classic car stored in garageUnlike in a climate-controlled storage unit, items stored in your garage, while safe from rain and snow, are exposed to the extreme heat and cold of summer and winter. Whether you plan to store items in your garage for a season or year-round, here’s how to make sure your belongings can withstand heat and humidity as well as freezing temperatures.

Storing a Car

While your car is designed to withstand hot and cold temperatures, you shouldn’t store it long-term without giving it a thorough cleaning, inside and out. Even water drops or salt from the air can do damage to your car’s paint job if you don’t give it a thorough wash and wipe. Vacuum the inside too, or else you’ll run the risk of attracting pests with old food crumbs.

It’s also recommended to change your oil, put in a clean air filter, remove your battery to prevent corrosion, top off your coolant, and keep your gas tank full (and add a fuel stabilizer) when storing your car long-term.

Storing Tools

Make sure your gardening tools and home repair tools are dry and free of dirt to prevent rusting before putting them into long-term storage. Store them in a clean and dry tool box or mount them on the wall. Empty your lawn mower’s gas tank to avoid gumming up the carburetor.

Storing Outdoor Toys and Entertainment

Keep bicycles clean and dry to prevent rusting, and ideally mount them on the wall to keep them away from moisture. Deflate inflatable pools and toys and store them in dry boxes off the floor. Cover hot tubs or other large items that could get dirty with a spa cover or tarp.

If you’re not sure whether an item can be safely stored in your garage or should go into climate-controlled storage, just ask us.