News & Media

Winter Storage Tips

Seasonal Storage Tips


When winter rolls around, most of us think about storing patio furniture, summer toys, or RVs, but there’s a lot more to winter storage than just covering things up and calling it good. If you really want to protect your belongings (and even save money come spring), there are a few lesser-known storage strategies that can make a big difference. Temperature Fluctuations Are a Bigger Deal Than You Think Many people assume the cold is the problem, but it’s actually the changes in temperature that cause the most damage. When temperatures swing from freezing to mild and back again, condensation forms inside containers, appliances, and even engines. That moisture can lead to rust, mold, and cracking. Pro tip: Use moisture absorbers or desiccant packs inside boxes and storage units, and make sure your storage containers are airtight. For vehicles or machinery, add a fuel stabilizer and keep tanks full to reduce condensation inside. Fabric Items Need to Breathe It’s tempting to seal off clothes, linens, and upholstered items in plastic bins to “keep them clean,” but doing so can actually trap moisture. Over the winter, that moisture can turn into mildew or leave a musty smell that’s tough to remove. Better option: Store fabrics in breathable cotton storage bags or plastic totes lined with acid-free tissue paper. Toss in a cedar block or lavender sachet to deter pests naturally. Cold Air Affects Batteries, Even When They’re Not in Use Battery-powered items like lawn tools, generators, or even kids’ ride-on toys can lose charge or degrade in cold temperatures. Many people leave them as-is, but freezing conditions can cause internal battery damage over time. Pro tip: Remove batteries and store them indoors in a cool, dry place. For car or RV batteries, connect them to a trickle charger to keep them healthy all winter. Tires Can “Flat Spot” in Storage If you’re storing a vehicle, trailer, or RV for the winter, you might not think about what happens to the tires, ...


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October 31st, 2025

The Hidden Benefits of Moving in Winter

Seasonal Storage Tips


Most people move during the warmer months, and for good reason. Summer offers longer days, predictable weather, and no icy sidewalks to navigate. But what many don’t realize is that moving in the winter can actually have some surprising advantages. If you’re planning a relocation or downsizing in the coming months, here are a few reasons why winter might just be the smartest time to make your move. You’ll Save Money on Moving Costs Winter is considered the off-seasonfor moving companies and truck rentals, which means you can often secure lower rates and more flexible scheduling. Moving crews are less booked, so you’re more likely to get your preferred date and a little extra attention to detail. Bonus Tip: Book early in the week or mid-month for even better rates, that’s when demand is lowest. Storage Units Are More Readily Available During summer, storage units can fill up fast with people in the middle of moves, remodels, or college transitions. In winter, however, availability opens up, making it easier to find the perfectsize and location. At Express Storage, our clean, secure, and locally owned facilities offer flexible unit options to fit your needs, whether you’re downsizing for a few months or making a long-distance move. Cooler Weather = Easier Lifting Anyone who’s moved boxes in 90-degree heat knows how exhausting it can be. In winter, the cooler temperatures make heavy lifting a little more bearable, and can actually help you move faster without overheating. Just be sure to wear non-slip shoes and keep an eye on any icy patches if you’re loading from outdoors. Movers Have More Availability (and Time) Because fewer people move in winter, movers often have more flexibility and time to dedicate to your job. That can mean better customer service, fewer scheduling conflicts, and a smoother overall experience. If you’re doing it yourself, you’ll likely find that rental trucks and equipment are easier to reserve, even at the last minute. It’s the Perfect Time to Declutter Winter ...


