Tips for Storing Snow Blowers & Winter Clothes

Now that the trees and flowers are officially in bloom, we can safely put our winter coats, clothes, heavy quilts, and snow blowers and shovels in storage for the season!  As you do your spring cleaning projects, it is also a good time to sort your winter items and prepare them for storage for the spring/summer months.

It is important to follow manufacturer instructions on cleaning and storage for your items. Each type of outdoor machinery may have specific instructions on what to do before placing them in storage.  Winter clothing, coats, blankets and quilts will also have different storage instructions based on how they are made.

Tips for Storing Snow Blowers

Self storage is a great solution for storing winter outdoor items such as snow blowers, electric shovels and snow throwers. Snow blowers and throwers can take up a lot of space in a garage that could be used for summer items that you need to use more often. In fact, you can switch out the stored lawn mower that was put in storage in the fall! Below are a few tips for storing snow blowers during the off-season so they can be used again when the first snow falls in the winter.

• Always consult the manufacturer instructions when preparing the snow blower for storage. Each brand of snow blower could have specific storage instructions that would need to be followed.
• Perform a final maintenance check before you place the snow blower in storage. Repair and replace any parts and equipment that need to be fixed on the snow blower.
• Hand wash and dry the exterior of the machine to prevent corrosion from rock salt.
• Touch up any rusted or chipped paint surfaces.
• Drain all gasoline before storage.
• Check all the belts and gear shafts. Change the oil and the spark plugs on the engine before storing.
• If you are covering the snow blower in storage, use a tarp with breathable material. Do not cover in a tight plastic cover.

How to Store Winter Clothes

Now is the perfect time to get your winter clothing ready for storage. Spring is a transitional time of year for wardrobes, it isn’t quite warm enough to wear summer clothing, but it isn’t cold enough to continue to wear turtlenecks and wool sweaters! Before you put your winter clothes away for the season, take the time to sort through your winter wardrobe. If you didn’t wear certain clothes over the past winter, then it is time to decide to donate, sell in a garage sale, or throw away the clothing. Goodwill, homeless shelters or Salvation Army always welcome clothing donations.

• Thoroughly clean the clothing before placing in storage. Make sure any stains and food particles are completely removed from the clothing before storage. Wash the clothing according to manufacturer’s instructions, some clothing might require dry cleaning. Make sure that the clothing is completely dry before storage.
• Store clothing in clean unused cardboard boxes. You can pick up a variety of moving boxes at ezStorage. The most optimum storage solution for clothing is to use clear plastic boxes with air tight lids. This way you can see what you are storing. Also, suitcases are a great option to store clothing.
• Store like items such as sweaters together. Put the heaviest items at the bottom of the box and the lighter items towards the top of the box.
• Heavy coats should be stored in plastic garment bags during the off-season. Wardrobe boxes are also a great option for storing heavy coats. You can just hang the coats on the bar in the boxes and place in storage.

Tips for Winter Quilt Storage

• As with clothing, quilts and blankets need to be properly cleaned before placing in storage. Read the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Some quilts will require dry cleaning, while others are machine washable.
• Quilts must be dried completely before storage.
• Quilts are best stored rolled or folded. Place acid-free paper in-between the folded layers for extra protection. This is especially true for hand-quilted blankets.
• Keep stored blankets, comforters and quilts away from direct light and moisture during storage.
• Blankets and quilts can be stored hanging in wardrobe boxes or folded in plastic or cardboard boxes.