Storing Your Garden Furniture During Winter

As the chilly weather takes hold and we start to prepare our gardens for the winter months, we need to consider what to do with our garden furniture. Exposed furniture will not last very long out in the frost and snow, and covering them up can only do so much to protect them from the elements. Depending on the type of furniture you have, there are several ways to protect your garden furniture from the winter cold. Here’s our guide to storing garden furniture in winter – and why self storage in Suffolk is a great solution!

Storing Wooden Furniture

Over time, your wooden furniture is likely to gather lichen and fungus while sitting outside. So, make sure you thoroughly scrub your wooden furniture with a stiff brush and a bucket of warm and soapy water. Make sure it is fully dried and oiled before storing it away, as if the furniture is still wet when stored it could rot through lack of circulation. Make sure to cover it with a heavy tarpaulin once in storage.

Storing Plastic Furniture

When it comes to plastic furniture in the garden the main risk is from mildew when it goes into storage. If your storage location is too humid and not well ventilated, then mildew will form and discolour your furniture. To prevent this, clean your plastic furniture first with hot, soapy water using a soft cloth. Then, dry it completely and store it away under a heavy tarpaulin. If the furniture already has stains on it, use neat bleach to return it to its original fresh colour first.

Storing Rattan and Wicker Furniture

These furniture items can be difficult to clean due to their weave. Try removing dust first with a vacuum, then clean them with hot, soapy water and a toothbrush to get into those tight spots. Alternatively, a blast from a high pressure hose can do the job. Wicker should be stored away when not in use, and a coat of varnish will help prolong its lifespan. For both wicker and rattan you should store items under cover to help keep them in top shape.

Storing Iron Furniture

The biggest risk to iron furniture in storage is rust. Make sure once you have cleaned and dried your furniture that you check for any rust spots. If you find any evidence of rust, use commercial rust removal products, or apply white vinegar with a soft rag and then rub it with aluminium foil. Once done, rinse, clean and dry the iron furniture before storing it away under a tarpaulin sheet.

Other Storage Tips:

• Make sure your storage area is fully waterproof. If you spot any areas where moisture can seep in, make sure to seal them up before winter.
• For fabric items such as cushions, keep them indoors rather than in the shed. This will prevent them becoming homes for mice and other creatures!
• Keep your storage location fully secure. Make sure to secure and lock all boxes as well.
• By far the best way to store your furniture safely is through dedicated self storage units. Our self storage in Suffolk offers complete security, full protection against the weather and pests, and as much storage space as you need.

Choose Easy Store for Your Furniture Storage

To find out more about self storage in Suffolk, please get in touch with us today.

How to Safely Store Your Christmas Decorations

As the festive season comes to an end, many of us wonder what to do with our Christmas decorations. The easy option is just to put them in some empty drawers or cupboards, but this takes up valuable space in your home. In addition, if your decorations are not put away with care then they may not be usable next year. So, that’s why Christmas decoration storage is a great idea when you want to keep your decorations safe and ready for next year’s festivities! Here is our guide to safely packing your Christmas decorations into storage.

Step One – Clean Any Linens

It’s the usual practice for most of us to bring out our best tablecloths and linens during the festive season. As such, they will pick up plenty of stains as well as wear and tear. To make sure these fabrics are clean enough for storage, start by spot cleaning the toughest stains. Add spot remover to the stains and let it sit for five minutes. Wash your linens according to the fabric directions, using hot water if possible. Then dry and iron your linens so they are ready for storage.

Step Two – Dismantle Decorations

To prevent any damages to large decorations such as Christmas trees, you should dismantle them and remove any loose parts before storage. Remove the base of the tree and store it in a box along with each branch. Wrap up any fragile objects including glass decorations, so they are well protected.

Step Three – Use Packing Dividers

You need to take special care with fragile objects before you put them into Christmas decoration storage. It is a good idea to purchase a sturdy box or tub for these items. Use foam dividers, inserts or bubble wrap to provide extra cushioning. Separate your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights and wrap them carefully to prevent entanglement before packing them in separate boxes.

Step Four – Pack Each Box Carefully

While it might be tempting to fit as much as you can into each box, this can increase the risk of your items becoming damaged. Make sure to keep fragile objects in separate boxes from items such as heavy décor that could damage them if moved. It is also important to put extra cushioning inside any box containing fragile items.

Step Five – Mark Each Box

When it’s time to move your boxes to self-storage, you need to do it with the utmost care. Make sure all boxes containing fragile items are well labelled so extra care is taken with their move. In addition, avoid placing any heavy boxes on top of boxes containing fragile items.

Step Six – Store Carefully

With your boxes now safely within storage, make sure they are clearly visible and within easy reach. This will help you access them quickly when the next holiday season arrives and will save you time searching for what you need.

Self-Storage Made Simple with Easy Store 24/7

Here at Easy Store 24/7, we offer secure self-storage units for all your needs. To find out more about our domestic storage options, get in touch with us today.