Moving into a storage unit in the winter isn’t exactly fun—but it can be smart, safe, and stress-free if you do it right. Cold weather brings unique challenges like freezing temperatures, moisture, and condensation, all of which can damage your belongings if you’re not prepared.

Whether you’re storing household items, business inventory, or seasonal gear, here’s a practical, no-nonsense guide to keeping your stuff safe when the cold hits.

1. Choose the Right Storage Unit for Winter

Not all storage units are created equal—especially in cold weather.

Look for:

• Climate-controlled units for furniture, electronics, photos, documents, and anything sensitive to temperature swings
• Well-drained driveways and solid access so you’re not dealing with ice, mud, or puddles while unloading
• Ground-level access to avoid slippery stairs and ramps

💡 If you’re storing things that wouldn’t survive your garage in January, they shouldn’t be in a basic outdoor unit either.

2. Elevate Everything (Seriously—Everything)

Cold air and moisture settle low.

Pro move:

• Place items on wood pallets or plastic shelving
• Avoid putting boxes directly on the concrete floor
• Leave a small gap between your items and the walls

This helps prevent moisture damage and keeps cold transfer to a minimum.

3. Plastic Bins Beat Cardboard in Winter

Cardboard and winter humidity do not get along.

Use:

• Heavy-duty plastic totes with locking lids
• Weather-resistant containers for clothes, decorations, and paperwork

If you must use cardboard, double-box and line with plastic bags.

4. Wrap Furniture Like It’s Going Into Hibernation

Cold temperatures can cause wood to crack, leather to dry out, and finishes to fail.

Best practices:

• Use moving blankets, not plastic wrap, directly on furniture
• Cover mattresses with breathable mattress bags
• Remove table legs and store furniture vertically when possible

🚫 Avoid sealing furniture tightly in plastic—this traps moisture and causes mold.

5. Protect Electronics & Appliances

Electronics hate extreme cold.

Before storing:

• Let appliances fully dry and air out
• Remove batteries from electronics
• Wrap items in blankets and store them off the ground
• Keep electronics toward the center of the unit, not near walls

6. Moisture Control Is Non-Negotiable

Cold doesn’t mean dry.

Add:

• Moisture absorbers or desiccant packs
• Damp-Rid buckets (check them monthly)
• Good airflow—don’t pack your unit wall-to-wall

This prevents mildew, mold, and that musty smell no one wants to deal with later.

7. Label Everything for Winter Access

No one wants to dig through frozen fingers looking for one box.

Smart labeling tips:

• Use waterproof markers
• Label at least two sides of every box
• Create a simple aisle so you can reach essentials without unloading everything

8. Think About What 

Not

 to Store in the Cold

Some items just don’t belong in winter storage unless climate-controlled:

🚫 Candles

🚫 Paint & liquids

🚫 Food

🚫 Certain musical instruments

🚫 Fragile antiques

When in doubt—ask. It’s cheaper to prevent damage than replace items later.

Final Thought: Winter Storage Is All About Preparation

Cold-weather storage isn’t risky—it’s reckless storage that causes problems. With the right unit, smart packing, and a little planning, your belongings will come out in spring exactly as they went in.

If you’re unsure what kind of unit you need or how to store something specific, reach out to your storage facility—they’ve seen it all (including frozen paint cans… lots of them).

Stay warm. Store smart. And let winter do its thing without wrecking your stuff. ❄️📦