Winter Storage Tips

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October 31st, 2025

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, but sitting still for months in cold weather can cause flat spots. These are areas where the rubber hardens and loses shape from prolonged pressure.

Solution: Inflate tires to the upper end of their recommended PSI, move the vehicle slightly every few weeks, or, if possible, store it on jack stands to remove weight from the tires altogether.

Don’t Forget About Smells

When you store equipment, gear, or furniture for months, odors can settle in unnoticed. Gasoline, damp cloth, or even pet smells can intensify in closed spaces. Then, when you open your unit in the spring, surprise! It doesn’t smell quite as fresh as you remembered.

Pro tip: Place a few open boxes of baking soda around the unit or use charcoal odor absorbers. They’ll neutralize smells without adding artificial scents.

Insurance and Inventory Matter in Winter Too

Winter storms can occasionally cause unexpected issues, like roof leaks or power outages. Having an updated inventory of what’s in your storage unit, along with photos and an understanding of your insurance coverage, can save a lot of headaches if something unexpected happens.

Winter storage isn’t just about keeping things out of the cold, it’s about preventing small, hidden issues that can lead to big problems later. A few extra steps now can mean less work, less expense, and a much smoother spring season when it’s time to bring everything back out.

At Express Storage, our clean, secure, and locally managed facilities make it easy to protect your belongings year-round. Whether you’re storing a car, camping gear, or household items, we’re here to help you store smarter this winter.

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