As autumn fades and the Manchester air turns crisp, it’s the perfect time to prepare your home for winter. From garden furniture to summer clothes, getting things packed away now helps protect your belongings and makes your home feel calm and ready for the colder months.
Proper storage prevents damage from damp, frost, and clutter, freeing up valuable space indoors. Here’s a practical guide to help you decide what to store away this winter and how to do it properly.
Step 1: Tidy Up Outdoor Spaces
Winter can be harsh on anything left outside. Garden tools, patio furniture, and bikes are often the first to show signs of rust or weather damage.
Before the frost sets in:
- Clean and dry garden furniture before storage
- Cover or remove BBQs and fire pits
- Drain garden hoses and store them indoors
- Wipe down tools and apply a little oil to prevent rust
If you don’t have a shed or garage, consider using self storage to keep outdoor items safe until spring. Our units are clean, dry, and perfect for seasonal storage.
Step 2: Store Summer Gear Safely
Summer items like fans, paddling pools, and sports gear can take up valuable space when you don’t need them. Packing them away properly keeps your home tidy and helps prevent wear and tear.
What to store away for winter:
- Fans and portable air conditioners
- Camping equipment
- Sports gear such as tennis rackets or golf clubs
- Paddling pools and outdoor toys
- Gardening tools and accessories
Our Sports Equipment Storage page covers how to keep gear in top condition when not in use.
Step 3: Protect Seasonal Clothes
Your wardrobe also needs a seasonal refresh. Swap light summer clothes for warmer layers and store away what you won’t wear until next year.
Tips for storing clothes:
- Wash and dry before packing
- Use vacuum bags or sealed boxes
- Add cedar blocks or lavender to prevent moths
- Keep clothes off the floor and away from damp areas
For a larger seasonal wardrobe change, use our Home Storage solutions to free up closet space without parting with anything.
Step 4: Make Space Indoors
Winter often means spending more time indoors, so a bit of decluttering now can make your home feel more comfortable.
You can temporarily store:
- Decorative items and furniture you rotate seasonally
- Summer décor or rugs
- Spare chairs or tables used for outdoor gatherings
- Large household appliances used infrequently
Our Free Collection Service makes it easy to move bulky items into storage without the heavy lifting.
Step 5: Prepare the Garage or Shed
If you prefer to keep certain items at home, your garage or shed can work — but only if it’s clean and dry. Before you pack things away:
- Sweep and clear the space of debris
- Check for leaks or damp patches
- Use shelving to keep items off the floor
- Label boxes clearly by category
For valuable items like bikes or power tools, secure indoor storage is still the best option to prevent theft or damage.
Step 6: Store Delicate or Valuable Items Properly
Cold and damp can damage delicate materials, electronics, and furniture. Storing these in a dry, temperature-stable environment helps preserve them over winter.
Ideal items for storage:
- Wooden or upholstered furniture
- Books and vinyl records
- Electronics and computer equipment
- Family keepsakes or photo albums
Our Safe and Secure Storage units are humidity-controlled and perfect for long-term protection.
Step 7: Clear Out the Loft or Spare Room
Many people use spare rooms as a catch-all for clutter, but winter is the perfect time to reclaim that space. Moving infrequently used items into storage gives you extra room for guests or hobbies.
You can store:
- Extra bedding and seasonal duvets
- Holiday decorations
- Unused furniture
- Boxes of keepsakes or children’s items
This not only keeps your home tidy but makes it easier to find things later.
Step 8: Check Everything Before Storing
Before sealing any boxes or containers, make sure everything is clean, dry, and properly wrapped. Moisture is the biggest cause of winter storage damage.
Storage checklist:
- Clean and dry all items thoroughly
- Use silica gel or moisture traps
- Label every container clearly
- Stack boxes safely to prevent crushing
If you’re storing for several months, plan to visit your storage unit occasionally to check on your items.
Step 9: Use Self Storage to Stay Organised All Year
Seasonal storage doesn’t just help in winter — it makes life easier all year round. You can rotate items between seasons, freeing up space at home without the hassle of long-term clutter.
With Cheap Storage Manchester, you can:
- Access your belongings 7 days a week
- Scale up or down as needed
- Use Free Van Hire for easy transport
- Enjoy 50% off your first 9 weeks
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home for winter doesn’t have to be a chore. A little planning and smart storage will keep your belongings safe, your home clutter-free, and your mind at ease.
At Cheap Storage Manchester, we make seasonal storage simple and affordable for households across Greater Manchester.
Visit our Prices page or Contact us today to book your unit and get ready for the colder months.
