Why Would You Need Heated Storage in Ottawa?

When it comes to self storage in Ottawa, why would you need heated storage?

Well… why wouldn’t you?!

There’s the weather: blizzards, -40 wind chill, ice. There’s all the stuff: winter tires, boots, scarves, heavy coats, shovels. Winter in Ottawa is something you not only need to prepare for, you also need to make room for.  

It’s not fun scurrying around in the cold and snow trying to both find things and put things away.  Along with the usual weather comes the added unpredictable fluctuations in temperature we now seem to regularly experience. That’s what makes Ottawa heated storage a necessity, not just a perk.

 

What Things Need Extra Care Over Winter?

Maybe you’ve been decluttering or downsizing over the summer and now you’re storing things like antiques, pianos or art. These expensive items can’t take freezing temperatures.

• Musical instruments
• Antique furniture
• Art work

Irreplaceable items like musical instruments, antiques, artwork do not react well to Ottawa’s cold temperatures. Expensive instruments need to be protected from the elements. Changes in temperature can cause severe damage to glue, strings and wood. Metal can corrode and deteriorate and wood can shrink and split.

Humidity Regulated Storage

Moisture  can wreak havoc on fine furniture as well, creating mould and mildew.  Wood can warp, leather can freeze and crack, fine fabrics can stain. All need protection from the cold. It’s best to cover furniture in breathable sheets so condensation doesn’t build up and damage finishes or cause wood to swell.

Temperature Controlled Storage in Ottawa

A stable temperature is a must for artwork, heirlooms and fragile collectibles.  Under harsh conditions, paint can crack or flake easily. Delicate glass and fabric, photographs needs protecting from fluctuating temperatures and changes in humidity to prevent mildew and discolouration.

• Important documents
• Books and magazines
• Electronics

As you can see, a climate controlled environment can certainly come in handy!

Heated Storage for Documents, Electronics, Vehicles & More

Paperwork can easily get out of control, in your home or in your business. Sensitive documents sometimes are best stored offsite for security and to save space. But, these items require special care. Books, magazine collections, important documents can curl with damp, discolour, fade and mould. Paper products need dry, warm air to withstand time in storage. Any extreme swings in temperature are not the best for bindings and glue on documents and books.

Likewise, storing your electronics in the right condition will help to preserve them. Items should be cleaned and dusted. Moisture, too, is a big threat to electronics and heated storage offers the best protection against that. Volatile parts like batteries and ink cartridges, along with connecting cables, should be removed before being put into storage.

• Classic and antique cars
• Motorcycles
• Boats
• RVs

When  boats and vehicles are stored outside at home over the winter, they not only take up unsightly space, they can obstruct your access.  As well, finishes can be damaged and scuffed even if the vehicles are covered by a tarp or fitted cover due to the wind shifting the cover back and forth. Even chrome parts can be corroded by moisture, mixed with air-borne pollution.  You also run the risk of having rodents over-wintering in vehicles and damaging the interior and expensive electronic parts under the hood.

Heated storage is the answer for your special vehicles, like motorcycles, dirt bikes, classic cars, and convertibles. Recently, Ottawa winters have had frequent cycles of freezing and thawing, on top of the usual culprits of salt, snow and ice. The best way to ensure that your motorcycle, classic car or precious summer car stays in top condition over the unpredictable Ottawa winter is by keeping it in heated storage.  Protecting your valuable possessions from these severe environmental elements translates into peace of mind.

Protect Your Investment with Ottawa Heated Storage

Heated storage is the smart way to protect your large and costly items over the harsh, unpredictable Ottawa winter.

• Seasonal decor and clothing
• Outdoor furniture
• Gardening supplies
• Lawn mower
• Tools

Fall is the best time to pack up kids’ summer sports equipment and toys. Camping gear, BBQs and patio furniture, cushions and accessories, gardening tools and large planters all take up a lot of room in your garage. Not only that, but they don’t do well shoved in plastic bags through the cold, damp winter. Mould, mildew, insects are not what you want to be dealing with next spring.

Swapping out your summer clothes for winter coats and boots is a good idea, but you need to make sure everything is clean and dry before you store it. Heated storage is the best way to keep fabric dry and it is a great solution to provide protection for everything that is susceptible to damp and cold conditions.

Sometimes people forget about their expensive tools. Freezing temperatures can be hard on power tools. They too can break and rust if left in the cold and damp. Batteries in cordless tools can discharge. Gardening tools should be wiped off and sometimes rubbed with a little oil before you put them away for the winter. The deck of your lawn mower should be cleaned and blades wiped of rust and the gas tank emptied.

Preparing for winter can seem arduous, but with a little care and planning you can maximize your space and settle into the season with peace of mind. Clean, dry, free of mould, musty odours, and staining:  just a few of the things you’ll appreciate in the spring when you take your belongings out of heated storage.

Count on Acceptable Storage in Ottawa

Still have questions? Check out the modern facility at Acceptable Storage in Ottawa – it’s safe and secure with heated units for your valuable items.

Living in an area like Ottawa, with such a harsh winter, you need to consider heated storage as an important asset when you’re looking to store your possessions.

If you’re not sure what your specific needs are, Acceptable Storage can help. If you have any questions, just contact us at 613-822-7666 … or drop us a line at info@dev.acceptablestorage.com. We’ll provide all the information you need.

Or, if you know we have what you need, don’t hesitate to request a free quote.