack items twice, a self-storage unit is the solution. Use it to store items you won’t be bringing with you when you move so that you can decide what to do with them once the stress of the move has passed. That way, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of packing them up and bringing them with you to your new home, only to unpack them and donate them or give them away.

2. Freeing Up Time and Space

One of the biggest challenges when moving is not having time to deal with everything you own. You might not know what furniture will fit in your new place, or if you’ll have room for all of your belongings. If you have roommates or are moving in with your partner, you might face even more time constraints. Renting a self-storage unit gives you the freedom to focus on the big-picture items on your task list and deal with the smaller things later once you’re settled into your new home. If you aren’t sure what you want to keep or what will fit, move non-essentials into a storage unit and decide what to do with them after you’ve unpacked at the new place.

3. Storage When You’re Between Living Situations

If your lease is up before you can move into your new place, you might panic trying to figure out what to do with your belongings. A self-storage unit can bridge the gap, providing a safe and secure place to keep your belongings until you can move into your new home. Whether you’re crashing on a friend’s couch, traveling, or staying at a hotel, you can rest easy knowing that your furniture, clothes, and other belongings are safe. This can help you avoid late move-out fees, early move-in fees, and other stressful situations that could occur if you don’t have anywhere to store your belongings.

4. Protecting Fragile Items

Some items are too fragile to handle being bounced around a moving truck. However, on moving day, you might not have the time or energy to deal with the logistics of making sure that they get safely transported in your vehicle – or you may not have a personal vehicle to use. If that is the case, you can safely store these fragile items in your personal storage unit and arrange for them to be moved via car or another more protected vehicle at a later time.

5. Keeping Belongings Safe During a Renovation

A renovation or remodel is a huge, time-consuming project. You might not want to have all of your belongings moved into your new home if you’re planning on renovating. Renovating causes a lot of dust, vibrations, and other issues that could damage furniture and other belongings. Keeping them in a home storage facility will protect them so that they can be safely moved back into your home once the remodel is complete.

6. Freedom to Travel Before a Move

If you just graduated from college, have to move out of your dorm room before summer starts, or plan on traveling after your lease is up, you need a safe place to store your belongings. While you can downsize and donate some items, you’ll want to hold on to clothing, photos, and other valuable or personal belongings. Using a student or college storage facility gives you a safe, secure place to store your belongings while you travel. When you return, just move them into your new place, safe and sound.

7. Cost Savings and Flexibility

If you have hired movers to assist you with moving into a new place, they will probably charge you by the hour. There may be some things you can move yourself in order to save money on professional moving services. If that is the case, you can move those smaller items into a storage facility. That way, you are only paying the movers for help with large, heavy items that you wouldn’t be able to move yourself. When they’re done, you can easily get your items out of storage and complete your move.

Call Independence Storage for a Quote for Move-In Self Storage

Independence Storage offers self-storage benefits in Mountain View, CA, that are perfect for people who are moving. Our units are available in three convenient sizes, all of which feature 10-foot ceilings and drive-up access for easy unloading and loading. Plus, they are clean, secure, and access-controlled for added peace of mind. Call us now to get an estimate for move-in self-storage.