FAQs About Summertime Storage in Minnesota

What do you need to know about summertime self-storage? The change of the season means a change in your storage strategy. But you’re not exactly sure what this means for you, your for-storage haul, or your rental unit choice. Before you store anything from oversized sofas to tiny toy trucks, take a look at the top summer storage questions answered.

How Does the Summer Weather Affect Storage Units?

The answer to this question depends on the storage unit that you choose. Summertime heat and humidity don’t have to affect your storage unit or the items inside of it. The average summer temperatures in Minnesota range from 63 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the state’s Department of Natural Resources. 

While this may seem temperate enough to store almost anything, a string of hotter than average days or added humidity could impact your rental unit. The indoor environment of an uncontrolled storage unit could reach a higher temperature than what you would feel outdoors. Combined with the humidity, this could warp and damage sensitive items or support mold growth. 

Items that may require special summertime storage due to heat and humidity factors include artwork, photos, paper documents, musical instruments, collectible stamps, electronics, some household appliances, clothing or furniture made from leather, wooden furniture, and antiques.

Other items may also require a temperate climate or mid-range humidity. Check with the manufacturer or a professional that works with the items to check the storage requirements.

How Can You Keep Items Safe During the Summer?

You have temperature or humidity-sensitive items. Can you still store these selections during the summer months?

You don’t have to remove anything that could warp, rot, or grow mold in the high summer heat or humidity. Instead, choose a climate-controlled storage unit to begin with. These rentals are designed to maintain a constant mid-range temperature year-round. 

What Seasonal Items Can You Store in the Summer Months?

Heat and humidity aren’t the only issues that affect storage rentals. You will also need to think about what makes the most sense to store during the summer months. 

Seasonal items that you will use from June through August should not go into storage. This means your swimming gear, including bathing suits, swim trunks, extra swim diapers for your child, goggles, beach towels, pool noodles, pool toys, and beach/pool bags, should stay at home for the summer. 

Along with anything that you might need for a weekend at the pool or beach vacation, keep your gardening tools, outdoor or patio furniture, July Fourth décor, barbecue setup, and summertime wardrobe out of storage. Instead, you can store:

• Winter holiday décor. With months to go until Christmas, you can confidently store your Santa and reindeer décor. But keep some twinkle lights out. These make a bright addition to your nighttime summer backyard party setup.
• Winter sports equipment. Skis, snowboards, and sleds can go into storage. Choose a climate-controlled unit to keep skis and snowboards in top shape over the warmer months.
• Heavy coats and other winter outerwear. While you may still need a light jacket or a windbreaker for a 60-degree Minnesota summer day, you won’t need your down parka or snow pants. 
• Winter clothing. Keep a few sweaters and pairs of long pants at home for potentially cold summer days or cooler summertime evenings spent outdoors. The rest of your winter clothing, socks, and boots can go into a storage rental for the season. 
• Some of your child’s toys. Create a seasonal rotation of toys. This strategy can keep your child interested in their playthings for longer periods of time, saving you money on the price of new toys.
• School supplies. Unless your child is in summer school, they won’t need notebooks, binders, a calculator, or other similar supplies over the summer months. You can also temporarily store their homework desk and chair if you need extra space.

Label each box, bin, or container with the items inside and the season. Place these for-storage selections together in one area of the rental. This will make it easier to find, access, and remove everything you need when the season changes. 

How Can You Pack Items for Summer Storage?

Summer storage won’t always require a special packing strategy. Start with cardboard boxes, plastic bins, or bags. Fill these containers with the items you plan to store. Use bubble wrap or old rags to project delicate items, such as your holiday dinnerware set or Christmas tree ornaments. 

Bulky items, such as sweaters and down comforters, can go into plastic or fabric bags. Place boots and winter shoes into the original boxes or use heavy-duty, reinforced totes. 

Are you ready to rent a storage unit for the summer or the entire year? Do you want to learn more about climate-controlled options, storage unit sizes, and rental specifications? Contact North Star Mini Storage for more information.