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October 14th, 2025

South Sound Halloween and Fall Events - October 2025

Community News


Fall is here, and Halloween is just around the corner! Fall parades, markets, and halloween fun, all happening this month in the South Sound. Check them out! Tacoma Halloween Parade Location: Proctor District, Tacoma Date: Saturday, October 18th, 2025 Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Learn More → Oktoberfest Northwest Location: Washington State Fair & Events Center Dates: October 3–5th, 2025 Learn More → Boo-Allup in Puyallup Trick-or-Treat Location: Downtown Puyallup Date: Friday, October 31st, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Learn More → Trick-or-Treat at Gig Harbor Waterfront Location: Gig Harbor Waterfront Date: Friday, October 31st, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM Learn More → Night of Fright & Market – University Place Location: The Orchard at University Place Date: Friday, October 24th, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Learn More → Hoot ‘N’ Howl at NW Trek Location: Northwest Trek Date: Friday, October 24th, 2025 Learn More → Halloween Night Market – Puyallup Location: Pioneer Park Pavillion Date: Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 Time: 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM Learn More → Witches Brew – Gig Harbor Location: Gig Harbor Boat Launch Date: Saturday, October 18th, 2025 Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM Learn More → Whether you’re looking for a fright-filled night or a festive family outing, there’s something for everyone this October in the South Sound. Grab your costumes, mark your calendars, and get ready to enjoy the fall fun! ...


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September 30th, 2025

Fall Storage Tips

Seasonal Storage Tips


As the seasons change, it’s time to think about protecting your belongings from the colder months ahead. Fall and winter bring unique challenges for your home, garage, or business, but a little planning can go a long way in keeping your items safe and organized. That’s where Express Storage comes in! Declutter and Make Space Autumn is a great time to go through your seasonal items, think summer sports gear, patio furniture, or gardening supplies. Decluttering now helps you make room at home while keeping these items protected until next year. Our storage units provide the perfect safe, accessible space. Protect Your Outdoor Equipment Cold, damp weather can damage lawnmowers, grills, bikes, and other outdoor equipment. Storing them in a climate-controlled unit or off the ground in a clean, dry space ensures they stay in good condition through the winter. Store Seasonal Decorations Carefully Holiday decorations are often delicate or sentimental. Wrapping items properly and keeping them in labeled bins ensures they’re easy to find and ready to use year after year. Prepare Your Vehicle for the Cold If you have a motorcycle, boat, or classic car you don’t plan to use during the winter months, storing it in a secure unit protects it from harsh weather and potential damage. Make Use of Climate-Controlled Storage Some items, like electronics, antiques, or important documents, can be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes. A climate-controlled unit keeps them safe, even during the coldest months. Fall and winter are perfect times to get organized and protect your belongings. Whether you’re making space at home or need a safe place for seasonal items, Express Storage has the perfect solution. Ready to store your seasonal items safely this fall? Contact us today or reserve your unit online, it’s easy, secure, and convenient! ...


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September 15th, 2025

Simple Seasonal Storage for Retailers

Seasonal Storage Tips


If you run a retail business, you know how tricky it can be to keep inventory under control. Seasonal products like holiday decorations, summer gear, or winter clothing can quickly take over your store or warehouse. That is where a self-storage unit can really save the day. Why Seasonal Storage Makes Life Easier Having extra storage space is not just about decluttering. It is about giving your business room to breathe. With seasonal inventory stored off-site, you can: Keep your store or warehouse organized and easy to navigate Protect products from damage, dust, or theft Make it simple to swap seasonal items in and out without chaos Tips for Using Storage for Seasonal Inventory Pick the Right Unit Some items need more care than others. Clothing, electronics, and delicate decorations do best in a climate-controlled unit to keep them in good shape. Organize by Season and Category Label boxes clearly and keep like items together. Keep holiday décor in one spot and summer apparel in another. When it is time to rotate stock, you will save yourself a lot of hunting and stress. Keep an Inventory List Even if it is just a spreadsheet, track what is in storage. Knowing exactly what you have helps prevent over-ordering and ensures you can grab what you need quickly. Use Shelving and Vertical Space Stack boxes safely and use shelves if you can. Keep heavy items on the bottom and lighter ones on top. This makes everything easier to reach and helps prevent damage. Plan Ahead for Busy Seasons Do not wait until the last minute to rotate seasonal items. Move Halloween decorations in early September and holiday stock in early November. Small steps like this make a huge difference when your busiest days arrive. Extra storage is not just extra space. It is peace of mind. It keeps your inventory safe, your business organized, and your days a little less hectic. At Express Storage, our units are clean, secure, and easy to access. They are perfect for storing seasonal inventory. Whether you need short-term or ...


