With colder weather and heavier winds fast approaching, you might be wondering how you can prepare your storage space to protect your stuff. StorQuest Self Storage has your back. Whether you’re keeping your things in the garage or in storage, use this guide to weatherproof your space and keep your gear in prime shape around the year.

Keep It Insulated

Insulation is integral to a well-maintained storage space, as it helps keep the area dry and airtight and adds a layer of protection against the outside elements. To help contain heat, add insulation on your walls. Consider adding or replacing door weatherstripping and thresholds to really keep the outside out. If you’re having issues with water pooling in your garage, you can install a floor drain. Now might also be a good time to upgrade your mold-attracting cardboard boxes and get some high-quality plastic stackable bins.

Look for Air Leakage

Watch out for air leakage. Air leaks make it difficult to control your environment, which results in a higher energy bill and also leads to moisture, mold, mildew, and poor air quality. If you want to do your own testing, you can detect most leaks with a simple trick. Stand outside your storage space and look for any light seeping through. This is easier if you have a friend with a flashlight on the other side. If you do see any leaks, caulk cracks and gaps, weatherstrip doors and windows, and install foam gaskets behind your outlet wall plates. Honeycomb shades also minimize drafts.

Invest in Ventilation

Keep humidity at bay with proper ventilation. To get the best results, you can ensure proper circulation with the help of a ceiling fan and standing fans. Pick up a quality dehumidifier to extract unwanted moisture. And on a nice day, open those windows.

Manage Your Space’s Temperature

So you’ve got everything you need to protect your gear from damage caused by humidity and moisture. But what about temperature? Cold weather can drain batteries and even freeze LCD displays and heat can warp furniture and damage your sentimental items. During the winter, use a space heater to make sure your stuff stays in good condition. If you live in a climate with high temperatures, it might be worth investing in a programmable thermostat to automate temperatures.

Try Climate Control

If weatherproofing your space isn’t your thing but you still need a place to keep your stuff around the year, we’re here to help. StorQuest’s climate-controlled storage units regulate the temperature and humidity levels so you never have to worry what the weather looks like. Find a location near you and start storing today.