What Should You Take Out of Storage Before Winter?
Sep 9, 2026 / Alina Bradford
Before winter arrives, take out of storage any belongings you’ll need during the colder months, as well as items that may not tolerate freezing temperatures or changing environmental conditions. Winter clothing, holiday decorations, cold-weather equipment, and temperature-sensitive items are some of the most common things to retrieve.
Taking a few minutes to plan what you’ll need can also help you avoid digging through your storage unit in the middle of winter.
Key takeaways
- Bring out winter clothing, coats, boots, and other cold-weather gear.
- Retrieve holiday decorations before you need them.
- Move snow and winter equipment somewhere accessible.
- Check temperature-sensitive belongings before winter arrives.
- Take out items you’ll need frequently during the colder months.
- Inspect stored belongings for moisture, pests, or damage while you’re reorganizing.
- Make a list of anything you want to retrieve so you can make one efficient trip.
What should you take out of storage before winter?
The best things to take out of storage are items you’ll need during winter or belongings that shouldn’t be exposed to freezing temperatures.
Some things you may need include:
- Winter coats and jackets
- Sweaters and other cold-weather clothing
- Boots and winter shoes
- Blankets
- Holiday decorations
- Snow shovels and other winter equipment
- Cold-weather sports gear
- Seasonal business inventory
- Winter vehicle accessories
What are temperature-sensitive items?
Temperature-sensitive items are belongings that can be damaged or changed when exposed to very cold or fluctuating temperatures. If your storage unit isn’t climate-controlled, consider taking these items out before winter or moving them to a storage space with more controlled conditions.
Common examples include:
- Makeup and cosmetics: Some creams, lotions, and liquid cosmetics can separate, change texture, or become less effective after freezing.
- Paint: Latex and water-based paints can freeze and separate, making them difficult or impossible to use.
- Electronics: Extreme temperature changes can contribute to condensation, which may damage electronic components.
- Musical instruments: Wood instruments can be sensitive to temperature and humidity changes that may cause cracking, warping, or other damage.
- Leather goods: Very cold or fluctuating conditions can contribute to drying and cracking.
- Certain medications: Some medications have specific temperature requirements and may lose stability if exposed to freezing temperatures.
- Batteries: Cold temperatures can affect battery performance, and some batteries can be damaged by extreme temperatures.
- Photographs and paper documents: Temperature and humidity changes can contribute to deterioration over time.
- Wood furniture: Wood can expand, contract, warp, or crack when environmental conditions change.
When in doubt, check the manufacturer’s storage instructions for valuable or temperature-sensitive belongings. If an item has specific temperature requirements, consider taking it out of a standard storage unit before winter or choosing a climate-controlled unit.
When should you take holiday decorations out of storage?
Retrieving decorations early gives you time to check for broken ornaments, tangled lights, damaged boxes, or missing pieces.
Keep decorations grouped by holiday or season, and label containers clearly when you put them back into storage. That can save you from searching through several boxes next year. For fragile decorations, use sturdy containers and padding rather than relying on thin cardboard boxes.
Should you take electronics out of storage before winter?
Temperature-sensitive electronics may need special consideration before winter, particularly if they’re stored in a space that isn’t climate-controlled. Don’t automatically assume every electronic device needs to be removed, though. Instead, check the manufacturer’s storage recommendations.
If an electronic device has been stored somewhere cold, allow it to reach room temperature before turning it on. Moving a cold device into a warm environment can create condensation, which may damage electronics.
Remove batteries when the manufacturer’s instructions recommend it, particularly for devices that will remain unused for an extended period.
What business items should you take out of storage before winter?
Businesses may need to retrieve seasonal inventory, equipment, displays, and supplies before winter begins.
For example:
- Winter clothing inventory
- Holiday merchandise
- Seasonal decorations
- Winter event supplies
- Cold-weather equipment
- Holiday retail displays
- Seasonal packaging
- Marketing materials
Pull seasonal business items toward the front of the unit before you need them. This makes it easier to retrieve inventory without moving everything else.
What should you check when taking items out of storage?
Don’t just grab what you need and leave. Take a few minutes to inspect the surrounding belongings.
Check for:
- Moisture or water stains
- Mold or mildew
- Pest activity
- Damaged boxes
- Cracked or warped materials
- Unusual odors
- Broken furniture covers
- Items that have shifted or fallen
If you find a problem with the storage unit itself, such as a maintenance issue or suspected water intrusion, notify the facility.
How can you organize a storage unit before winter?
Put winter items toward the front and less frequently used belongings toward the back.
A simple seasonal layout might look like this:
| Location in unit | What to store |
| Front | Winter clothing, holiday decorations, frequently used supplies |
| Middle | Seasonal inventory, equipment, and items you’ll occasionally need |
| Back | Long-term storage and items you won’t need during winter |
| Shelving | Smaller boxes, supplies, and frequently accessed items, when permitted |
Leave a clear path through the unit so you can reach the back without moving everything in front of it.
When should you take things out of storage for winter?
Aim to retrieve winter belongings before you actually need them. For clothing and equipment, early fall is a good time to start. Holiday decorations can come out a few weeks before you plan to decorate.
If you live somewhere with unpredictable winter weather, don’t wait for the first freeze or snowstorm. Getting seasonal belongings out early gives you more flexibility and makes the transition easier.
Winter storage retrieval checklist
Before winter, make a quick list of what you need:
☐ Winter clothing
☐ Coats and jackets
☐ Boots
☐ Blankets
☐ Holiday decorations
☐ Snow equipment
☐ Winter sports gear
☐ Seasonal business inventory
☐ Winter vehicle supplies
☐ Temperature-sensitive belongings
☐ Items you’ll need frequently
Then reorganize what’s left so the belongings you’ll need next season are easy to find.
FAQs
Should I wash clothes after taking them out of storage?
Check clothing for odors, stains, or signs of moisture before wearing it. Wash or clean garments according to their care instructions if they need freshening up.
How early should I get my Christmas decorations out of storage?
A few weeks before you plan to decorate is usually enough. If you have a large collection of decorations, you may want to retrieve them earlier so you have time to inspect and organize everything.
What should I do with items I don’t need anymore?
Separate unwanted belongings while you’re going through the unit. You can donate, sell, recycle, or dispose of items based on their condition and local rules.
How do I avoid damaging items when moving them out of storage?
Use appropriate moving equipment for heavy belongings, protect fragile items, and don’t overload boxes. For large furniture or equipment, consider getting help rather than trying to move it alone.
Should I make an inventory before taking things out?
An inventory can be helpful if you have a large storage unit or business inventory. Mark down what you remove so your records stay accurate and you know what remains in storage.
What should I do if my stored items smell musty?
Inspect the items and their packaging for moisture or mildew. Don’t simply cover up the odor. Determine whether the item can be safely cleaned based on its material and care instructions. If you suspect a moisture problem in the unit, contact the facility.
