Winter can be tough. The dark, short and cold days can eat away at us. But it’s not just us it eats away at… think of all your summer items that suddenly get pushed aside in favour of cosy, winter comforts!

The good news is that with a little planning, you can save time, space and money by getting those items ready for winter and get the best value out of your storage. Here’s how:

1. Pick

Pick the items you want to pack away. Make a list of anything that’ll be affected by the lower temperatures and damp – for example, outdoor furniture and sports equipment. Add to the list any items you’re not using that are creating clutter – for example, summer bedding, summer clothes and garden equipment. Now it’s time to prepare them…

2. Prepare

Prepare what you’re going to store. This ensures the items picked are kept in good condition throughout their time in storage, however long that might be.

Give larger items a thorough clean removing any dirt and grime that may have built up, wash bedding and dry clean clothes where suitable. Not only will preparation keep your items in good condition, it’ll also mean they’re ready to use when spring comes around.

Don’t forget – if you’re storing items that require fuel (such as petrol lawnmowers) make sure they’re emptied before storing.

3. Pack

Pack carefully and thoughtfully. We’ve mentioned this before, but the way items are packed makes a big difference.

Do certain items need further insulation or protection so they don’t get scratched by other items? Will you need to get bubble wrap, or could you use cushions or bedding? Remember not to overfill boxes and be careful of weight – you need to be able to comfortably load/unload items into your unit.

4. Placement

Poor placement in storage can take up needless space and can cost you more money. Consider if the items can be packed in different ways to maximise the amount of space in your self-storage. Could items be packed vertically, or perhaps have a thin layer of plywood over several boxes to create another layer?

Also, think about which items need to be accessed easily and make sure they’re placed near the front of the unit.

5. Plan

Repeat the process each season so your items stay in good condition and can be used for years to come. A little planning goes a long way and will save you time, space and money.

So, what are you waiting for?! Get in touch with the Now Storage team and start getting the best value out of your storage NOW.