3380 Rustin Street, Sioux City, IA 51105
Elite self storage units
February 1, 2023

Tips for Using a Self-Storage for Every Season in Sioux City

Tips for storing items in self-storage units include getting climate-controlled units, and winterizing objects before storing.
Self-storage has been a lifesaver for many homeowners in Sioux City. It allows you to declutter, travel, and create more space in your home for other things, such as furniture or room for an additional member. When people rent self-storage spaces, they often focus on the location, size, and security and forget one crucial factor—the weather. Almost half of the items you store require a cool, dry space. That’s why the team at Elite Self Storage focuses on offering affordable climate-controlled units, storage lockers, and large warehouse-style storage units. We have facilities for storing everything, including your RV, vehicle, or boat. If it’s your first time owning a self-storage unit, you may want to pay attention to the following tips to help you use your unit wisely throughout the seasons.

Know What You’re Storing

You must define the type of items you intend to store and for how long. For instance, if you’re parking an electric vehicle and leaving for several months, you need to ensure that it’s fully charged and clean and that no systems are running in the background. This ensures the battery doesn’t go flat by the time you’re back. Clothes, shoes, furniture, and electronics must be stored in favorable conditions to avoid damage during hot and cold weather. Hot weather can be particularly devastating for battery-powered devices as the heat can damage cells and other components.

Get the Right Packaging

Storage boxes, wraps, and sticker labels are some of the items you will need when storing items. However, specific weather calls for special packaging. For instance, plastic packaging may be ideal for average weather conditions during spring and fall but can be disastrous during the hot and cold seasons. Boxes will likely soak up during the cold season, which could lead to damage. Dust sheets are effective for covering furniture during the hot weather when there’s more dust.

Go for Climate-Controlled Units

Get a climate-controlled unit to avoid worrying about damaging your items during hot or cold weather. These units are ideal for keeping delicate things that are sensitive to extreme temperatures. At Elite Self-Storage, all our units are climate-controlled to keep your items safe from warping, breaking, or rotting.

Use Insulation

It’s always a good idea to insulate items during winter. You can use breathable fabrics like cotton towels to get the job done. Avoid vinyl and plastic covers as they trap moisture. Insulation protects your items from extreme temperatures and prevents breakage, cracking, or other damage.

Clean Items Before Storing

Dirt and grime can cause further deterioration to your belongings over long storage periods. You may want to clean your items, especially if you intend to store them for extended periods. This helps prevent damage that could be accelerated by dirt and harsh weather.

Winterize Vehicles and Boats Before Parking Them

If you want to store a vehicle or boat during winter, winterize it in advance. Preparing your car for storage, such as servicing and cleaning, ensures it stays in good condition until you’re ready to use it.

Find a Storage Unit Today!

Looking for a climate-controlled storage unit in Sioux City? Elite Self-storage offers affordable storage units with flexible payment plans. You can choose your ideal storage unit size to suit your needs. Contact us today for more information.