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August 29th, 2025

Transitioning from Summer to Fall: Smart Storage Tips for the Season

Seasonal Storage Tips


As summer comes to a close and the cooler days of fall begin, now is the perfect time to prepare your home and storage spaces for the change in seasons. Whether you’re putting away summer gear or making room for holiday décor and winter essentials, a little organization goes a long way. At Express Storage, we know how valuable your space is. Here are a few simple ways to make the seasonal transition easier: Store Summer Gear Safely Camping supplies, paddleboards, and other summer equipment can quickly take over your garage or closets. Moving these items into a climate-controlled unit protects them from moisture and temperature changes, so they’ll be ready when warm weather returns. Rotate Your Wardrobe As bulky sweaters, coats, and boots make their way back into your closet, consider storing lightweight summer clothes in labeled bins or vacuum-sealed bags. This clears up space and helps keep your clothing fresh and organized. Protect Outdoor Furniture and Tools Patio sets, grills, and gardening equipment don’t hold up well in cold, wet weather. Storing them indoors will extend their lifespan and keep them looking their best for next year. Make Room for Holiday Décor The fall and winter months are full of celebrations, which often means bins of decorations. Keeping these items in a storage unit makes it easier to stay organized and ensures you can access them when it’s time to decorate. Plan Ahead for Spring Taking the time to organize now will save you time and stress later. By setting up your storage in a way that’s easy to swap out, you’ll be ready when spring rolls around. Express Storage makes it simple to manage the seasonal shift. With secure and convenient facilities across Washington, you can trust us to keep your belongings safe while you focus on enjoying the months ahead. Ready to free up some space this fall? Contact us today to find the right storage solution near you! ...


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August 20th, 2025

5 Creative Ways to Use a Storage Unit

Storage Tips


When people think of storage units, they usually picture boxes of old holiday decorations or furniture that won’t fit in the garage. And while those are great uses, storage units can actually do a lot more than just help you declutter. We’ve been in the storage game for over 30 years, and we’ve seen some pretty creative ways people use their units. Here are a few ideas you may not have considered, but just might want to try. A Home Base for Your Side Hustle Running an Etsy shop, reselling online, or managing a small business? A storage unit can help you stay organized without turning your living room into a warehouse. Keep your inventory, supplies, and shipping materials in one spot and enjoy the extra breathing room at home. Temporary Space During a Remodel Renovating your kitchen? Updating the flooring? Projects like these are exciting, but they can also be chaotic. A storage unit gives you a safe, clean place to stash your belongings while the work gets done, so your stuff doesn’t get dusty, damaged, or in the way. Room for Your Hobbies Not everything fits neatly in a closet. If you’re into skiing, camping, paddleboarding, or even collecting vintage records or comic books, you know how quickly things can pile up. A storage unit gives you extra space to keep your gear protected and ready to go when you need it. A Seasonal Swap Zone Bulky items like snow tires, patio furniture, and holiday décor can take up way too much space at home. Rotate them in and out of storage based on the time of year. It’s an easy way to keep your garage or attic manageable, and your sanity intact! Support During Big Life Changes Life throws curveballs sometimes. No matter if you’re moving, downsizing, or navigating a major transition, having a storage unit can offer flexibility. You get extra space when you need it, without any long-term commitments. Why Store with Express Storage? At the ...


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July 22nd, 2025

10 Life Events That Call for Extra Space

Storage Tips


Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs come with a lot of stuff. Maybe you're in the middle of a big move, tackling a home renovation, or just tired of tripping over holiday decorations in July. That’s when having a little extra space makes all the difference. These 10 life moments are the perfect time to take advantage of a storage unit, or boat/RV space, for a little extra breathing room and peace of mind! 1. Moving to a New Home Short-term storage keeps things clean, sorted, and stress-free. 2. Home Renovations Store furniture, appliances, or flooring safely while you upgrade. 3. Seasonal Storage Needs Holiday décor, winter coats, lawn tools—rotate your gear with the seasons. 4. College Students Coming Home for Summer College students coming home? Keep dorm furniture stored and safe during breaks. 5. Business Inventory Overflow Perfect for small businesses, Etsy shops, or anyone who needs extra space for products, equipment, or files. 6. Empty Nesting or Downsizing Not ready to part with sentimental items? Organize and store them while you transition. 7. Life Transitions Divorce, estate sales, or other life changes? Storage can help ease the burden. 8. Military Deployment or Extended Travel Rest easy knowing your belongings, RV, or car are secure while you're away. 9. Boat & RV Storage Don’t clutter your driveway or risk HOA fines. Our secure, gated outdoor storage is perfect for your weekend warrior setup! 10. Decluttering Without Letting Go (Yet) Store now, decide later. Free up living space without making tough choices on the spot. Ready for More Space? Clutter happens. Life gets busy. And sometimes, you just need a reliable place to store your things, short-term or long-term. Express Storage makes it simple with clean, secure units and easy access, plus outdoor storage options for boats and RVs. Explore our available units and RV/boat parking options today, it’s one less thing to worry ...


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June 18th, 2025

Adventure Starts with Space: Smart Storage Tips for Summer 2025

Seasonal Storage Tips


Summer is right around the corner, making it the perfect time to simplify your space—and your plans. Whether you're planning summer road trips, clearing out the garage for backyard BBQs, or finally tackling that home project you swore you'd finish last year, having a flexible storage solution can make all the difference! At Express Storage, we believe that self-storage isn’t just about stashing stuff. It’s about creating space for what really matters. Here are some storage tips for the upcoming summer season! Store Your Winter Gear, Find Your Tent From skis and snowboards to bulky coats and boots, winter gear takes up prime real estate. Pack it up and store it away—so you can reach the things you actually need this season, like camping supplies, beach chairs, or your favorite cornhole set. Prep for Adventure—Without the Clutter Got paddleboards, bikes, or kayaks taking up garage space? Use a nearby storage unit as your personal adventure hub. With our secure, easy-access locations across Washington, you can grab your gear on the way to the lake—no digging through your garage required. Clean House, Clear Mind Late spring is peak cleaning season. Whether you're downsizing, decluttering, or just reclaiming your living room from the chaos of everyday life, a storage unit helps you keep the things you love without living in a sea of boxes. (And yes—those heirloom books and vintage vinyl are safe in our climate-controlled units.) Hosting a Summer Event? Store the Extras Planning a family reunion, backyard wedding, or graduation bash? Temporary storage can hold extra tables, chairs, decorations, and even catering equipment. It keeps your home event-ready and your mind stress-free. Pro Tip: Label Like a Pro Before storing seasonal gear or sentimental items, label your boxes by category and room. Create an inventory list so you can find what you need fast—especially if you’re planning to rotate items every season. Express Storage is a proud family-owned company that’s been helping local communities and businesses simplify life for over 30 years. With ...


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May 27th, 2025

When Clutter Costs You More Than Space

Storage Tips


Americans love their stuff. In fact, studies show that the average U.S. household has over 300,000 items. From holiday décor to unused exercise equipment, it all adds up — not just in space, but in dollars. But what’s the real cost of holding on to things we don’t use? The answer might just surprise you. Wasted Time = Wasted Money Clutter costs more than just square footage. It costs your time — time spent looking for misplaced items, cleaning around piles, or reorganizing the garage for the tenth time. A study from the National Soap and Detergent Association found that 80% of household clutter is due to disorganization, not lack of space, and the average person spends 55 minutes a day looking for things they own but can’t find. That’s about 14 days a year — gone. Delayed Decisions = Emotional Drain It’s not just your wallet taking a hit. Clutter contributes to stress, decision fatigue, and even disrupted sleep. According to a UCLA study, high levels of household clutter are linked to increased levels of cortisol — the stress hormone — particularly in women. Over time, that emotional toll adds up. Storage Solutions vs. Storage Strategy Rather than continuing to let your clutter control your life (and your mental load), consider a smarter strategy. A clean, organized space can actually save you money by helping you: Avoid buying duplicates Reduce unnecessary purchases Keep your belongings in better condition Increase the functionality of your living space The Smarter Way to Store Sometimes, we do need to keep things — just not underfoot. That’s where self-storage comes in. The right unit can give you room to breathe without forcing you to part with sentimental items, seasonal gear, or business inventory. The bottom line? The cost of clutter isn’t just about space. It’s about time, stress, and missed opportunities. Take control of your stuff — and your space — by making smart storage decisions. At Express Storage, we offer flexible, secure storage solutions to help you declutter without compromise. Whether you're downsizing, renovating, or just ...


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April 15th, 2025

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